Zeikos ZE-CBG50 for Canon 40D 50D

The Zeikos ZE-CBG50 battery grip (sometimes referred to as Flashpoint?) is an excellent alternative to the Canon battery grip that is priced $100 higher. While I haven't seen the Canon BG-E2N grip, my guess is that the major difference between the Zeikos and the Canon is that the Canon has a weather seal around the battery door (The new E2N model claims to have it, and I didn't notice any weather seal on the Zeikos.

There is a good video review of the Zeikos if you search for ZE-CBG50 - the review [...] and it is syndicated throughout other photography websites. In short, you won't be disappointed with the Zeikos battery grip as it has a shutter release button, a mode dial and the AE-lock and AF selection point buttons. The older model CBG40 did not have the mode dial I believe. It also has a rubber exterior for your hand that is comfortable and is nearly identical to that on the camera.

Zeikos ZE-CBG50 should be on every serious photographer's camera body. This is a high quality grip. I would love to say that it "should" be in ever photographer's bag, but of course, in reality it depends on what you shoot.

I found myself reaching for my camera more since I got it a few days ago, just because it is so much fun shooting in all orientations so freely. Does it add bulk to the camera? Of course! But if you're going to complain about that, why did you buy a DSLR in the first place?

Besides the obvious of having a longer battery life (definitely a plus) and easier portrait orientation shooting, I find the camera much better to grip and hold with the grip on. All of the buttons on this Zeikos grip work with no hassle.

I guess a person can have a little more ease of mind if they purchase the genuine Canon battery grip, but for less than half of its cost, you can buy this 3rd party Zeikos grip and have the same functions.

A winner? Definitely! I would recommend you to buy Zeikos ZE-CBG50 from this site. Trusted site!

6:25 AM | 0 comments | Read More...

Zeikos ZE-NBG300 for Nikon D300 D700

Let me start by saying that the Zeikos ZE-NBG300 grip is well worth its price. It is built well enough to handle most things thrown at it. If you plan on using this with smaller, lighter lenses, then it'll be perfect. I was using primes when I first started using the Zeikos grip on my D300s.

But then I started shooting sports (tennis and basketball) which require shooting vertically most of the time, putting more stress on the plastic Zeikos unit. I also bought the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX DG HSM II lens, which added even more weight and stress. The Zeikos ZE-NBG300 grip is still working, but it now creaks and I can feel it flexing in my hands when I'm shooting.

The only incompatibility issue I've had with my grip is when the batteries are very low, the camera will stop shooting. After unscrewing and reinstalling the grip, I can shoot another 100-200 frames before the batteries truly die. I would recommend you to buy Zeikos ZE-NBG300 from this site.

One thing to keep in mind is that while cosmetically it matches the D700 (and D300's) body, the construction is plastic. The plastic body doesn't feel that cheap (maybe a little compared to the D700's body) but it would be notably less durable than the camera it is attached to. If you drop your expensive D700 or D300 your camera will probably just fine, although it'll be very possible to crack the grip.

If you want something as durable as the camera its self, save up and buy the more expensive Nikon grip. Otherwise, in my experience, you can't go wrong with this grip. Use some of the money you saved for an EN-EL4a so you can get the improved FPS.

Something to keep in mind is that if you put another EN-EL3e battery in this grip (the standard battery that the D700 uses) you will NOT get the improved 8 fps. You will need to use a EN-EL4a or AA batteries (AA battery tray is included). If you buy rechargeable batteries, be sure you get decent enough ones that will be powerful enough for the increase in FPS. Rechargeable batteries with lower-than-alkaline voltage output may not reach the required voltage output to do this.

7:58 AM | 0 comments | Read More...