98_GstEclipse

I've been thinking about getting a grip for my D3000. Since Nikon doesnt make one for the D3000, I have to buy it from another company.

Does anyone recommend a certain brand?

Are they really worth it?

I like the fact that it holds two batteries, which will come in handy when I go on my cruise in May and also most of the ones that I have seen have the vertical shutter release.

I found this one but not sure if there is any better ones out there.
Amazon.com: Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR with 2 extended EN-EL9 Batteries (2400mAh Total): Camera & Photo

Jake2k

I have the grip made by Targus, I bought it because it made my tiny D40 easier to hold on to, let me add an extra battery, and it was cheap (I think I paid $40). I wouldn't buy it for the vertical shutter release because its pretty useless, I works through the infared like the remotes and doesn't allow you to half hold to focus. But its def. Worth the money for the extended battery life and holding surface.

98_GstEclipse

Thanks, I wonder if the Targus will fit on the D3000.

btuner

looks like the ones that fit the d40s fit the d3000s

Cola

If you are going to go off brand I would recommend Targus or Zeikos

98_GstEclipse

All the ones that I saw says they fit the D40/D60/D3000/D5000 other than the Targus. I would imagine the Targus came out before the D3000/D5000 thats why they are not mentioned for compatible cameras
I'll have to check out the Zeikos. From what it looks like Nikon doesnt make grips for the D3000. They do have one for the D90 but I'm not sure if that will fit

Cola

The thing it the d40 and i believe the d3000 DO NOT have the contacts in the battery compartment to control the camera such as adding a 2nd shutter button for portrait mode shooting so because of this Nikon doesn't make grips for it. When you buy 3rd party such as the brands listed earlier they usually have an infrared signal that shoots to your camera as if though you were using a wireless remote but there is no half press for focusing on the grip itself, it focuses on whatever is in frame and snaps just like it was a remote.

The benefits of getting a batter grip for entry level dslr's such as these is that added stability and comfort in your hand and of course more battery options but unfortunately the actual adding a 2nd shutter button doesn't work the way others would.

I do not believe the mb-d80 (or other Nikon battery grips) would work because of the contact pins on it that go into the battery compartment on the Nikon d80/90 to control the camera by adding 2 additional scroll wheels and a 2nd true shutter for shooting portrait mode.

Hope this helps, it's the best way i could think to explain it

98_GstEclipse

Thanks!!

I'm going to try and find someone that has the Targus grip and see if it will fit on the D3000.

AHHthatsJDMyo

i have the targus grip on my d60. 2 batteries are great to have and the grip makes a tiny camera so much more comfortable to hold and use. but the verticle shutter release is completely retarded.

98_GstEclipse

Thats pretty much the main reason why I want one. We should meet up to see if yours will fit on my D3000 before I go out and buy one.