Nikon 24-70mm - New lens ordered

Just ordered a new Nikon lens, the 24-70 mm ED f2.8 AF-S, I think it will fit into my lens line up quite well. Ok still will keep the 24-120 Nikon lens purely because I like it, even if it is only f3.5-5.6 VR.
I have sold the Sigma 120-400mm lens to help pay for it purely because it is one huge lump, and my Nikon 70-300mm lens together with the Sigma T/C as it does the same job albeit mainly in manual mode, depending on the f stop.

I have to say I prefer Nikon lenses to Sigma as personal preference, so thats what I shall be sticking with.

Bazza

The 24-70 is a great lens Bazza!

Azz at that price it should be.

Bazza

Great lens Bazza. A quick question for you - what the main use and purpose of the battery grip for your camera? In film photography such accessories were used for film advance but I haven't figured out the purpose of a DSLR battery grip.

Bob

I can only speak for official Nikon grip for the D300/D700,so a quick question has a long answer. I did have one for my previous D70s as well.

A battery grip does a couple of things that come to mind. First it helps balance when using long lenses. This is something that gets overlooked so often and is so important when hand held. The difference is considerable and adding weight to the camera/lens setup does tend to steady the gear as well in hand held mode. The grip with AA batteries adds just over 1lb in weight


Second you don't get caught out so easily if a battery fails the other takes over (you can choose which works first, body battery or grip battery)

Third if in the vertical position the Nikon grip has a shutter release button exactly where you want it. You don't have to contort your head/hands (bit embarrassing at a wedding shoot) to take a picture in the vertical position.

Using AA batteries (8 ) or EN-EL4a Battery (will take either) the shutter speed increases considerably from around 5 frames a second up to 8 frames a second, very handy if shooting fast moving subjects.

Forth It tends to look more impressive than just a camera/lens, a more professional approach to clients. For an extreme example, if you hired a photographer for a shoot which would impress more? a compact camera or a large DSLR even if it only had a grip added? I rest my case.

I have been out on a days shoot using a battery grip and an EN-EL3e/AA combo in both camera and grip and didn't have to worry about changing batteries. Talking about batteries buying AA size rechargable batteries for the grip is so much cheaper than purchasing say an EN-EL4A or EN-EL3e official Nikon battery the former also need charger and different battery grip cap.
One big bonus is you can generally find somewhere closeby that sells AA batteries should the need arise, even a newspaper shop stock them. Try and find a shop that sells Nikon batteries and you days shoot is over.

Hopefully I have answered your question Bob but please ask if you what to find out anything else about a battery grip and I will try and answer

Bazza

Thanks Bazza for your time. You were very thorough in your explanation. I believe the D7000 uses the same grip, MB-D11, as the D300 and many more. I'll need to evaluate the cost/budget when the camera body arrives. Being unemployed I need to use every dollar wisely.

It's not the same grip Bob, the D300/D700 share a grip which is an MB D10.

Thanks BC. I was wondering how my unique D7000 battery was going to fit that grip.

Bob

You may find 3rd party grips but beware they may be bad fitting or weak casing
AS BC says for your camera it is a different number grip therefore you need to check which batteries work with it, but the general reasons I gave still are relevent. Just done quick check and it takes 6x AA or nikon batteries


The grip for your camera exactly same functions on it as the MB-D10 which is used on the D300/700




Bazza

I agree to save money you can use a third party grip and the same with batteries. The batteries may not last as long, but they are a third of the price on Ebay. The third party grips are always snapped up on the photography forums when they come up secondhand so there must be plenty of people trust in them. The only issue is that the 7000 is brand new so there may not be much around yet.

I love my D700 with a grip. It just feels 'right' particularly as balance for weightier lenses. Obviously it adds weight and size so if you travel light on that motorbike then you may not want it.