I see there are a few options on purchasing batteries for the grip. As a wedding photographer, exactly which batteries are the smart buy?
1181841
My understanding is that manufacture's batteries last a year or more copies last a few months. Shop for the proprietary product
1181842
The LP-E6 batteries are your best bet. The grip comes with two trays. One for the LP-E6 batteries and one for AA batteries. The AA tray could be used if you run out of charged batteries.
938532
You can only put ONE regular camera batteries in the grip. It has an adapter for 8 AA batteries. I am VERY happy with the quality and performance of the grip. I also have a Nikon grip for my D300 and it is comparable in quality and function.
753808
I've used all three. I've had one issue with the a STK not charging in a Canon charger. They made it right (replaced) so I'm not too broke up over it. If you're just looking for basic battery function and don't care about having it store it's conditioning and use cycles then go with the aftermarket ones. You could buy 4 for the price of a single Canon. I've never figured out how Canon gets the money they do. I've used them in a 7D, 5DMkII and MkIII.
2125287
Hey all! I am also extremely interested in the upcoming Zeikos battery grip for the D7000. I connected with customer support through the Zeikos website (much like @graceful did) and they just informed me that their development department will not have this product ready until the end of April. This is a real downer. Another full month without an alternative to the overprices MB-D11 option.
592674
I got cheep aftermarket batteries because I got mine used and the Cannon batteries wouldn't last that long. The cheep batteries work great, and I can shoot for hours without a recharge. I got a bigger memory card, and that was nice. The flash on the 40D isn't that great, so consider getting something that will let you use the bounce technique. Lenses are all about what you like to shoot, so it'd be tough to advise, but I like the prime 50mm f1.4 Cannon lens for photographs of people.
1032908
They work great for me, no problems at all. Although I'm using a d3200, your cameras calls for the same battery. If you have any reservations send the seller an E-mail, as long as you're buying from somewhat of a camera accessory vendor. They would know from any backlash from other buyers.
1584885
Thanks, not really an issue, grip works fine. I just wondered, since both batteries are always in play, why the shutter count for each battery and be different. A nit, really.
1257034
I first ran into some issues where when I had a Nikon battery and a third-party battery at the same time, it the camera wouldn't recognize that a battery was in place. I believe I solved this by putting the Nikon battery in the grip and the third-party battery in the camera. There's also nothing that says you NEED to have a battery in the grip to use functions such as the vertical shutter button, so you could always just use a single battery inside the camera body and leave the grip empty. You *should* be able to finagle the order so that you don't have any issues, though. The grip itself is fantastic in build quality, and I highly recommend it. I first ran into some issues where when I had a Nikon battery and a third-party battery at the same time, it the camera wouldn't recognize that a battery was in place. I believe I solved this by putting the Nikon battery in the grip and the third-party battery in the camera. There's also nothing that says you NEED to have a battery in the grip to use functions such as the vertical shutter button, so you could always just use a single battery inside the camera body and leave the grip empty. You *should* be able to finagle the order so that you don't have any issues, though. The grip itself... » Read More I first ran into some issues where when I had a Nikon battery and a third-party battery at the same time, it the camera wouldn't recognize that a battery was in place. I believe I solved this by putting the Nikon battery in the grip and the third-party battery in the camera. There's also nothing that says you NEED to have a battery in the grip to use functions such as the vertical shutter button, so you could always just use a single battery inside the camera body and leave the grip empty. You *should* be able to finagle the order so that you don't have any issues, though. The grip itself is fantastic in build quality, and I highly recommend it. « Show Less
1285952
That wasn't the issue at all. I had assumed this was a battery grip by Nikon & with two batteries included I thought it was a great deal. But when I received the battery grip I found out it was a generic grip along with the batteries. I should have known Nikon wouldn't sell it for the price I paid. That is the reason I returned it to seller.
2273554
The one I received, which arrived quickly, matched my Rebel T3i perfectly and was a snap to set up. i have been using the 2 LP-E8 Li-ion batteries becasue they recharge very quickly. Have been using the grip for about 8 months I think without any difficulties or problems.
515589
Get a battery grip and it will last you a few hours of shooting. You will prob run out of disk space before you run out of battery.
1785613
do a search for d5100 battery grip - there are several options. I am not sure if this one will fit your model, though the images look very similar - your best option is to go with one that is labeled for your model - then you know it will work. price ranges is similar - $20 - $52 new.
733419
Dang, anyone know if there are still any cameras that use real batteries like this? I'd have had to replace my Sony multiple times over if it used proprietary batteries. They're such a pain, and I wish NOTHING used them. I need a new/better camera though, and REALLY want something that still uses regular batteries.
1809456
I've used both. Now I use Canon EOS 5's with battery grips. They are big. I prefer the wrist strap because I don't have to find a place yo set the camera when I'm changing lenses or fishing in my camera bag.
1448088
Thank you for your time. In regards to your inquiry, the battery grip is not an OEM Nikon grip. As depicted in the listing, the grip is manufactured by XIT.
354531
Yes. I have the 6D with the aftermarket (non-canon) battery grip, and the batteries work fine. First few times, worked without a hitch. The last time I used them, however, I was getting an error on one of them (the error that occurs when you use non-cannon battery...camera asks if you want to use anyway, but without info on battery). Swapped the batteries around, and the error moved with the battery. Assuming one of them is acting up. They are still working, and providing a LONG time between battery changes/charges; just unable to report battery life on one of them right now. I haven't bothered to look into the issue. For the price, i could easily just buy another one. Yes. I have the 6D with the aftermarket (non-canon) battery grip, and the batteries work fine. First few times, worked without a hitch. The last time I used them, however, I was getting an error on one of them (the error that occurs when you use non-cannon battery...camera asks if you want to use anyway, but without info on battery). Swapped the batteries around, and the error moved with the battery. Assuming one of them is acting up. They are still working, and providing a LONG time between battery changes/charges; just unable to report battery life on one of them right now. I haven't... » Read More Yes. I have the 6D with the aftermarket (non-canon) battery grip, and the batteries work fine. First few times, worked without a hitch. The last time I used them, however, I was getting an error on one of them (the error that occurs when you use non-cannon battery...camera asks if you want to use anyway, but without info on battery). Swapped the batteries around, and the error moved with the battery. Assuming one of them is acting up. They are still working, and providing a LONG time between battery changes/charges; just unable to report battery life on one of them right now. I haven't bothered to look into the issue. For the price, i could easily just buy another one. « Show Less
1686279
what works best for me is use some gaffers tape and tape to your camera strap. that is what i do for weddings. for local shoots of shorter time i try to have a shirt with a pocket and just stick it the pocket. this unit will really help with cycle time on flash and I make for an hour or more before switching out batteries. Buy good rechargeable s and you are set for a lot of shots.