Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I did a lot of research before I purchased this item, however; there were no reviews on it as it relates to the D5000. The only thing I could ever find is the manufacturer claiming that it fits the D5000 or someone elses review of it for a different camera (D40/D60.)
I'm just getting back into the SLR frame of mind for photo's and I knew a battery grip was one thing I wanted. The lack of a NIKON grip for the D5000 nearly kept me from purchasing the camera but the D5000 was really a great entry into the dslr arena, so I bought it and the OPTEKA battery grip.
The OPTEKA grip does fit the NIKON D5000 but it's not a perfect fit. The "tray" that the bottom of the camera is nestled in when they go together is just "slightly" larger than the bottom of the camera. A person who isn't a camera entheuiast probably wouldn't notice and from a small distance it's not noticable but things like this usually bother me! Don't get me wrong, it's not a loose fit, the grip fits tight and there is no slop, it's just that the small raised lip around the top edge of the grip is "slightly" larger then the bottom of the camera! It's not really an issue but consumers need to know this because this may bother some people! The outer demensions of the grip are virtually identical to the outer demensions of the camera and the look and finish of the grip are pretty much spot on!
When you hold it, it feels similar to the D5000. It appears to have a similar build quaiity to the camera body. It doesn't add any significant weight to the camera except for you now have two batteries instead of one. This product also comes with a battery cradle that holds six double A batteries so if you get in a pinch you can buy new batteries virtually anywhere! I havn't tried this out yet!
I was also worried about taking off the cameras battery door to install the grip but that was very easy, it just snapped right out! They even have a slot in the grip for you to put the battery door in so you don't lose it!
Installation was a breeze. You just gently remove the camera battery door (instructions come with grip) and slide the electronic contacts (male) into the battery receptacle (female.) Then you turn a thumbwheel that turns a bolt (1/4") that screws into the area on the bottom of the camera where you usually attach a tripod and you're done. It's a tight solid fit and it all feels like one piece! The grip also has an area on the bottom of it where you can attach a tripod (1/4".) It all feels very good in my hands!
After about a month of use I highly recommend this product for anyone who has a D5000. Overall the benefits of this product far outweigh the fact that it may actually have been produced and intended for a "slightly" larger camera. It is a wonderful product that I am very happy with and it adds to my enjoyment of my D5000.
I can't comment on the vertical shutter release as I personally have no interest in this feature as of yet.
fit..............................9 of 10
looks.........................10 of 10
ease of assembally.......10 of 10
operational value.........10 of 10 (don't have to change betteries as often.)
value for the $..........10 of 10 (if NIKON made one it would cost much more.)
hope this helps someone.
sincerely..... Mike R.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR with 2 extended EN-EL9 Batteries (2400mAh Total)
Opteka is one of the world's leading producer of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! The Opteka BP-50D includes battery trays for 2 BP-511 batteries or AA batteries. This provides an extremely extended shooting time. Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. Compatible with Canon EOS 20D, 30D, 40D, & 50D Digital SLR Camera only. The high-capacity Opteka EN-EL9 rechargeable lithium-ion 2000mAh battery is a high quality replacement for Nikon EN-EL9 Battery. It features lithium technology, which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. It also features no memory effect that lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance. Beware of low quality knockoffs, they can often damage your camera. Opteka Batteries are Guaranteed.
