Customer Reviews

Zeikos ZE-NBG90 Battery Power Grip for Nikon D80 & D90

5 star:		(344)
4 star:		(104)
3 star:		(33)
2 star:		(23)
1 star:		(38)

 

 

Alright, I was skeptical about this after reading so many mixed reviews, but the draw of a battery grip that seemed to be well loaded and at a much cheaper price than Canon's...I couldn't resist.

Am I glad I got this? Definitely!

Okay, let's get things out and open: yes, this is NOT exactly like the Canon battery grip. Duh. It's not made by Canon and it doesn't cost $300. That said, however, this is an amazing "replica" that fits the bill just fine!

I was a little concerned when I got this because of reviews that said it was all plastic and cheap and that it would screw up my camera. My fears were quickly put to rest as soon as I opened the box.

I'm not one to dwell on packaging (if it comes in a brown paper bag but works great, who cares?) but the box for this was good, and the grip was wrapped in a bubble-wrap envelope. There's a protective cover-cap for the connector to keep the pins safe (and the cover isn't flimsy).

Taking the grip out, the first thing I was surprised to notice was that, yes, it DOES have a rubber grip. It's not as rough as the inlaid gripping Canon puts on its cameras, but it is definitely not just a textured part of the plastic. This is a great touch. There's a strap-hook/bar on the bottom, as well as a tripod mount so you can still use a tripod even with the grip installed.

According to the instructions you should always attach/detach the grip with the batteries removed, so that's what I've been doing.

Attaching the grip to the camera is easy. Just pop the battery out of your camera, and take off the battery cover door (there's a spring-clip to detach the door). The grip has a place in the handle where you can store the battery door, which is fantastic. Now you just slide the connection post into the battery slot, and spin the thumb-wheel on the grip to lock the grip into the camera's tripod mount.

The battery compartment is probably the most fragile part of this grip, but unless you go tearing through the electrical innards of your camera like a rabid moose, it's not an issue. Inside the grip is the AA-battery magazine which pops out via two retaining clips. The magazine isn't so sturdy, so some care is needed, but with batteries in it the magazine feels much more reliable. I bought my grip with a kit that came with a spare battery for my camera, and since the grip holds two camera batteries I went ahead and put both in. Close the door, turn the camera on...it's brilliant! The grip feels very sturdy on the camera and I've had no fears in holding my 7D by this grip alone.

There's a little rubber insert that you call pull out (it stays attached to the grip) that allows you to put in a wall-plug adapter into one of the battery bays and still be able to shut the door with the cord coming out. That's a great touch that I thought would be lost on a cheaper grip.

How does it function? There's a switch on the side (or top, depending on how you orient the camera) to turn the grip on or off, which keeps you from accidentally pressing buttons when not in use. Holding the grip, the shutter-release button, top-scroll-wheel, and the M-Fn button are where you'd expect them. On the back (for your thumb) are the AF-ON, exposure lock (*) and AF-point-selection button. All the buttons feel good in quality and function, comparable to the ones on the camera itself. The shutter-release button isn't the same as the camera's button...it feels a bit lighter...but it still functions well and once you've used it a couple times you won't notice it at all.

There are only two downsides to this grip (neither of which would prevent me from buying it). First, the grip is actually quite large. Fortunately I have big hands, but this grip might be a monster for anyone with smaller hands. Second, with the grip on and loaded, the camera is not only heavier but much larger. If you're using a small bag, keep in mind this grip adds about 2-inches to the bottom of the camera.

To conclude, if you are pro and have the money, certainly fork it over for the Canon piece. If you're an amateur or semi-pro photographer who wants a well-featured, well-built grip, without paying for the Canon piece, GET THIS ONE!!!

I must confess, that I am one of those Canon OEM snobs. I always purchase the Canon product, so everything matches perfectly. Both visually and as far as function. I am often asked for lens, camera, and accesory advice by friends and in online chat forums.

And I always say that its better to buy the Canon grip, because of the higher build quality, the feel, and how it looks attached to your camera.

I have three Canon BG-E2N Battery Grips (20D, 2x40D, 50D,), but my Canon 20D did'nt have a grip on it. I purchased the Flashpoint battery grip since it was so cheap, and my 20D was just sitting around gathering dust.

The build quality of this grip is awesome! It looks exactly like the Canon grip, and has all the same buttons and features. The faux leather on the grip is much softer than the Canon, and want slip in your hands as easily.

Very well constructed, snug fit, grip feels great, and the price is the icing on the cake. It comes with an AA battery tray adapter just like the Canon, and is handy when you run out of power. Looks like it came from Canon.

The setup of the shutter release and other buttons are accurate, ergonomical and feels good. It also doubles your shooting time. Give you a stable feeling when using big heavy "L" lenses. And the vertical shutter button allows you to take vertical portraits much easier and more comfortably.

I'm still a Canon OEM snob, but will have to consider this companies products.

So I took a chance on this one - thanks to the other good review, and I'm glad I did. The box it came in looks a bit dated and I was scared to open it. However once I did I was happy with the quality. I'm used to Nikon grips - so this is definitely lighter and less 'heavy duty' feeling (as all Canon gear is). However testing it out feels solid and I'm actually appreciating the lightweight of canon gear after I add all my accessories and spend all day with it.

So! I've shot three shoots with it - one an all day 13 hour event - outside, inside, dirty trains - steadicam mounted, monopod mounted, shoulderbrace mounted and plain hand-gripped and this performed flawlessly. It REALLY makes the camera much more useable as well I should mention - it's one of those must haves. I compared it with my friend's actual canon grip and the only difference I noticed was his has the rubber grip along the battery compartment back as well as the front.

That's a hugely minor thing tho - and other than that you really can't tell the difference. Solid-wise - usefulness-wise - etc. - it's the same. So I'd say based on a few days of solid use out of it i'm impressed.

Hope that helps!

The comment from the reviewer above(Mr.Phillip) was so useful. I contemplated different brands myself but just looking at the product made me feel that its well made. So finally i got mine today and i cant be happier. Great fit and finish and your Nikon D300 recognizes the grip immediately and all the functions work great. I was wondering if the shutter release button and the scroll wheel will be as good as Nikon and yes it was.

I rarely buy anything else other than a Nikon, but i thought i will give this a try and i am glad i did. The Nikon MB-D10 is a great grip too, its made of magnesium alloy and rubberized coating just like the camera, hence its expensive.

If you are going to place your camera in rocks or if its going to take some beating in buses in africa or forests in the amazon, then buy the Nikon. If you are a casual user, who keeps his cameras in his bag all the time other than when its being used, then buy this one. You wont be dissapointed.

So... you're in need of a battery grip for your Canon EOS 7D. You'd like the vertical grip... or the extra shooting time... or the ability to use AA batteries if you're in a pinch. So, you hop on to amazon, type in your search, and up comes the list of battery grips. Having heard the general internet buzz that ~typically~ official Canon equipment is the "best", you check out the official Canon BG-E7 and your mouth hits the floor when you see that pristine price tag.

If you're like me... your mind goes "Wow... that's a lot of money! I don't want a piece of junk, but certainly for something that is the equivalent to a handle with buttons and one extra battery slot they could price that a little better!" After all... aren't we all "saving up" for our next piece of glass anyway? Every dollar you can save on something trivial brings that sexy "L" glass that much closer... but, where do you cut costs? What is worth it, and what will you be regretting later? I've got one thing here that will put your mind at rest.

Buy this grip instead. You won't be sorry.

I wasn't sure... but the reviews were all very positive so I pulled the trigger and ordered this. I'm happy to say, everybody was right. Time for a quick list!

What's hot?
* Solid, excellent fit and finish, feels very "high quality"
* Actual rubber (not textured plastic) around finger-grip area on side and front.
* Extra "finger ridge" helps the grip feel more secure (NOT found on the Canon grip)
* Hole for Tripod mount
* Enables you to use a (not supplied) after-market hand strap.
* Will let your camera run on single OR double camera batteries, or 6 AA's, like almost all battery grips.
* All the same buttons as the Canon grip, all of which feel and work just like the 7D's buttons.
* Buttons can be turned on or off on the grip itself.
* Cheaper than the Canon grip by OVER $100 (which you can use to buy a second Canon battery, and STILL be ahead!)

What's not?
* It's thick. Seriously. It's about 2 3/4" thick all the way down. I have medium hands and it's not any real trouble for me to hold with it's rubber grip, finger ridge, and there's a place to tuck your thumb on the back. It's just thicker than the normal camera grip and takes some getting used too.

Final word: Again... buy it. You won't be sorry. It's not a "cheap knock-off" in any sense that you feel they cut any corners or skimped on material. It's solid, rugged, with a great textile feel. Zeikos trumps Canon on this one... as rare as that kind of an event is.

I'll go straight to my points

PROS
- Easy to install, no brainer
- Perfect fit with the D90
- It's the closest and best thing you could get to an MB-D80 for about $70... sweet
- Works as expected

CONS
- There is a delay in response when turning the dials, but not to the point that it will annoy you.
- The material (plastic) could have been sturdier if they made it a little thicker.
- The dials of the D90 and this grip are not of the same feel.

Overall, I am still pretty satisfied with this product considering how much I paid for it. The most important thing
is, IT WORKS PERFECTLY.

I am not a professional by any means and don't have fancy ways to test this unit, but after 1 full night of shooting and 250 shots later, this unit was more than fine. Installation was easy with instructions. It feels good and solid. At hand, you have the same control as the Canon version and essentially the same features (Compartment to hold removed battery "door" from camera, for example).
I'll keep on testing and report any issues if it comes. Until then, you can assume that this will do the trick at half price of the canon branded version.

*********************
UPDATE
*********************
Couple of months later, the unit is till doing great!

I put the Zeikos ZE-NBG90 grip next to the Nikon grip for my D200 and if you cover the names, I guarantee you can not tell them apart. The only difference is the D200 is slightly larger because the base of the D200 is wider than the D90's.(Gee,,, I wonder why Nikon didn't make them the same size???) All the controls perform the same functions with no differences in feel, operation or location. As others have stated, it matches up to the base of the D90 seamlessly. Even the holders for the AA batteries are identical... So save yourself $90, unless your name brand crazy and buy the Zeikos!!!! I'm finding many of the after market accessories for Nikon cameras are not only far less expensive but work just as well..... I'm tired of every time I buy a new Nikon camera, I have to pay their outrageous prices for new accessories, especially since it would not take much effort on the engineers part to make them compatible!!!!! It's just another way to make money and it's a rip-off!!! Do yourself a favor and buy this Zeikos grip over the Nikon Brand.... Amazon has one of if not the best price...

This battery pack is just like the MB-D10, and in my opinion has an even better shutter release. It does everything the MB-D10 does for a whole lot less. You must be out of your mind to buy the MB-D10 when you can get this at a fraction of the cost.

See my detailed 2 part video review on youtube under the user name of transferases.

The Zeikos matched well with the D90 and worked as advertised. No problems setting it up or operating it. Handles wells and it does not feel as if it is going fall out of your hand, and it looks good attached to the D90 as well. It is also cost less than the Nikon's, and basically works for less. At this point, I have got to give a five.