Batteries are required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase batteries for this item.
The Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000 is a battery grip designed for use specifically with the Nikon D7000 digital SLR camera. It accepts a single EN-EL15 battery (includes battery chamber). In addition, the included AA battery holder allows you to use 6 AA batteries for added convenience.
The BG-N4 Battery Grip offers an alternate shutter release button, main and sub command dials, multi selector, and an AE-L/AF-L button to facilitate shooting in a vertical orientation.
Note! Batteries sold separately.
| Power Source |
1 x EN-EL15 Li-ion Battery 6 x AA Batteries |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 1/4"-20 |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F (0-40°C) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 5.2 x 1.9 x 2.8" (133.5 x 49.5 x 72.8 mm) |
| Weight | 8.7 oz (248 g) (with EN-EL15 battery holder, without batteries) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
GET A GRIP AND SAVE!
Sure...the Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip may extend camera use, is more comfortable when taking vertical shots, a lot cheaper than the Nikon equivalent and it makes the camera look more professional but ...Read complete review
Sure...the Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip may extend camera use, is more comfortable when taking vertical shots, a lot cheaper than the Nikon equivalent and it makes the camera look more professional but do you know that it can also save you money the more you use it?
Before I purchased the Vello Battery Grip for one of my Nikon D7000 cameras, if I was going to use my camera and the battery level indicated less than half, I would normally recharge the battery.
Rechargeable batteries have a lifespan. Let's use a scenario, a camera battery is estimated for 100 re-charges. If you use 75% of the battery power and then recharged it...you now have an estimated 99 re-charges even though the battery still had 25% of the power. Basically that 25% would be wasted. This adds up in the long run. Basically after 100 charges, you actually got the equivalent use of 75 batteries with 25 batteries thrown away.
Now I use a simple technique to maximize efficiency. I would have a well charged battery in the camera and use the partially charged battery in the Vello BG-N4 Grip. The camera is set to use the battery in the grip first then switches over to the battery in the camera automatically when power is low.
This allows me to deplete the battery more efficiently. If I am using the camera casually, I would just use it as is and at the next outing I would switch out the batteries placing the partially used battery that was in the camera into the Vello BG-N4 Grip and the freshly charged battery placed in the camera.
If I was using the camera extensively for example, taking videos or long photo shoots, the only adjustment I would make is to use the battery in the camera as a temporary backup until it is convenient to quickly change the depleted battery in the Vello BG-N4 Grip as needed.
If you like changing batteries (like changing magazines in a gun), then place an EN-EL15 battery in the camera as backup and use rechargeable AA batteries in the Vello Battery Grip with the AA battery holder. AA batteries do not last as long as the EN-EL15 battery....it might be fun and you would not skip a beat to get the shot.
I should point out that side access to the battery grip is quite beneficial. I use tripods, monopods and flash brackets regularly. When the camera is connected directly to these items (without grip), getting to the camera battery was a problem. With the Vello Grip, I can access the battery compartment without detaching the accessory.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
I really wanted to like this......
Full disclosure: this is my first battery grip. On the D70 and D200 (predecessors to my D7000) I didn't feel the need for a grip. But the smaller size of the D7000 made...Read complete review
Full disclosure: this is my first battery grip. On the D70 and D200 (predecessors to my D7000) I didn't feel the need for a grip. But the smaller size of the D7000 made me want to give one a try not for extra battery capacity, but for ergonomics.
Not crazy about the $220+ price tag of the Nikon grip, I was really hoping that the Vello grip would be 80% of the quality at 35% of the price of the OEM grip, and many of the reviews seemed to indicate that it was.
Alas, it was not to be.
All in all the grip was decent, but it did feel plasticky and cheap and even tightened down it felt a little wobbly on my D7000 body. The battery tray latch seemed flimsy as well (it was hard to tell if it was made of metal or plastic--a magnet did not attach) and I felt this was a real weak point that would render the whole grip useless if it broke and its build quality did not inspire confidence that it would last long.
But the final straw (so to speak) was the command dial on the grip--it felt like there was little to no detent and so the wheel basically just spun freely without stopping in a particular position. That's not going to work.
I ordered the OEM grip from BH and compared them side by side, and, even if the command dial was working properly the Nikon grip is of far, far better quality and at current pricing only $140 more, so I kept the Nikon grip and returned the Vello.
Although I've only had to return a few items to B&H over the 20+ years I've been buying from them, they made the process easy and fast with no hassles.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 160 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I had originally wanted the Nikon branded grip but saw how much money I would save by purchasing this one, especially since the reviews were great. The only reason I gave this four stars is because you have to be very particular when taking the battery grip on and off. It must be off when putting it on, or else the camera will not recognize the battery. One huge plus is that it has two battery pack options. You can use an extra lithium ion battery or use 6 AA batteries. Or have both loaded for when the other battery pack dies. The build quality is great and I love having a grip on the D7000 as it really evens out the weight. In my opinion, while it makes the overall equipment heavier, its more even, which makes it more comfortable to use. I especially love being able to have the shutter on the size for portraits.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Great for those who are under a budget. It meets all my expectation
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I wasn't sure if I needed a battery grip mostly because of the extra cost but with that being said....I took a chance and bought this one. It works great on my d7000. Has a screw on knob that tightens the connection. All the controls communicated perfectly with my nikon. I honestly can't say anything bad and I saved a lot of money.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Never used a camera grip before so I have nothing to compare with. All I can say is that it feels solid, fits flush to the camera, and all the buttons work fine. I would recommend this grip to anyone looking for an alternative to the costly grip Nikon offers.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
This product works, the best one for the price.
However, the connection between the battery pack and the base of the camera is not 100% tight. There is a very very little amount of play which is negligible. Also, the rubber grip was not properly installed onto the grip, but it is not something that I think would come off.
With all that being said, the grip, for the price is an excelent find.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I really wanted a grip for my D7000, but I wasn't ready to drop [$] on one. This one is fantastic. Fits my camera like a glove, and no one knows the difference. I didn't have any problems getting it to start working like other people mentioned.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I had a little trouble installing it the first time, but it has been great since. This grip works as advertised. I'm sure it is not as we'll built as the Nikon version and the grip is not seem less connection visually in the front of the camera, but for the money you cannot beat this for the pro photographer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
cheaper, with same feel, however different types of batteries are needed. Great product overall even with the battery issue.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Doing the job, convenient, looks reliable.
When set as primary battery, it's very easy to charge it, while the camera's battery stays full.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I use the BG-N4 Battery grip for every shoot and even for landscape photography. It helps take awkwardness out of the different angles of shooting I tend to do.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I have shot with 'big' cameras all my life. Crown Graphics, Mamiya TLRs, etc. My new Nikon D7000 was a bit small for my taste, especially when paired with the 70-300 VR. While I would have liked the Nikon grip, I couldn't afford it so I bought the Vello. I went on the camera very nicely and has a good feel to the surface. I have heard some complaints about 3rd party grips that they came loose. This shows no sign of doing that, in fact the Nikon grip on my D200 had to be constantly retightened. I have not seen any mushiness or stiffness in the buttons or wheels. All in all I am very pleased with this grip.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
This is a great alternative to the Nikon MB-D11. Although the Nikon is probably a more refined, and weather proofed product, this works great! It has all the same features and functions of the pricier version at a third of the cost. The only gripe I have about it is that the sub command dial lacks the same indexed click as the main command dial. I would have given it 4 1/2 stars if I could for this minor detail, but it's still so good that I'll round up. Add in that it comes with the battery holder for six AA's as well and it's a steal.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I purchased a Nikon grip for my D90 and had issues with it, it worked, however had to make some adjustments to it to get it functional. This one being an off brand so far works flawlessly. Good connection to the camera, does what it should. The only drawback I see compared to my grip for the D90 is that it hold only one battery, while the second battery is in the camera. In other words you have to remove the grip to remove the second battery. However for the cost I don't regret buying this unit.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I had mixed feelings about buying this grip instead of the much more expensive Nikon one. A lot of my friends have the Nikon grip and I didn't want to be singled out as the guy with the cheap grip. But the price difference was enough to get me to take the chance.
This grip is great! While the shutter button and dials aren't as great as the Nikon version, they are still fine. My friend who has a Nikon grip commented that it feels just like his.
A number of people have commented how tricky it is to install. I didn't have a problem at all with installation but did confused when the installed grip didn't register the grip battery. I checked the instruction book and researched online and didn't see anything to explain it. Finally, I realized that you need to push one of the buttons on the grip to engage the battery. Weird and unclear.
Now that i know that I am very happy with this grip. Good weight to it, works as advertised and at a fraction of the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
extra grip--- extra power--- extra shutter buttons--- this is my first try with vello products i read many review's and watch video about this product so i can not comment on the nikon grip never touch it or use it. so thats why i got this it looks just like it so i will update this review as the month goes by. i will repeat this statement as i did in the nikon d7000 review " for some reason nikon decide not to put 2 batteries in the grip so one is in the camera and one in the grip so u have to take off the grip to get to the battery in the camera to recharge it . if u can deal with this then go for the grip "
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Works as advertised and a good value. If you have larger hands it gives a bit more real estate to grip.
Adding the little bit of additional weight also gives better balance when hand holding a longer/hevier lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Great buy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
This is easy to use, price is very good and does the job.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
You can not beat this product for the price, it's great! Easy to assemble and great feel once you have the battery grip on. I have no issues with the contacts as I popped in my second battery and attached the battery grip and wa la!, detected the second battery without a glitch. The good thing about this battery grip is that it doesnt add much weight to my camera, my camera feels more sturdy with it on. I would highly recommend this product to a friend who is also shooting with a D7000.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
After reading the other reviews from B & H customers, I decided to buy the Vello grip. Yes, it's plastic and yes, it is not as "heavy" as the nikon, but for a third of the price you get a grip that adds to the feel and functionality of the d7000. I have used it with the en-el-15 and with plain alkaline batteries and have had NO problems. And yes it does help tremendously in portait mode. My only complaint was the initial connection to the camera--it takes a little more effort to attach the grip than you would think at first. Once connected, it works great.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
GET A GRIP AND SAVE!
Sure...the Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip may extend camera use, is more comfortable when taking vertical shots, a lot cheaper than the Nikon equivalent and it makes the camera look more professional but ...Read complete review
Sure...the Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip may extend camera use, is more comfortable when taking vertical shots, a lot cheaper than the Nikon equivalent and it makes the camera look more professional but do you know that it can also save you money the more you use it?
Before I purchased the Vello Battery Grip for one of my Nikon D7000 cameras, if I was going to use my camera and the battery level indicated less than half, I would normally recharge the battery.
Rechargeable batteries have a lifespan. Let's use a scenario, a camera battery is estimated for 100 re-charges. If you use 75% of the battery power and then recharged it...you now have an estimated 99 re-charges even though the battery still had 25% of the power. Basically that 25% would be wasted. This adds up in the long run. Basically after 100 charges, you actually got the equivalent use of 75 batteries with 25 batteries thrown away.
Now I use a simple technique to maximize efficiency. I would have a well charged battery in the camera and use the partially charged battery in the Vello BG-N4 Grip. The camera is set to use the battery in the grip first then switches over to the battery in the camera automatically when power is low.
This allows me to deplete the battery more efficiently. If I am using the camera casually, I would just use it as is and at the next outing I would switch out the batteries placing the partially used battery that was in the camera into the Vello BG-N4 Grip and the freshly charged battery placed in the camera.
If I was using the camera extensively for example, taking videos or long photo shoots, the only adjustment I would make is to use the battery in the camera as a temporary backup until it is convenient to quickly change the depleted battery in the Vello BG-N4 Grip as needed.
If you like changing batteries (like changing magazines in a gun), then place an EN-EL15 battery in the camera as backup and use rechargeable AA batteries in the Vello Battery Grip with the AA battery holder. AA batteries do not last as long as the EN-EL15 battery....it might be fun and you would not skip a beat to get the shot.
I should point out that side access to the battery grip is quite beneficial. I use tripods, monopods and flash brackets regularly. When the camera is connected directly to these items (without grip), getting to the camera battery was a problem. With the Vello Grip, I can access the battery compartment without detaching the accessory.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
I really wanted to like this......
Full disclosure: this is my first battery grip. On the D70 and D200 (predecessors to my D7000) I didn't feel the need for a grip. But the smaller size of the D7000 made...Read complete review
Full disclosure: this is my first battery grip. On the D70 and D200 (predecessors to my D7000) I didn't feel the need for a grip. But the smaller size of the D7000 made me want to give one a try not for extra battery capacity, but for ergonomics.
Not crazy about the $220+ price tag of the Nikon grip, I was really hoping that the Vello grip would be 80% of the quality at 35% of the price of the OEM grip, and many of the reviews seemed to indicate that it was.
Alas, it was not to be.
All in all the grip was decent, but it did feel plasticky and cheap and even tightened down it felt a little wobbly on my D7000 body. The battery tray latch seemed flimsy as well (it was hard to tell if it was made of metal or plastic--a magnet did not attach) and I felt this was a real weak point that would render the whole grip useless if it broke and its build quality did not inspire confidence that it would last long.
But the final straw (so to speak) was the command dial on the grip--it felt like there was little to no detent and so the wheel basically just spun freely without stopping in a particular position. That's not going to work.
I ordered the OEM grip from BH and compared them side by side, and, even if the command dial was working properly the Nikon grip is of far, far better quality and at current pricing only $140 more, so I kept the Nikon grip and returned the Vello.
Although I've only had to return a few items to B&H over the 20+ years I've been buying from them, they made the process easy and fast with no hassles.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 160 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I had originally wanted the Nikon branded grip but saw how much money I would save by purchasing this one, especially since the reviews were great. The only reason I gave this four stars is because you have to be very particular when taking the battery grip on and off. It must be off when putting it on, or else the camera will not recognize the battery. One huge plus is that it has two battery pack options. You can use an extra lithium ion battery or use 6 AA batteries. Or have both loaded for when the other battery pack dies. The build quality is great and I love having a grip on the D7000 as it really evens out the weight. In my opinion, while it makes the overall equipment heavier, its more even, which makes it more comfortable to use. I especially love being able to have the shutter on the size for portraits.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Great for those who are under a budget. It meets all my expectation
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I wasn't sure if I needed a battery grip mostly because of the extra cost but with that being said....I took a chance and bought this one. It works great on my d7000. Has a screw on knob that tightens the connection. All the controls communicated perfectly with my nikon. I honestly can't say anything bad and I saved a lot of money.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Never used a camera grip before so I have nothing to compare with. All I can say is that it feels solid, fits flush to the camera, and all the buttons work fine. I would recommend this grip to anyone looking for an alternative to the costly grip Nikon offers.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
This product works, the best one for the price.
However, the connection between the battery pack and the base of the camera is not 100% tight. There is a very very little amount of play which is negligible. Also, the rubber grip was not properly installed onto the grip, but it is not something that I think would come off.
With all that being said, the grip, for the price is an excelent find.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I really wanted a grip for my D7000, but I wasn't ready to drop [$] on one. This one is fantastic. Fits my camera like a glove, and no one knows the difference. I didn't have any problems getting it to start working like other people mentioned.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I had a little trouble installing it the first time, but it has been great since. This grip works as advertised. I'm sure it is not as we'll built as the Nikon version and the grip is not seem less connection visually in the front of the camera, but for the money you cannot beat this for the pro photographer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
cheaper, with same feel, however different types of batteries are needed. Great product overall even with the battery issue.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Doing the job, convenient, looks reliable.
When set as primary battery, it's very easy to charge it, while the camera's battery stays full.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I use the BG-N4 Battery grip for every shoot and even for landscape photography. It helps take awkwardness out of the different angles of shooting I tend to do.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I have shot with 'big' cameras all my life. Crown Graphics, Mamiya TLRs, etc. My new Nikon D7000 was a bit small for my taste, especially when paired with the 70-300 VR. While I would have liked the Nikon grip, I couldn't afford it so I bought the Vello. I went on the camera very nicely and has a good feel to the surface. I have heard some complaints about 3rd party grips that they came loose. This shows no sign of doing that, in fact the Nikon grip on my D200 had to be constantly retightened. I have not seen any mushiness or stiffness in the buttons or wheels. All in all I am very pleased with this grip.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
This is a great alternative to the Nikon MB-D11. Although the Nikon is probably a more refined, and weather proofed product, this works great! It has all the same features and functions of the pricier version at a third of the cost. The only gripe I have about it is that the sub command dial lacks the same indexed click as the main command dial. I would have given it 4 1/2 stars if I could for this minor detail, but it's still so good that I'll round up. Add in that it comes with the battery holder for six AA's as well and it's a steal.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I purchased a Nikon grip for my D90 and had issues with it, it worked, however had to make some adjustments to it to get it functional. This one being an off brand so far works flawlessly. Good connection to the camera, does what it should. The only drawback I see compared to my grip for the D90 is that it hold only one battery, while the second battery is in the camera. In other words you have to remove the grip to remove the second battery. However for the cost I don't regret buying this unit.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
I had mixed feelings about buying this grip instead of the much more expensive Nikon one. A lot of my friends have the Nikon grip and I didn't want to be singled out as the guy with the cheap grip. But the price difference was enough to get me to take the chance.
This grip is great! While the shutter button and dials aren't as great as the Nikon version, they are still fine. My friend who has a Nikon grip commented that it feels just like his.
A number of people have commented how tricky it is to install. I didn't have a problem at all with installation but did confused when the installed grip didn't register the grip battery. I checked the instruction book and researched online and didn't see anything to explain it. Finally, I realized that you need to push one of the buttons on the grip to engage the battery. Weird and unclear.
Now that i know that I am very happy with this grip. Good weight to it, works as advertised and at a fraction of the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
extra grip--- extra power--- extra shutter buttons--- this is my first try with vello products i read many review's and watch video about this product so i can not comment on the nikon grip never touch it or use it. so thats why i got this it looks just like it so i will update this review as the month goes by. i will repeat this statement as i did in the nikon d7000 review " for some reason nikon decide not to put 2 batteries in the grip so one is in the camera and one in the grip so u have to take off the grip to get to the battery in the camera to recharge it . if u can deal with this then go for the grip "
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Works as advertised and a good value. If you have larger hands it gives a bit more real estate to grip.
Adding the little bit of additional weight also gives better balance when hand holding a longer/hevier lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
Great buy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
This is easy to use, price is very good and does the job.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
You can not beat this product for the price, it's great! Easy to assemble and great feel once you have the battery grip on. I have no issues with the contacts as I popped in my second battery and attached the battery grip and wa la!, detected the second battery without a glitch. The good thing about this battery grip is that it doesnt add much weight to my camera, my camera feels more sturdy with it on. I would highly recommend this product to a friend who is also shooting with a D7000.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vello BG-N4 Battery Grip for Nikon D7000:
After reading the other reviews from B & H customers, I decided to buy the Vello grip. Yes, it's plastic and yes, it is not as "heavy" as the nikon, but for a third of the price you get a grip that adds to the feel and functionality of the d7000. I have used it with the en-el-15 and with plain alkaline batteries and have had NO problems. And yes it does help tremendously in portait mode. My only complaint was the initial connection to the camera--it takes a little more effort to attach the grip than you would think at first. Once connected, it works great.