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Generic MB-D18 battery grip for the D850
- Thread starter PerfectPoms
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PerfectPoms
Senior Member
Oh - it's been a few days since I've been to Nikonrumors ...
And for those who just asked about differences between DSTE and Mcoplus - I'm sorry - I haven't yet really scrutinized them closely or really noticed the differences. I'll try to get around to doing so soon.
And for those who just asked about differences between DSTE and Mcoplus - I'm sorry - I haven't yet really scrutinized them closely or really noticed the differences. I'll try to get around to doing so soon.
Thanks so much for the summary! I have the DTSE grips for the D500 and D850 in my Amazon cart now. I may end up getting the actual Nikon Grips, your comments on the play with the non Nikon grips, especially if it can affect the electrical connections are a bit worrisome. But that the price??? I may as well try the DTSE first, but them on Craigslist if I move to the Nikon grips. I'll be getting the DTSE charger too.
But I will be getting Nikon EN-EL18Bs. The aftermarket batteries are probably fine, but I don't take even moderate to low risks when it comes to lithium batteries if I can help it.
But I will be getting Nikon EN-EL18Bs. The aftermarket batteries are probably fine, but I don't take even moderate to low risks when it comes to lithium batteries if I can help it.
Summary:
Well, I've received my 5 grips and can confirm findings that the Mcoplus and DSTE grips DO provide 9 fps.
The Travor and Pixel grips do NOT. (The stupid Pixel grip won't even fit an EN-EL18 battery inside, and I couldn't get the Travor grip to even turn on with the EN-EL18 battery inside - despite the fact that it APPEARS like the battery contacts are in the correct place for it to work. I fiddled and fussed - but no go.
Note that the Mcoplus that I bought from Ixia38 on eBay arrived 2 weeks after the (latest) estimated arrival time. Disappointing.
And I was a little peeved that my DSTE grip arrived one day after I bought a genuine Nikon MB-D18 grip, and then the Mcoplus grip arrived the day after that. Grrrr....
Looking at the genuine Nikon grip - it's a little heavier than the generic grips - but can anybody confirm that it DOES have a magnesium substructure?
And I noticed that the Nikon grip sits very firmly attached to the camera, with no movement, and the other grips moved a bit when I tried rocking them. I don't think this will be an issue with feeling unstable during use - BUT - I did notice that when I rocked a couple of the grips, I was able to get the green card writing light on the camera to go on and off when I jiggled the grip (in the same way this light goes on when you first attach the grip to the camera.)
I don't know if this might ever be a problem - like maybe the camera might lose power for a split second - and that might cause a glitch in image storage if this power drop happens while you're writing images. I might lead to loss of one image - or maybe temporary or permanent corruption of your entire XQD or SD card. (not likely)
So I guess I'll be selling my Pixel and Travor grips on Kijiji, and I guess I will sell the Mcoplus grip - because the DSTE grip has a remote control feature built into the gripI'll keep the DSTE - or maybe I'll keep the Mcoplus and sell my genuine Nikon grip (to help fund my 180-400 lens). (I guess I should actually test the Mcoplus and DSTE grips in real world use before I decide.)
PS: my fave camera store got one genuine Nikon grip in for me, and another camera store in my town contacted me to tell me they had two Nikon grips for me - so I guess the real grips are starting to show up in stores now - but I've asked a couple of stores - and they don't think they'll cover their backorders for another month or two. So it will probably still be a while before you can walk into a store and find a Nikon grip on the shelf.
Cheers ....
--
Bill,
http://www.pbase.com/billmcintyre
D
Daniel Lauring
Guest
I've got the Mcoplus and it doesn't move around at all. There are no issues with the electrical connections. The only issue is the wheels which would be better if they were stickier and protruded further.
MrHollywood
Veteran Member
Yup...I shot with that grip today for a few hours and it doesn't move at all. I agree they should have made the wheels a bit bigger, but I'm already used to it.
Rob
D
Daniel Lauring
Guest
I have no problem with them either, but you can definitely feel the difference between the stock wheel on the camera and I haven't tried them with gloves on.
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Albert Fok
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As stated in the D850 manual, the 9 FPS only works with ENEL 18 battery . That means even the genuine MBD18 with 8 1.5 v lithium battery resulting in an even higher operating voltage won’t increase the standard 7 FPS. I guess the D850 has been set to read the chip in the ENEL 18 to allow the 9 FPS. Hope this could help.
Albert Fok
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As stated in the D850 manual page 362 regarding memory card capacity and buffer size, for uncompressed 14 bit Raw files, the number is 29, so for 9 FPS is about 3 second, it’s should slow down. There are some reviews regarding D850 complaining the D850 cannot meet the stated buffer size of 55 in the manual or specification, 55 is referring to 12 bit uncompressed files, actually I set my D850 raw file setting to 12 bit lossless compressed files, I can get 170 shots before it slows down or until the buffer is full . I don’t detect any significant loss in the final editing of my photos, I shoot birds in flight quite a lot and great demanding for details, noise reduction and dynamic range. Hope this can help.
greenmanphoto
Senior Member
Zhenya B
Member
Nikon EN-EL18a is almost as expensive as EN-EL18b so I'd like to know if older and cheaper EN-EL18 provides 9 fps for D850. I'm trying to chose now between DSTE and Meike 3rd party battery grips but prefer presumably more reliable Nikon battery for the grip.
PerfectPoms
Senior Member
Hi Zhenya.
Yes, all versions of the Nikon EN-EL18 provide 9 fps in the Nikon MB-D18, and I'm pretty sure in any generic grip that provide 9 fps. That includes the original EN-EL18, a, and b.
Nikon tells you to get the newest b version so they can make more money, but also because this version is supposed to be 'better' and maybe more reliable with the greater current draw with the D850 at 9 fps.
I've tested the EN-EL18 and EN-EL18a in the Nikon grip and the DSTE and Mcoplus. All provide 9 fps.
Yes, all versions of the Nikon EN-EL18 provide 9 fps in the Nikon MB-D18, and I'm pretty sure in any generic grip that provide 9 fps. That includes the original EN-EL18, a, and b.
Nikon tells you to get the newest b version so they can make more money, but also because this version is supposed to be 'better' and maybe more reliable with the greater current draw with the D850 at 9 fps.
I've tested the EN-EL18 and EN-EL18a in the Nikon grip and the DSTE and Mcoplus. All provide 9 fps.
Zhenya B
Member
PerfectPoms
Senior Member
It looks like the Vello grip provides 9 fps: https://nikonrumors.com/2018/02/07/...battery-grip-for-nikon-d850.aspx/#more-119520
And I just thought I'd mention - that the little bit of wobble that I noticed with a couple of my generic grips is less of an issue than I initially saw.
I've tried tightening up the grips to the camera, (by turning the dials tighter) and I was NOT able to replicate the card write light going on when I tried torqueing the grip. So I think my initial concerns about possibly developing memory card corruption if the camera loses power for a split second as you are in the middle of writing images to the card are unfounded.
And I just thought I'd mention - that the little bit of wobble that I noticed with a couple of my generic grips is less of an issue than I initially saw.
I've tried tightening up the grips to the camera, (by turning the dials tighter) and I was NOT able to replicate the card write light going on when I tried torqueing the grip. So I think my initial concerns about possibly developing memory card corruption if the camera loses power for a split second as you are in the middle of writing images to the card are unfounded.
lickity split
Veteran Member
D
Daniel Lauring
Guest
What I would like to know is does the Vello grip have rubber coated wheels like the Nikon or are they plastic like the Mcoplus.
Vello
Mcoplus
DualSystemGuy
Leading Member
Imaging resource claims to have got 200 frames @ 7fps out of the D850, lossless compressed RAW 14bit and only a 1.9 second clear time for the buffer:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d850/nikon-d850A6.HTM
So, with the best XQD card the buffer may be unlimited @7fps unless that is a misprint.
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PerfectPoms
Senior Member
You're right - it isn't actually specified, but I'm speculating that you will get 9 fps with the Vello - and I'm sure someone will chime into this thread at some point to confirm this or otherwise.
arttext
Member
As promised (if anyone reads this) I can now report from personal experience that all DSTE brand grip stuff works flawlessly with 9fps (EN-EL18 only) Btw, it’s an amazing sound to hear the camera shoot those 9fps, like a machine gun.
To fill the grip one has four options:
1. AA batteries (holder comes with the grip) no 9fps
2. EN-EL15(a) batteries (holder comes with the grip) no 9fps
3. EN-EL 18 (a or b): DSTE sells a battery with a battery compartiment cover attached to it. (Non separateable) That cover is also a charger and comes with a power cord and a car lighter cord. Gives you 9fps
4. EN-EL 18 (a or b): any generic or native Nikon battery will fit in, though one needs to buy a separate battery compartiment cover to keep the battery in place. I have a DSTE one, don’t know about other brands, though I suppose if they are properly copied they will do too. It is very easy to adapt the AA battery holder to function as cover. Just push an EN-EL18 in firmly, so that it slides into the contacts, measure the remaining space and cut the AA holder to size. And presto, there’s your DIY battery compartiment holder. Gives you 9fps
Although I would have preferred a magnesium alloy (like Nikon’s native grip) aftermarket grip, like I had for my D800 series, this one feels very sturdy and well made. No wiggling room between the camera and the grip, the look and feel are as one unit.
Last but not least: I could not find the battery/charger cover combo on Ebay or Amazon, but fortunately retailers in my country (NL) sold them. All the rest I purchased on Ebay in China and it arrived within two weeks.
To fill the grip one has four options:
1. AA batteries (holder comes with the grip) no 9fps
2. EN-EL15(a) batteries (holder comes with the grip) no 9fps
3. EN-EL 18 (a or b): DSTE sells a battery with a battery compartiment cover attached to it. (Non separateable) That cover is also a charger and comes with a power cord and a car lighter cord. Gives you 9fps
4. EN-EL 18 (a or b): any generic or native Nikon battery will fit in, though one needs to buy a separate battery compartiment cover to keep the battery in place. I have a DSTE one, don’t know about other brands, though I suppose if they are properly copied they will do too. It is very easy to adapt the AA battery holder to function as cover. Just push an EN-EL18 in firmly, so that it slides into the contacts, measure the remaining space and cut the AA holder to size. And presto, there’s your DIY battery compartiment holder. Gives you 9fps
Although I would have preferred a magnesium alloy (like Nikon’s native grip) aftermarket grip, like I had for my D800 series, this one feels very sturdy and well made. No wiggling room between the camera and the grip, the look and feel are as one unit.
Last but not least: I could not find the battery/charger cover combo on Ebay or Amazon, but fortunately retailers in my country (NL) sold them. All the rest I purchased on Ebay in China and it arrived within two weeks.
Last edited:
Robjwilli
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Just adding that I recently received a DSTE MB-D18 recently and all seems fine and well made and perfectly adequate for my intended use.
I cannot confirm anything re increased FPS as I'm just using the EN-EL15's at the moment but hope to secure one of the bigger batteries soon.
I cannot confirm anything re increased FPS as I'm just using the EN-EL15's at the moment but hope to secure one of the bigger batteries soon.
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