Our take on the Nikon MB-D12

by Woody Sherman

A must have for D800 enthusiasts, this battery grip from Nikon gives you extended shooting time plus increased comfort and balance as you snap photos. It attaches to the bottom of your D800, providing a convenient grip when holding the camera in the vertical position. It offers a shutter release button, front and rear command dials, and a joystick control for setting focus points. The magnesium frame and rubberized surfaces match your D800 perfectly and give it a more professional look and feel. The grip holds an optional EN-EL15 or EN-EL18 Nikon battery, or lets you operate your camera using eight "AA" batteries (not included).

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Highlights:

lets you comfortably hold camera upright for portraits
ideal for photographers with larger hands and those shooting with heavier, professional or telephoto lenses
compatible with Nikon D800 camera
camera grip holds one optional EN-EL15/EN-EL18 or 8 optional "AA" batteries
dual battery operation: uses one EN-EL15/18 in the camera and one in the grip
built-in AF-ON button, vertical shutter release button, front and rear command dials, and joystick control
warranty: 1 year
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What's in the box?

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MB-D12 Multi-Power Battery Pack with contact cap (installed)
MS-D12 battery holder for AA batteries
MS-D12EN battery holder for EN-EL15 battery (installed)
Soft holder case
User's Manual
Warranty Programs sheet

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Features

Overview: The Nikon MB-D12 Multi-Power Battery Pack is designed for use with Nikon's D800 and D800E digital SLR cameras. The MB-D12 takes one Nikon EN-EL15 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (sold separately) or eight "AA" batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH, or Lithium). An EN-EL18 Lithium-Ion battery can also be used, but a BL-5 battery-chamber cover (sold separately) and MH-26 battery charger are required.

Vertical Grip: Not only does the MB-D12 serve as a battery pack for the Nikon D800/D800E, it also acts as a vertical hand-grip for portrait shots, and provides a shutter-release button, multi-selector, main- and sub-command dials, and an AF-ON button.

Battery Life: The estimated battery life* for the D800 camera using the MB-D12 is as follows:

One EN-EL15 battery (in camera): Approximately 900 shots
One EN-EL15 battery (in MB-D12): Approximately 900 shots
One EN-EL18 battery (in MB-D12): Approximately 1400 shots
Two EN-EL15 batteries (one in camera and one in MB-D12): Approximately 1800 shots
Eight AA batteries (in MB-D12): Approximately 1000 shots

*Using CIPA standard

Battery Use Order: In the camera's menu, you can choose whether the battery in the camera or the batteries in the battery pack are used first when an optional MB-D12 battery pack is attached.

Weight: The MB-D12 weighs 9.9 oz. (excluding batteries), 12.9 oz. with EN-EL15, and 16.3 oz. with 8 "AA" batteries.

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4 out of 5

Nice addition to my Nikon D- 800 E camera

Written By FRENCH CHEF, Chicagoland,Il on Thursday, October 25, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Very easy to mount to camera.. .now camera works off of two batteries ,one in battery grip and one in camera,can use live view more often,and don't have to worry about battery power. in the grip battery changes out real easy.......Hor/vert. shooting with camera now a breeze !

Pros:

Saves muscle power in your arms when shooting Vertical ! Real comfortable.....will leave on camera all the time. You won't be unhappy with this quality Nikon product.

Cons:

Expensive !

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4 out of 5

amator

Written By Sam, Brooklyn, NY on Sunday, October 21, 2012

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Good but Price!!

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Nikon MB-D12

Multi-battery grip for Nikon D800 digital SLR

Item# 054MBD12 offer details

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