Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Nikon D300’

Nikon MB D10 Multi Power Battery Pack for Nikon D300 and D700 Digital SLR Cameras

MBD 10 For NIkon D300 Digital Camera includes MS-D10EN for use with EN-EL3e battery (sold separately)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nikon MB-D10 Review
I love it. Great quality from Nikon as always. I love the option to change battery types (I use the EN-EL3e) and also like the option to shoot in the vertical orientation as it has the shutter release button, 2 dials like on the camera and the thumb wheel (the thumb wheel is kind of small for my taste). It doesn’t add as much weight to the camera as I originally thought it would. Although it does make the camera a bit bulkier. Kind of makes it look and feel like a D3. It takes some time getting used to using the button, dial and thumb wheel.

4 Stars Likin’ it so far
I’ve had now four dslr’s (Canon XT, 30D, 40D and Nikon D300) and only the first two were gripped. I really didn’t use the grips and they would really get in the way when “bagging” my camera. Plus, I bought one of those camdapters, so I didn’t need the grip to hook up my hand strap. The 10% of the time I shot portrait didn’t really bother me, so moving the hand up top was no big deal.

Till I shot a wedding.

I bought the MB-D10 shortly after. It’s built well, fits perfectly (unlike the one for my 30D) and works excellent. Well, except for one thing, but I’ll get to that.

Pluses: Better multi-controller, second AF button and shutter button, more battery life, better balance with heavy lenses. As compared to the Canon grip, it’s smaller, too.

Cons: Shutter button is way sensitive (no gap between half-press and full-press), heavy, same issue in bagging the camera. As compared to the Canon grip, the fact that it doesn’t replace the internal battery means you might have to remove/replace the grip just to change batteries. In practice, that’s not really any kind of problem as the D300 battery lasts for around 1000 shots!

I love using a gripped body. Just feels better balanced, especially with a 28-70 or 70-300 out front. It will, however, weigh on your neck a bit more. The grip is well-built, but that means it adds some weight. I love having the portrait shutter button, but I do find (and have seen other reviews saying the same) the shutter button to be ultra sensitive. Since I use the AF-On button for AF, no problem there, but sometimes it fires before VR gets up and running fully.

I’m torn between liking the size and shape and wishing it went up into the grip of the body. I like the size, it fits into a bag alone easier, but it means you still have a battery in the grip of the body, which means if the grip battery dies and it uses the body battery (or if you select to use the body battery first), you must remove the grip to get at your body battery. A trade-off to be sure.

Personally, the pros outweigh the cons. I’ll be keeping this grip. Plus it will migrate to a D700 when/if I finally get one!

4 Stars Excellent conditions, but not compete
The grip is in excellent conditions and work ok, but are missing some items, that was present in the original package.

Items missing:

MS-D10EN holder for EN-EL3 batteries;

Contact cap;

Holder case.

5 Stars Another GREAT accessory for someone on the go
When I bought my D700 I also purchased the MB-D10. I’m from the film camera days and learned the value of these battery packs are two-fold. First, it’s another place to pack more power. Second, it provides a second shutter release when you’re shooting vertically. Because the MB-D10 is made for the D300 and D700, it also offers a second set of main and sub-command dials conveniently located near the second shutter release, making vertical shots easier on the photographer. With this accessory, I can spend more time looking through the viewfinder and not having to look at the camera back. The MB-D10 is nice because it accommodates different types of batteries, although I prefer to work with multiple EN-EL3e batteries. But it’s always nice to know you can throw in some AA batteries in a pinch!

5 Stars Just works right!
This adds great balance and handling to the D300S, esp. with larger or longer lenses. Costs much more than the cheap clones, but it just works right. Fits perfectly, no flex, no squeak. Just use the battery in here, forget taking it on and off to access a battery in the camera itself; carry the spare battery in your pocket or camera bag.

If you depend on your gear on the job, then don’t skimp on the accessories. Use the real thing. Something cheaper suddenly becomes lots more expensive if it fails when you need it.

Lee Krohn Photography, LLC

Manchester, Vermont

Buy/More Info

Lowepro Cirrus TLZ 25 Holster Style Case For Digital SLR and Telephoto Zoom Lens Black

Designed for today’s pro-compact and compact digital cameras, the Cirrus Series easily protects both camera and lens from the outside elements. The interior features a memory card pocket for quick changes and brushed tricot lining protect LCD screen and lens from abrasion. The exterior of the bags are built with a tough water and abrasion resistant fabric and can be attached through either a belt-loop or with an included shoulder-strap. This lightweight and compact top-loading bag provides digital camera users with solid protection and fast access to capture those spontaneous moments.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars GREAT Camera Bag
I got this camera bag for my Canon Rebel XS. The original bag I got for my DSLR was bulky (can hold lenses, accessories, etc), so I needed a more practical solution for taking my camera out for shooting.

The only downside to this is that you can only have one lens on, but that being said, you can have a long telephoto zoom lens and still have it fit in the bag – other bags I was looking at could only accommodate a standard lens.

Very practical, convenient, and easy to take your camera around in this. Seems pretty protective, too!

4 Stars nice travel case for DSLR
I have it for almost a year now. It is compact and fits easily on my D-90 with the 18-105 lens + hood on it.

PROS:

1) Easy to put the camera in and take it out

2) Easy and very compact to carry

3) Fits D-90 + 18-105 lens + hood

4) Some space for keeping the cleaning cloth

CONS:

1) Cant keep anything else.

But this is meant for travel and easy access I think and best suits the purpose.

2 Stars Not big enough for a D300
The case’s length is fine for my lens (which most people seem concerned about) but the body of a Nikon D300 barely squeezes it. And I do mean barely. I would try another case if you have a D300.

5 Stars Perfect fit 5DmkII
I got this as a second bag for when I just want the camera and don’t want to carry around a big ole equipment bag..

It fits my 5DmkII with the kit 24-105 lens perfectly.. it’s snug enough where I have to push the camera body in at the end.. fits like a glove!

5 Stars Perfect For DSLR with Large Lens
This was just exactly what I needed. I have a Nikon D80 with a Tamron 18-270 zoom lens and it fits perfectly in this holster. It is easy to carry and I can carry several spare batteries in the pocket of the holster. Great protection and lightweight. Highly recommend this product.

Buy/More Info

Nikon 50mm f 1 4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Ideal for travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, with superb optical formula with ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture Rounded 9-blade diaphragm renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements Aperture Range – f/1.4 to f/16 Accepts 58mm Filter Unit Dimensions – 2.9×2.1 in. (Diameter x Length); 73.5×54.2mm (Diameter x Length)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nikon 50mm 1.4 is a Wonderful lens
I really like this lens, it is fast, it is clean and has very good color separation. I am using it on a Nikon D300 (which has a 1.5 multiplier on the the lens) so this works out to be a great portrait lens for me, I highly recommend it.

5 Stars High Quality
This lens was to complement my D700 and has done so. Very sharp lens. Edge to edge very good. A bit getting use to the settings when on fully automatic though. Area of sharp focus is something to watch as well as low light handling where camera shake will blur the photo. Over all a very good “standard” lens.

5 Stars Nice lens =)
I am very very very happy with me new 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor lens from NikonD90! Great shooting!

4 Stars Sharp, Quiet, Fast
I had an older f/1.8 lens which I sold a few years ago. This f/1.4 was on my list after I moved up to the FX sensor from the DX sensor.

Not used very much yet and I’m definitely still getting used to it.

I’m happy with the image quality so far but admittedly, I haven’t pushed its limits in keeping up with action shots. But it is very sharp statically.

It’s quiet when focussing. Too quiet to my ears used to hearing the old motors crank the lenses around. Good news, bad news, I guess. I’ll just have to cope!

I haven’t used a lens this fast in a long time and I’ve been knocking into the shutter speed limits on the D700 when shooting in bright daylight at ISO 800. It is a little unnerving but I like to have to dial down the ISO! It provides lots of latitude when shooting in A or S modes.

5 Stars Simply the BEST 50mm lens for Nikon’s Pro Cameras
I took this on its maiden voyage recently on a wedding shoot, and boy did I get so much out of this exquisite lens.

Of course it packs a little more in terms of cost, but the results over my previous 1.8D are astounding.

Some of the most beautiful DOF I’ve captured thanks to this little beast.

Buy/More Info

Nikon D300 DX 12 3MP Digital SLR Camera Body Only

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Pretty good so far
So far so good. I think this may be the most reviewed camera ever so I’m not going to repeat what has already been said, both pros and cons. I will say that my experience has been over all positive although I haven’t used the camera much yet. I keep justifying using the D40 with the Nikon 18-200 lens. The shutter is a little louder than I would want it to be, not sure why more haven’t commented on this but it’s not a deal breaker by any means. Overall, I would recommend this camera to others.

5 Stars a dream camera come true
I am not a professional photographer or a techie, but I do appreciate good photography and good quality photographic equipment. I wasn’t that thrilled with my Nikon D80 and I was very pleased with my Nikon D200 which I was able to buy new for $720.00 (What a deal!.) BUT the desire for this Nikon D300 kept nagging at me as I read more and more reviews. The best review ever is from The Imaging Resource (google it). So, I sold my Nikon D80, Nikon D200, and 3 prime lenses to pay for this new camera. I also purchased David Busch’s Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide, which is very helpful. You will read all about this camera in many other reviews. I just want to say that color is accurate, Build quality is awesome, User friendly. Very little nose at high ISO. I think my favorite aspect is the four separate shooting menus. They are very user friendly (even for me), independent of each other, and you can always reset it to default if you think you are getting lost. I felt very safe navigating through all the menus. I use it with the Nikon 16-85mm VR lens (approx $600). Yes, you can take good photos with it right out of the box. Of course, you have more control over exposure, depth of field etc as you learn more about the camera. This is my advice. If you have the money, $1700 approx, buy this camera body! It is the finest camera body you can buy without going to full frame, which is immensely more expensive. Go ahead and buy Nikon kit zoom lens and upgrade to a more expensive lens down the road if you want to. In the digital world, it is the camera body that is crucial for accurate color rendition etc. As far as the lens goes, Nikon doesn’t make a crappy lens. I find the VR (vibration reduction) lens very helpful because I don’t like to use tripods. It is a bit on the heavy side compared to D80 because it is solid Magnesium Alloy body. If you want light weight, buy a compact. In the Nikon D300 manual, Nikon clearly states to never touch the sensor at all in any way. If you can’t get the sensor dust off by blowing or by the built in dust vibration system, than make sure that a very qualified Nikon authorized person does it. (this goes for all digital SLR cameras). My previous film cameras were Minolta SRT 102, Leica Rangefinder M2, Contax with Zeiss lens, so I have owned some of the best. This new Nikon D300 DX digital camera does not disappoint me. I am going to get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Jean

5 Stars Nikon D300
I have been waiting to write a review about this camera! Amazon does not always ask for a review on some items & others they ask for a revie before you get the product. I just can’t wait! I have several nikon cameras. N90 (Film) A Nikon Coolpic Nikon D2H & a Nikon D90! I’m so Happy with the D300 I find myself using this camera & not the others! I can’t wait to get to Jamaica again & start shooting. I recommend this camera to everyone. There coming out with a new D300 soon!

5 Stars Going from SLR to DSLR
Prior to buying the D300, I was very familiar with film SLR’s and had quite a bit of experience with digital imagery, but this was my first DSLR. I estimated that I was probably over the hump in the learning curve when I purchased this camera. BOY I WAS WRONG!

It turns out that wasn’t such a bad thing. I’ve enjoyed the challenge, and the more I discover about this camera, the more I love it.

Unfortunately the user’s manual that comes with the camera (400 pages), doesn’t do a good job of coalescing the camera’s individual features into useful information. There are A LOT of features and most of them have variable settings. Is it intimidating to think about all these variables every time you want to take a picture? You bet! Don’t worry, Nikon has thought of this. By selecting between Shooting Menu and Custom banks allows you to change dozens of settings all at once.

I eventually bought a book on the D300 which covers everything in the manual but makes all the necessary connections between features and gives you a thorough understanding of how to effectively apply them (the author’s name is Busch). I only wish I had bought the book when I bought the camera. It would’ve saved me a lot of time.

I’m happy to say that my D300 is now configured for nearly any photo situation I might encounter.

5 Stars Tanks to god I bought this camera…
Well Im from COSTA RICA, in the tropics the dream of any fotografer is to have a camera like this…it works fantastic… Wow!!!

Buy/More Info

Kingston 4 GB CompactFlash Memory Card CF 4GB

Kingston’s standard 4 GB CompactFlash is for everyday use of digital cameras, PDAs, and MP3 players. This standard card is the perfect solution for additional storage on such devices. One of the world’s most popular digital mass-storage devices, CompactFlash memory cards from Kingston bridge the gap between storage requirements and affordability.

Users of digital cameras, PDAs, and other digital devices can quickly and easily download or transfer digital files between various digital devices and the Internet, using a card that easily fits in the palm of the hand. With the speed of a memory chip and better portability than a floppy, this Kingston CompactFlash memory card offers better storage than many other media cards. It holds 4 GB and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Just do what it suppose to do
I installed it and it is working the way it supposed to. No problems. Good price.

5 Stars Would Buy Again
The card works great and I have had no problems using it for over a month now. Works well with my Canon Rebel XTI digital camera. Would buy again.

3 Stars good
I mainly use a Sandisk Ultra II 4GB CF and it gives me no problems. I’ve had it longer than the Kingston.

The Kingston worked fine for a couple of months. Then it started giving me invalid parameters in Windows XP SP2.

I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who relies on their photos for their paycheck, but its a good bargain for casual shooting.

Perhaps my card was bad. Good luck.

5 Stars What an EXCELLENT Product
www.viewfromthetopfloor.com

I’ve used Kingston cards in ALL my dSLR’s going back to 2002 including my older Fuji Finepix S1, S2 Pro and now my newer (Feb 2008) Nikon D300. Though I have much larger capacity cards now in the D300, The S2 pro only uses cards up to 2G so the Kingstons that I’ve used for years are STILL being used. I either use the Finepix S2 as a backup, or my young ‘un uses the camera when we go out shooting together. I have NEVER, ever had a card fail or even hiccup. Basically, the same experience I had with the Transcend Memory cards extends to these. Either I’ve been really lucky, and/or the cards are fabulous, and/or I take care to FORMAT the card in camera after each download. Maybe a combination of all three I don’t know. I do know I own four or five of the 2G Kingstons, and at least two 4Gig CF Kingstons. They are great just about fail proof.

And, in closing I would have to say that my 2 and 4G Kingstons have seen over 100,000 images through them over the course of several years. I trust them to do the job and never, ever have any qualms about popping them in the camera.

On a quick note I purchase my memory cards from various sources, not just Amazon. I shop for value, but I try to stick to the name brands of Kingston, Ridata, Transcend, and now own a couple of Lexar’s. Shop around for the best price, but many times Amazone offers the best with the free ship options when available.

4 Stars Kingston memory card
the Kingston compact flash card is basically a cheap good product. It records the data without a problem. the only problem I have found is that it is a little slow. This is not surprising, considering the price.

Buy/More Info