The Benefits of a Battery Grip?

[SamSam]

This forum has been so helpful as I began looking at dslr cameras. I am now the proud owner of a Nikon D5000 and will be taking a couple of camera classes offered at Wolf Camera to help with my learning.

My question is concerning getting a battery grip for it. Do many of you use these and, if so, do you find the extra weight and bulk difficult?

I'm looking at the Zeikos Vertical Battery Grip for Nikon D5000, if that makes any difference.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Master Mason]

I use a battery grip on my 40D all the time, personally I like the added bulk, and the ability to shoot portrait without having to twist my arm. Plus it holds extra batteries, and gives me the flexibilty to use regular AA's in an emergency.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I use one on my Pentax K10D all the time. For me, it provides a better hand grip, both horizontal and vertical, the extra weight offsets and balances heavier lenses and provides an extra battery with storage for a sdhc card and my remote control. I like the extra 'bulk', besides without it I have no place to put my pinkie!!

 

[ssanders79]

I do not have one, but I would say shooting verticals would be much easier and feel more natural.

 

[disneyboy2003]

I don't have or use a battery grip. However, in general, a battery grip should be a good thing, in that it allows you to hold your camera easier when you try to take portrait / vertical orientation photos.

Plus, in the vertical position, you've got a shutter button at the top right corner of your camera (on the battery grip), so you're not contorting your hands to take the vertical shot.

Plus, the battery grip holds extra batteries, allowing you to take more photos before requiring a change of battery/batteries.

However, I see that Nikon doesn't normally make a battery grip for your D5000. That's probably one of the reasons why you have to go to a 3rd party to get a battery grip.

I looked at the photos on Amazon.com of the battery grip you mentioned (link to Amazon). While the battery grip does have that extra shutter button, there are no extra scroll wheels / command dials on the battery grip! As you know, the command dials (or, scroll wheels) on your camera help you change the shutter speed and the aperture. I'm not sure how you're supposed to change your shutter speeds and apertures using this particular battery grip.

On the other hand, Nikon's own battery grips provide those extra 2 command dials.

On Amazon, this product doesn't seem to be getting rave reviews and seems to encounter some problems, too.

I only took a brief glance at the battery grip you mentioned, so please take some extra time to look over the specs, just to double check.

 

[SamSam]

I don't have or use a battery grip. However, in general, a battery grip should be a good thing, in that it allows you to hold your camera easier when you try to take portrait / vertical orientation photos.

Plus, in the vertical position, you've got a shutter button at the top right corner of your camera (on the battery grip), so you're not contorting your hands to take the vertical shot.

Plus, the battery grip holds extra batteries, allowing you to take more photos before requiring a change of battery/batteries.

However, I see that Nikon doesn't normally make a battery grip for your D5000. That's probably one of the reasons why you have to go to a 3rd party to get a battery grip.

I looked at the photos on Amazon.com of the battery grip you mentioned (link to Amazon). While the battery grip does have that extra shutter button, there are no extra scroll wheels / command dials on the battery grip! As you know, the command dials (or, scroll wheels) on your camera help you change the shutter speed and the aperture. I'm not sure how you're supposed to change your shutter speeds and apertures using this particular battery grip.

On the other hand, Nikon's own battery grips provide those extra 2 command dials.

On Amazon, this product doesn't seem to be getting rave reviews and seems to encounter some problems, too.

I only took a brief glance at the battery grip you mentioned, so please take some extra time to look over the specs, just to double check.

Yes, as I read the reviews I began having doubts about the Zeikos. I also looked at a Rokinon and an Opteka, however, there weren't any reviews on them that I could find.
I appreciate all the input so far, and am hoping to hear more.

 

[photo_chick]

I think it depends on the size of your hands as to whether or not it makes for a better grip. Mine are freakishly small and I don't like to use a battery grip for that reason.

 

[SamSam]

I think it depends on the size of your hands as to whether or not it makes for a better grip. Mine are freakishly small and I don't like to use a battery grip for that reason.

That is something I need to take into account. Dh and I both have small hands, which could make holding the camera with the battery grip a little more difficult.

 

[WillowBelle]

I have a Canon 50D and keep the battery grip attached, solely for the added battery benefit. I'm left handed, so when I turn it to take a portrait photo, the shutter button goes to the bottom and it's awkward to use. My DH, however, is right handed so turns it the "right" direction and uses the button all the time.