Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip for Nikon D200 Digital Camera

Comments about Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip:

Have had issues with the vertical shutter not working correctly after about 2 months...and I just lived with it.

I have tried to get ahold of Targus Customer Service via phone and email and have had no response on at least three occasions now.

Grip doesn't fit as snug as it could in the body either.

I am waiting to see if they will respond, but I am guessing not.

Comments about Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip:

Well, let me start out by saying that if you are trying to decide between this and the Nikon MB-D200 than I would recommend this product! I had a hard time decideing as well. This product does not suffer from the famous "clip breaking" that happens with the Nikon Grip. This grip uses the same system as the Nikon MB-D10 in that you place both batteries in a tray and slide it in the side of the grip. On the back there is a switch that you use to switch from using the left batter-Off-Right battery. The "Off" position is nice because when storeing the camera you can actually turn the grip off which helps the batteries stay charged long. The grip looks and feels great on the D200 and the Vertical shutter release works Great! It will probably never be leaveing my D200, the hols is so much better. You know when you hold the D200 the bottom of the camera is at about the middle of your palm? Well with the grip on you can get your entire hand on the camera. I do hope this is helpfull!

Comments about Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip:

Switching back and forth from horizontal to vertical shooting is so easy with this grip. Vertical shooting is MUCH more comfortable than the classical reverse twist crouch which now seems both awkward and obsolete. Vertical shooting is now more stable than ever and the extra bulk is an asset.

Comments about Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip:

Since purchasing the Targus Vertical Grip for my Nikon D200, I've shot around 1000 images. I like the fact that the grip stores a second battery that can be easily accessed without having to dig around in my camera bag.

The primary reason I purchased the grip was for the extra shutter button and controls that allow me to use my D200 in the vertical orientation. I'm still trying to get used to the extra sensitive shutter button and the fact that I have to raise the camera a bit higher to look through the viewfinder. (Most of those 1000 shutter released were not vertical :-)

I also found it necessary to tighten the wheel that secures the grip to the camera on more than one occasion after installing it. Somehow it becomes loose.

Overall, I'm pleased with the grip and hope my heavy shutter button finger can lighten up a bit to avoid those accidental releases because of the button's sensitivity.

Comments about Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip:

This review is somewhat detailed. You can skip through to the end for the basic conclusion.I bought one of these grips because I am involved with Wedding Photography and take hundreds of photos at each assignment. I hate changing batteries at important events as I may miss a photo opportunity, similar to changing flash batteries. One EN-EL3e battery is not enough power, I use three or four EN-EL3e batteries at weddings (conservatively). I own two Nikon 200D bodies, this grip is ALWAYS attached to ONE of them.The grip does NOT use two EN-EL3e batteries at the same time, it just HOLDS two batteries. You can basically switch from one to the other. Still faster than changing a battery in the camera. I assume that you will be using two EN-EL3e batteries in this grip. Anything less would not be practical. See the Problems to know why.The grip has the ability to turn OFF the power to the camera entirely to conserve the battery. This is beneficial when the camera is not used for long periods.If the camera is not going to be used for a few weeks, it is recommended that you remove the batteries entirely. This applies to almost all battery powered equipment, not just this grip. Under normal circumstances, more power is drained when the camera has access to the battery. Even though the camera is OFF, it still uses power. In other words, if you want to conserve battery power, switch off the power from the TG-BGD200 or remove the batteries. The batteries will retain its charge longer.Be advised that you should NOT leave the camera ON and use the switch on the TG-BGD200 to power ON or OFF the camera. Turn off the camera then switch off the grip or switch on the grip then turn on the camera.I also like the vertical grip because it makes the camera more comfortable for me to hold. It also makes the camera look like a beast (just aesthitics). I don't use the AE/AF lock button that much, I am more of a MANUAL exposure photographer.In conclusion, I recommend the TG-BGD200 Grip to anyone who wants double shooting capacity, shoot lots of vertical photos and also have large hands. It is cheaper than the Nikon equivalent and perhaps just as good, if not better. Best with EN-EL3e batteries.

Expertise: Pro photographer

Problems Encountered: I purchased the grip to avoid purchasing expensive EN-EL3e batteries. I was disappointed with the overall performance using any AA size battery.Heavy duty and alkalines are a total waste of time. You would be lucky to get more than a couple dozen photos with normal use of the camera. They simply do not have enough power. Lithiums are way too expensive hence not practical compared to rechargeables. I used rechargeables a few times but for some reason it does not always work in the grip. Somehow the camera just does not get power with certain rechargeable batteries. I don't know if its because of the brand or power such as 2100mAh and 2500mAh. If you are seriously considering getting the grip to avoid buying the expensive EN-EL3e batteries...GOOD LUCK CHUCK!Minor inconveniences, the writing on the grip comes off easily and I need to tighten the grip to the camera regularly. I almost freaked out when my newly purchased 200D camera suddenly went blank. After a few minutes of fiddling, I realized that the grip got a little loose from the camera. It needed tightening. Phew!I don't like removing the battery cover entirely from the camera in order to insert the battery grip. I am afraid of losing such small items. Yes, there is a slot to place the removed cover built into the grip but some grips are designed to accommodate the cover without removal from the camera. I assume that this was designed by Nikon because the cover comes off easily (as instructed on the manual) to facilitate the grip, the manufacturer simply designed the grip according to this feature. Not a big problem for me since I own two cameras. It may be an issue for individuals who need to remove the grip regularly to make the camera smaller. The grip is bulky.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon Battery Grip for Rebel T2

Items I Recommend: Nikon EN-EL3e Batteries

Comments about Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip:

I opted for the Targus after reading about numerouscomplaints of the frailty of the Nikon equivalent.Price was also a factor, after purchasing the D200 and othermisc stuff,I 'squeezed' in the battery grip and and extrabattery.Build is excellent, it also cost lest than Nikon's it hasfull functions, and works well in the field.Very highly recommended!

Expertise: Semi-pro

Comments about Targus TG-BGD200 Vertical Battery Grip:

I don't own a Nikon vertical battery grip but I suspect that these look about the same on the outside. I can't vouch for the battery compartment, though, which on the inside contains a battery tray that you slip both (or one) battery in and close the latch. The instructions mentioned a catch inside the battery compartment but I couldn't see it. The battery tray doesn't fly out when I open the hatch, though, so it's of little consequence. The outside looks a lot like the D200 and the Targus label is inconspicuously placed on the bottom near the tripod screw hole. There are controls for using this grip in the vertical position as well as a battery selector switch. The mounting screw tightens this grip securely against the D200 body and did not loosen during the couple of weeks I've had it on. The D200 battery door stores in the Targus just like it does in the Nikon and it comes with an adapter tray for AA batteries as well. All in all a decent product and probably a better value than the Nikon equivalent for those who want a vertical battery grip on their camera.

Expertise: Advanced amateur

Problems Encountered: None to date

Items I Recommend: Extra battery and/or rechargeable AAs