Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Does anyone know if the clone grip is available for the D7000 anywhere in Toronto? I havent seen anything bad and only good stuff about the $50 clone when compared to the $300 Nikon original.

Toronto stores don't carry any grip clones... but I would really suggest sticking with the original.

Same here..... Clones are just that. The native Nikon grip works well. Try getting a price from Merkle Camera - talk to Patrick.

I find it hard to justify the cost of paying 25% of the camera cost just for a battery holder. Especially when a clone can sell for less than 5% and do exactly the same thing and be indistinguishable from an original. I want that nice weighty feel to the camera, just have to convince myself I want it that much.

Naw a lot of the clones don't feel the same.

http://youtu.be/LV_rxL3UV-g

But in the end, it's up to you.

Interesting video link. FWIW... The real deal can't be beat, and is worth the money. Are they expensive - yes. You could always try to find a used one on CL.

Interesting video indeed. He could only tell it was a fake when he tried to interchange the battery holder from one into the other. Other than a looser wheel which I wonder how it will be loose once its screwed onto the camera body, and some rubber texture difference he says it works exactly the same. He still wouldnt know if he hadnt bought a second one. And for only $40 or $50 bucks. Its more a video of how he got ripped off by paying Nikon price for a Nikon clone.

I got a D700 grip off of ebay for 150. It came with fake nikon box, a fake nikon manual, warranty card and everything. It's not perfect, but it looks and functions as the original. The tricky thing is, you dont know how good the third party or fake really is until you start using it. I could have gotten a POS for my $150, I consider myself lucky.

Well I think its one thing to buy a fake Nikon trying to pass itself off as an original and selling for a price comparable to Nikon price. But its another thing when its clearly not by Nikon, works the same and is 18% of the Nikon price. $300 for a battery holder is pretty steep no matter how you cut it. But I want it, I can afford it, so I may as well get it. But if I can get the Neewer or Mieke clone Id get that first. Thats why I asked if anyone knew if they were available in Toronto/Durham area. There is a guy selling battery grips for D700 as well as Canon and Pentax at Pickering Flea Market. And they arent packaged to try to make you think they are made by Nikon.

Ah, I ended up getting an original Nikon grip. I also picked up a Tamron Boomerang shoulder strap as well. Its got quick release for tripod use so that was its selling feature for me.

very nice! You'll be happy with the Nikon grip ... solid.

I know you already have yours but others may be interested in knock-off grips from a reputable retailer.

Adorama carry a few different versions - although they are not a bricks and mortar store here in Toronto:

Nikon genuine
http://www.adorama.com/INKMBD11.html

Phottix
http://www.adorama.com/PHBGD7000.html

Adorama Vertical Grip
http://www.adorama.com/FPGD60.html