Love this thing!
By IVAN
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-09
Yes, it feels overpriced, but man, do I love this thing!
I bought it to complete my video camera rig, which is built around a Nikon Z6II that sits on a Sachtler base plate, complete with 15mm rails, follow focus, Atomos Ninja V, and other accessories. It has greatly improved the operability of this kit for shooting video, as I now have all essential camera controls accessible on the handle of my video tripod. The grip is attached to the handle via its own ARRI-rosette and a CAMVATE Multipurpose Super Crab Clamp and ARRI Rosette (Mount M6 female thread).
When my camera goes off the tripod and unto my Easyrig, I switch this grip to another female ARRI rosette attached to the right side of my camera cage. It only takes a moment to do so.
Be advised, this grip connects to the Nikon Z using the camera's only USB-C port, which I had been using to power the camera from a 20,000 mAh ANKER powerbank. I therefore needed to buy a dummy battery that now connects to the USB-C port on a SmallRig battery plate for NP-F batteries, which sits on the back of my 15mm rails and helps balance the camera. This solution is working just fine for me.
Asides from the expected controls for AF, aperture, shutter, main menu, start-and-stop recording (yessss!!!), etc, the grip has two customizable function buttons on its left side that can be configured by the user via the camera's menu. These buttons are a little tricky to reach, but one gets used to reaching them. I have one set to choose focus area mode, the other to switch between full-frame and DX imaging areas, which means every lens now acts as two different lenses (in terms of framing) and I can quickly use that button to switch between those modes in between shots (mind you, you cannot switch sensor size while shooting unless you have a Z9, in which case it actually acts as a smooth electronic zoom!).
It runs on 2AA batteries that last a long time, and although connecting it to the camera via USB-C cable may seem old-fashioned in this age of wirelessness, it also means the connection is always stable, no need for complicated or unreliable configurations via bluetooth or wifi.
Nikon quality and feel. Controls are arranged in the same basic configuration as those on the camera body so they feel familiar right away. I was waiting for this accessory to become available and got it as soon as B&H announced it was finally in stock. I am so very happy with that decision!
So useful!
By Daniel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-30
I was hesitant to purchase this, but once I tried it i was sold on it. While photographing with a tripod and a video head with this grip attached (with the Super Crab Clamp) to the arm it is possible to control the head and the camera with one hand. Very convenient.
