thanks for the video. I bought a 3rd party MB-D18 grip from B&H (Vello BG-N19), and what I found was that the grip is just not rigid enough as the Nikon original (I have a Nikon original for my D800). I think your video hinted that as well. You may test this specifically by mounting it with a simple base plate on a big tripod, with a rather long lens mounted on the body, and a speedlight on top of the camera body (to signify the wobbling). When you push the end of the lens, you may notice significant amount of 'bending or wobbling' with the 3rd party grip than the NiKon original. This may be critical for stability of the system when one take this for landscaping photos. I wonder if you are able to make another video testing out several 3rd party D850 grips out there, to see if someone is close enough to be reliable for tripod mounting. thanks -Jin
I was considering the Vello but now will probably pass on it. For landscape work, you could just remove the vertical grip entirely - you probably don't need 9 fps for that :-) I also expect that, as the D850 ages, Nikon may offer a "kit" deal where they include the Nikon vertical grip (but not the rest of the goodies like the battery or L bracket or ENEL-18 battery.) I say this because that's what they did with the D500 (which I also own) and that made the package too compelling to pass up.
I bought the Nikon grip as soon as it came out because the first thier party grips didn't support 9fps. Because I still have a handful of OEM EN-EL15 batteries I'd buy a third party grip if it supported unchipped OEM batteries.
One question. During a timelapse if the first battery is empty (after some hours of timelapse) the second battery will be selected by the camera automatically without interrupting the timelapse? , or the user has to manually stop the timelapse, manually select the second battery and manually resuming the timelapse?
I was very fortunate to buy a 10k shutter count Nikon D850 in mint condition that came with the Nikon battery grip and two casings for AA batteries and another EN-EL battery, and RRS L bracket al for $1.9k
i have the nikon vertical grip for £200 used mint , with two en el18c batteries .. and grip cover .. so its paid for itself already . before looking for third party straight away look for used (almost unused) gear theres tons out there ,, it cost me £45 for a double en el18 charger .. im still more than happy for £245 .. nikon grip 2 nikon en -el 18c batteries and a third party charger ..
Mike, not a pro shooter, bought an D850 want the other toys. Question, what is an L bracket and why do I need one? Can I use the grip without it? Thanks.
Hi Mike I enjoyed watching your video on downloading payments for the grip And I have a question I bought a replacement grip with el-en-15b batteries and the camera can't communicate with the grip do you have any advice for me? Thanks in advance regards Haim Ohayon
Hi, Mike. I went with your 3rd party option. Loved it! working way beyond my expectations! The money saved I spent on a new lens for D850! Can you put together a vertical grip for the Nikon Z6ii Mirrorless? You ROCK!!
depends - i’ve been fine at 7fps on v90 u3 sd shooting RAW. i was only shooting for 2-4 seconds continually though. if you can get the new firmware, i would go for CFexpress - significantly faster and cheaper than XQD.
Did it with Wasabi batteries, Nikon BL-5 is a lot less, I got it for about $25; I still went with OEM Nikon grip, but used in super great shape, and Wasabi charger. I probably spent well under $300
Do I need the Lgrip at all? Is it to hold the batterypack in place. Otherwice that feels like an optional thing to get and another topic than the battery grip. I really feel like this was intended from Nikon to lure people into buying a cheaper pro camera and make them to pay up for the extra frames per sec, just to avoid letting the d850 take market shares from the d5 or d6. I don't like when companys like Nikon pees in the face of their customers like that.
I don't know where you are getting your Nikon prices from but you are way off, as an example BL-5 adapter is only $24.95. The total price for the adapter, battery and charger made by Nikon is $941.00. It is still way higher than aftermarket but you should, at least, be accurate in your pricing.
Also third party grips have been known to break off and fry camera's as well. Also they may not work after updating your firmware. It's like buying a Ferrari and putting cheap tires on it. Stupid. I would recommend the Wasabi battery and charger as I have used both and they work great, however never skimp on the grips or the battery doors. Buy the Nikon brand BL-5 chamber.
@@Offender666 We'll as long as you're happy thats all that matter's. I just wouldn't ever risk it, as people have had their camera's short out. You can research it if you want, I am not making things up here. Also people have had the grip rip off and mess up their camera as well. I have even heard of people having their menu system and playback screen acting weird. Also people have updated their camera firmware and then the grip no longer works. Some people just refuse to pay the high price of the grip, but I never do.
@@patricksmith2553 I tried google searching for "Nikon grip rip off" as you suggested but i kept finding articles of people taking about the official Nikon grip "rip off". Cant seem to find anything regarding D850 and Meike grips shorting out or ripping off.
Hi Mike, thanks so much for this. - You uploaded this March 2019, what is you two year experience on this 3rd party products? Some RUclips videos are reporting a huge increase in AF accuracy with the original grip. May you please share some advice concerning this? For your hints and help many thanks in advance.
Batteries are great. I continue using them and have been impressed. The only thing I haven’t checked is battery compatibility with the Nikon grip. I’m going to assume it will work just fine.
Hi Mike! Thanks for the video! Just bought a refurbished D850 and this video is very helpful! Any concern with the 3rd party grip causing any problems with the camera itself? Thanks again and best to you! Rick 😀
the original MB-D18 Nikon is magnesium and all alternatives are in ABS. It's cheaper but it's flexible . I use the BlackRapid system to wear my D850, the ABS does not seem strong enough to carry a camera and a lens. (www.blackrapid.com/) In the cold ABS becomes brittle
One other thought here - as the D500 aged, Nikon threw in the vertical grip to sweeten the deal (I bought it shortly after this deal hit the market.) It wouldn't surprise me if they do the same thing with the D850 (it's getting older now - I have one and am not suggesting it isn't a super camera.) I wouldn't expect them to include all the rest of the goodies needed to get to 9fps though... I was disappointed to read that the Vello grip, at $100, also has the same wobble as the grip Mike is showing in this video because I'd like to get 9 fps but, like many others, am not willing to pay $1,300 to get it. One final thought - if Nikon does offer this deal, I'd expect a lot of folks to sell off the "free" Nikon vertical grip on eBay as not everyone needs a vertical grip. All speculation of course :-)
Don't do it!! I've bought 3rd party grips and you'll be sorry. You really do get what you pay for, after they break I end up just buying the Nikon versions. I just bought the MB-D18 after the Meike grip broke and it was like going from a Kia to a Ferrari!! It was well worth it! Give your D850 what it needs, a genuine Nikon grip. Nikon grip has the same texture, the buttons feel and push the same and the dials have the same clicks and feel. YOU WILL LOVE THE NIKON GRIP!! I also had a Vivitar grip for a previous Nikon body, the Nikon grips also have way less flex and "plastic creeking". I know money is an issue for all but forgo the starbucks for a month or buy regular unleaded instead of premium for a year?
yes but they stop putting the grip censors on the cameras when people stop buying grips . they did the same thing with the d7500 .. eventually .. if iv got a 7200 all metal camera i want the nikon all metal grip to .. not plastic crap , i dont mind paying ..
@@charliemans6034 You probably bought one on a cheap offer from Hong Kong or similar then, Nikon grips may be overpriced but you can not deny the quality.
@@Vulpes10 Sorry I wish that was the case but, No...here in UK I bought it from Park Cameras. So it's a genuine Nikon product I'm assuming that you don't actually have one and are just speculating but it is in fact very cheap feeling and plasticy...maybe buy one first, if you can afford it. And then make a comment. Look at Matt Granger's review if you don't believe me. HA
@@charliemans6034 I have 3 different Nikon grips on three different Nikon cameras and none of them are cheap and plasticy. Maybe it is you who needs to buy an original one first as it seems you have been very unlucky with the grip you have. Otherwise I guess we will just have to disagree.
you do get what you pay for , its pointless buying grips for looks they wobble on your tripod , they dont fit like a nikon , the L bracket your using is useless , why buy an L bracked that doesnt work vertically ... no pro photographer wants ANY kind of movement or damage to their grips . basically everything apart from your batterys is junk . if the cost is low theres something wrong with it ! WHAT 😀😀😀😀😀 HAHA i wouldnt like to use this system vertically , this guy contradicts every reason to buy cheap crap . to look the part .. save money even if its cheap crappy and doesnt serve its purpose !!!!????
thanks for the video. I bought a 3rd party MB-D18 grip from B&H (Vello BG-N19), and what I found was that the grip is just not rigid enough as the Nikon original (I have a Nikon original for my D800). I think your video hinted that as well. You may test this specifically by mounting it with a simple base plate on a big tripod, with a rather long lens mounted on the body, and a speedlight on top of the camera body (to signify the wobbling). When you push the end of the lens, you may notice significant amount of 'bending or wobbling' with the 3rd party grip than the NiKon original. This may be critical for stability of the system when one take this for landscaping photos. I wonder if you are able to make another video testing out several 3rd party D850 grips out there, to see if someone is close enough to be reliable for tripod mounting. thanks -Jin
That's not a bad idea Jin. I like the way you think.
I was considering the Vello but now will probably pass on it. For landscape work, you could just remove the vertical grip entirely - you probably don't need 9 fps for that :-) I also expect that, as the D850 ages, Nikon may offer a "kit" deal where they include the Nikon vertical grip (but not the rest of the goodies like the battery or L bracket or ENEL-18 battery.) I say this because that's what they did with the D500 (which I also own) and that made the package too compelling to pass up.
I bought the Nikon grip as soon as it came out
because the first thier party grips didn't support 9fps.
Because I still have a handful of OEM EN-EL15 batteries
I'd buy a third party grip if it supported unchipped OEM batteries.
One question. During a timelapse if the first battery is empty (after some hours of timelapse) the second battery will be selected by the camera automatically without interrupting the timelapse? , or the user has to manually stop the timelapse, manually select the second battery and manually resuming the timelapse?
What do the buttons on the grip feel like? Mushy? Clicky?
I was very fortunate to buy a 10k shutter count Nikon D850 in mint condition that came with the Nikon battery grip and two casings for AA batteries and another EN-EL battery, and RRS L bracket al for $1.9k
Very nice video Mike, what tripod did you use in this video, it looks amazing
Great vid, very informative. Keep them coming... I subscribed
Right on. Thank you Peter C. I appreciate it!
i have the nikon vertical grip for £200 used mint , with two en el18c batteries .. and grip cover .. so its paid for itself already . before looking for third party straight away look for used (almost unused) gear theres tons out there ,, it cost me £45 for a double en el18 charger .. im still more than happy for £245 .. nikon grip 2 nikon en -el 18c batteries and a third party charger ..
Mike, not a pro shooter, bought an D850 want the other toys. Question, what is an L bracket and why do I need one? Can I use the grip without it? Thanks.
Hi Mike
I enjoyed watching your video on downloading payments for the grip
And I have a question
I bought a replacement grip with el-en-15b batteries and the camera can't communicate with the grip do you have any advice for me?
Thanks in advance
regards
Haim Ohayon
Hi, Mike. I went with your 3rd party option. Loved it! working way beyond my expectations! The money saved I spent on a new lens for D850! Can you put together a vertical grip for the Nikon Z6ii Mirrorless? You ROCK!!
hi Amy, can I ask, what is the L shape for? I think I understand well the functioning of the grip, but I am not sure about the L shape.
Whats the life span like on the 3rd parties batteries and grips, I've also heard of the batteries overheating.
Thanks Mike for the video, I gave you a thumbs up! :)
Thanks Sean!
Mike what you think about meike battery grip?
Will I bee needing the xqd for shooting 9fps? Will the buffer run out or something if I don't have the xqd write speed?
depends - i’ve been fine at 7fps on v90 u3 sd shooting RAW. i was only shooting for 2-4 seconds continually though. if you can get the new firmware, i would go for CFexpress - significantly faster and cheaper than XQD.
Did it with Wasabi batteries, Nikon BL-5 is a lot less, I got it for about $25; I still went with OEM Nikon grip, but used in super great shape, and Wasabi charger. I probably spent well under $300
Do I need the Lgrip at all? Is it to hold the batterypack in place. Otherwice that feels like an optional thing to get and another topic than the battery grip.
I really feel like this was intended from Nikon to lure people into buying a cheaper pro camera and make them to pay up for the extra frames per sec, just to avoid letting the d850 take market shares from the d5 or d6. I don't like when companys like Nikon pees in the face of their customers like that.
checking out Meike instead which includes a remote
Will that work with the mb-d12 also or do I need to buy the mb-d18??
I don't know where you are getting your Nikon prices from but you are way off, as an example BL-5 adapter is only $24.95. The total price for the adapter, battery and charger made by Nikon is $941.00. It is still way higher than aftermarket but you should, at least, be accurate in your pricing.
Maybe the prices have gone down - I'm pretty sure they were close to what Mike said several months ago...
Great info. I never understood why people would buy OEM accessories unless they hated money.
Yes, but there is a distinct quality difference between the OEM grip and the 3rd party grip.
Also third party grips have been known to break off and fry camera's as well. Also they may not work after updating your firmware. It's like buying a Ferrari and putting cheap tires on it. Stupid. I would recommend the Wasabi battery and charger as I have used both and they work great, however never skimp on the grips or the battery doors. Buy the Nikon brand BL-5 chamber.
@@patricksmith2553 I have a Meike D850 grip which I would choose over the overpriced Nikon grip everyday of the week. AND it has a remote trigger.
@@Offender666 We'll as long as you're happy thats all that matter's. I just wouldn't ever risk it, as people have had their camera's short out. You can research it if you want, I am not making things up here. Also people have had the grip rip off and mess up their camera as well. I have even heard of people having their menu system and playback screen acting weird. Also people have updated their camera firmware and then the grip no longer works. Some people just refuse to pay the high price of the grip, but I never do.
@@patricksmith2553 I tried google searching for "Nikon grip rip off" as you suggested but i kept finding articles of people taking about the official Nikon grip "rip off". Cant seem to find anything regarding D850 and Meike grips shorting out or ripping off.
What lens do you have on your D850?
its a 750 .. probably some cheesy plastic thing knowing him
What ball head are you using?
Sir which "ball head" is suitable for battery grip md18+L bracket
Very good video and good information
Hi Mike, thanks so much for this. - You uploaded this March 2019, what is you two year experience on this 3rd party products? Some RUclips videos are reporting a huge increase in AF accuracy with the original grip. May you please share some advice concerning this? For your hints and help many thanks in advance.
I think I will go with the Nikon grip because of durability,But I am interested in that battery! What’s your take on that?
Batteries are great. I continue using them and have been impressed. The only thing I haven’t checked is battery compatibility with the Nikon grip. I’m going to assume it will work just fine.
Hi Mike! Thanks for the video! Just bought a refurbished D850 and this video is very helpful! Any concern with the 3rd party grip causing any problems with the camera itself? Thanks again and best to you! Rick 😀
Thanks for the info, great work 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you Hadi2243.
Hi thank you very much, once I get more funds I may get one.
You get what you pay for, but Nikon could lower the price a little.
Do 3rd party grips still grant 9fps after the latest firmware update?
Some do - some don't...
I got 2 new original nikon grips for £400 uk mint condition the l brackets are £35 uk
These products dont ship to India. Can u somehow help me who will ship this to me in India.?.
Great Video, thank you.
Thank you!
You're welcome1
Great video, yeah I subscribed too!
Thank you very much
the original MB-D18 Nikon is magnesium and all alternatives are in ABS.
It's cheaper but it's flexible .
I use the BlackRapid system to wear my D850, the ABS does not seem strong enough to carry a camera and a lens. (www.blackrapid.com/)
In the cold ABS becomes brittle
One other thought here - as the D500 aged, Nikon threw in the vertical grip to sweeten the deal (I bought it shortly after this deal hit the market.) It wouldn't surprise me if they do the same thing with the D850 (it's getting older now - I have one and am not suggesting it isn't a super camera.) I wouldn't expect them to include all the rest of the goodies needed to get to 9fps though... I was disappointed to read that the Vello grip, at $100, also has the same wobble as the grip Mike is showing in this video because I'd like to get 9 fps but, like many others, am not willing to pay $1,300 to get it. One final thought - if Nikon does offer this deal, I'd expect a lot of folks to sell off the "free" Nikon vertical grip on eBay as not everyone needs a vertical grip. All speculation of course :-)
pas de sous titres , donc a la benne
Well, you get what you pay for in life😕 but overall, great review, Sir!
Thank you!
Wow!
Mike, third party grips have been known to cause electrical issues with the camera. I know the Nikon grips are overpriced, but I just cant trust it.
Don't do it!! I've bought 3rd party grips and you'll be sorry. You really do get what you pay for, after they break I end up just buying the Nikon versions. I just bought the MB-D18 after the Meike grip broke and it was like going from a Kia to a Ferrari!! It was well worth it! Give your D850 what it needs, a genuine Nikon grip. Nikon grip has the same texture, the buttons feel and push the same and the dials have the same clicks and feel. YOU WILL LOVE THE NIKON GRIP!! I also had a Vivitar grip for a previous Nikon body, the Nikon grips also have way less flex and "plastic creeking". I know money is an issue for all but forgo the starbucks for a month or buy regular unleaded instead of premium for a year?
Yep, the Nikon gear is definitely highest quality. No doubt.
BL-5 is $24.00 not $180.00
I know, I made a mistake. Corrected it! Thank you Dean.
this is the reason Nikon are dropping Dslr,s with grip contacts .. because of poxy plastic ebay grips ,
Nikon grips are all overpriced.
yes but they stop putting the grip censors on the cameras when people stop buying grips . they did the same thing with the d7500 .. eventually .. if iv got a 7200 all metal camera i want the nikon all metal grip to .. not plastic crap , i dont mind paying ..
Nikon battery grip feels cheap too, and its all plastic - I should have gone for this set up instead :(
its not all plastic, its mag alloy like the d850 camera.
@@colincarter5805 I wish it was - i have it...its cheap plastic man
@@charliemans6034 You probably bought one on a cheap offer from Hong Kong or similar then, Nikon grips may be overpriced but you can not deny the quality.
@@Vulpes10 Sorry I wish that was the case but, No...here in UK I bought it from Park Cameras. So it's a genuine Nikon product I'm assuming that you don't actually have one and are just speculating but it is in fact very cheap feeling and plasticy...maybe buy one first, if you can afford it. And then make a comment. Look at Matt Granger's review if you don't believe me. HA
@@charliemans6034 I have 3 different Nikon grips on three different Nikon cameras and none of them are cheap and plasticy. Maybe it is you who needs to buy an original one first as it seems you have been very unlucky with the grip you have.
Otherwise I guess we will just have to disagree.
you do get what you pay for , its pointless buying grips for looks they wobble on your tripod , they dont fit like a nikon , the L bracket your using is useless , why buy an L bracked that doesnt work vertically ... no pro photographer wants ANY kind of movement or damage to their grips . basically everything apart from your batterys is junk . if the cost is low theres something wrong with it ! WHAT 😀😀😀😀😀 HAHA i wouldnt like to use this system vertically , this guy contradicts every reason to buy cheap crap . to look the part .. save money even if its cheap crappy and doesnt serve its purpose !!!!????