Finally got my knockoff MB-D11 (surprise)

[burtmann]

I'd just about given up and was on the verge of calling my credit card company to cancel payment, but after 30 days my knockoff MB-D11 (ordered via Extreme Deal) came.

First the Good News:

It feels like real quality construction. I doubt that most could tell this from OEM MB-D11 (but that's just an opinion).

Fits as it was designed to do. No wobble, strange noises or rubbing parts.

Works as designed. I could find nothing wrong with this product and fully recommend it (maybe from a different vendor though - 30 days is just too long to wait ).

Now the bad news, probably not for you but certainly for me. / In no way am I knocking either the d7000 (love it) or this knockoff MB-D11 Simply explaining how I saw it./

I don't like using it. It adds bulk to an already bulky d7000. It adds weight to an already heavy body. It changes the way you (or at least I) shoot in portrait mode. I was mostly already convinced that it wasn't for me but took it out for a walk this morning down to the harbor. It threw the near perfect balance of my d7000 w/70-200 VR II off with my Black Rapid shoulder strap. I wanted to like it but it's just not for me. I know that some of you swear by this battery case and I'm happy for you but for myself I'll just write it off as a $70 mistake.

 

[JTatyosian]

You will get used to it over time... I felt the same way as you do about my grip when I first got it. I can hardly bring myself to use a camera without it anymore for more than a few shots.

How exactly did you feel the 70-200 was balanced with the D7000? The 70-200 throws the balance off of everything. It's just an awkward lens to maintain for long periods of time regardless of the camera attached to it, in my opinion.

--
John Tatyosian
Check out my site: http://www.jtatphotos.com

 

[scokill]

If you want to get rid of it and cut your losses, PM me.

 

[dougster1979]

Could have been worse, what if you had paid for the authentic mb-D11.

 

[madecov]

I purchased mine through Linkdelight (direct,not e bay). I like the way it fits and the balance of the D7000 with it. I paid under $50.00 delivered.

Mine took about 20 days to arrive. It works well fits perfectly. I want to order a RRS quick release plate for it and hope it will fit properly. It does add bulk to an already tight camera bag. Overall I am pleased especially considering the price.
--



In god we trust, all others are suspects

Licensed firearms dealer in Houston, Texas

 

[crankerchick]

I use my MB-D11 with RapidStrap and 70-200 and I feel like it balances better for my preference. I prefer it better with the strap attached to the lens tripod collar. It feels more proper, Plus, when I don't have the camera up to my face, it feels more balanced at my side as well, since the lens is hanging from the strap rather than the camera with the entire front end of the lens pulling things down.

As for the grip itself, different strokes for different folks. I feel like the grip gives me a better base to hold the camera when I have that lens on, plus the added benefit of not having to rotate the hand around when shooting portrait. This is my first grip to use and I can't see going back.

Sorry it didn't work out for you.
--
Push the button more--that's a start.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crankerchick/

 

[burtmann]

How exactly did you feel the 70-200 was balanced with the D7000? The 70-200 throws the balance off of everything.>

I carry the camera and lens over one shoulder with the Black Rapid Strap. With the strap connected to a clip on the lens itself (screw in type hook) it balances perfectly. With the new battery case I had to continually shift the center of balance.

Burt

 

[JTatyosian]

But how does the camera/grip and lens balance when you're actually using it?

--
John Tatyosian
Check out my site: http://www.jtatphotos.com

 

[burtmann]

I probably use the strap differently than most. It hangs from my right shoulder straight down (does not cross my body). I have added no slip fabric to the inside of the shoulder strap to (hopefully) keep it in place. The camera/lens is connected via nikon 70-200 tripod mount and if the strap is properly adjusted will balance itself down around my waist/hip. As I walk my right hand gently caresses the camera. If I feel a little uneasy, pressing down on the camera tightens the strap at my right shoulder. I've been doing this for some time now without incident, but do recognize some inherent room for accident.

I also have a wrist strap connected to the camera itself, which helps with stabilization. I can (and often do) raise camera into shooting position using wrist strap alone. I'm not recommending that others use this approach, but it seems to work for me.

I tried unsuccessfully to take a picture so description is the best I can do for now.

Burt

 

[jimofcan]

It adds bulk to an already bulky d7000. It adds weight to an already heavy body.

ROTFLMAO

"An already Bulky D7000"? The D7000 "an already heavy body"?

I'm still ROTFLMAO

The grip/batter holdery make it a bit easier to hold onto the scranny little thing and a the little bit of added mass help balance the camera when you add a heavier lens to the scrany body

 

[Turbinator]

ROTFLMAO

"An already Bulky D7000"? The D7000 "an already heavy body"?

I'm still ROTFLMAO

Huh? The D7000 body alone, when compared to older bodies such as my D70s, IS a heavier body. Add the grip, and the whole thing gets heavier, as compared to the D70s for which there is no factory grip option. So, why the laughter?

I agree with the OP, the grip makes the camera heavier. And bulkier.

Where I disagree... I LOVE the grip. (mine is an original Nikon grip, arguably even heavier than a knockoff MB-D11 which does not have a magnesium alloy construction)

Turby

 

[Kim Letkeman]

I don't like using it. It adds bulk to an already bulky d7000. It adds weight to an already heavy body.

Which is why, despite being tempted by the extra power and the faux-professional look, I have never been tempted to add a grip to a body. I like the smaller bodies because they are fun to carry and use and very easy to pack for travel. My D700 is more pleasant than my old D2Hs and the D7000 is much more pleasant than my old D300.

By the way ... the D7000 is far from bulky or heavy

--
http://kimletkeman.blogspot.com