With every Nikon DSLR I have ever bought, starting with my D100, I also bought the grips.  Generally, within a few months, I ditch the grip as I find them to be uncomfortable and they add bulk to the camera.  I pulled the grip off my D800e before the last round of shooting and the camera just feels so much more comfortable in my hand.  I probably will not purchase any more battery grips moving forward.Am I a "lone wolf" or do others feel the same?  How many here use the grips and consider them essential?

We always use the grips.Never take them off (I prefer the D3/4/5 series for their integrated grips).I have 3x D750 and 3x D500 bodies for my staff photographers and the grips are always on the cameras. They don't feel as good as the integrated grips of the high end pro bodies, but are essential for good handling with lenses such as the 70-200 and the Sigma 50-100.Without grips the cameras feel imbalanced/uncomfortable/too small in the hands. Additionally, most of our imagery is shot vertically, so that grip allows for a much more comfortable holding position than without.Even my 18 year old daughter (who is one of my staff photographers and has been shooting with cameras such as the 1DmkII and 135mm 2.0 and 70-200 2.8 since she was 11 and currently shoots the D500 + grip and Sigma 50-100 1.8) has no issues with the size of the camera + grip and will not shoot without.That said, it's very much a personal/comfort thing.

No grip for me please. I do not like the added bulk.

Carl Maiorino wrote:With every Nikon DSLR I have ever bought, starting with my D100, I also bought the grips. Generally, within a few months, I ditch the grip as I find them to be uncomfortable and they add bulk to the camera. I pulled the grip off my D800e before the last round of shooting and the camera just feels so much more comfortable in my hand. I probably will not purchase any more battery grips moving forward.Am I a "lone wolf" or do others feel the same? How many here use the grips and consider them essential?Holding a D850 without the grip means to bottom part of my hand is not supporting the camera.With the grip it fits like a glove...and 9 FPS is nice too. Plus I just got the Meike grip and the remote is awesome!Rob

I think you either love them or hate them, not much in between. I personally can't live without a grip.

Carl,I use grips on all of my cameras, except for the D850. And that's simply because I've not yet bought one for it. I can't afford the Nikon grip at this time, and I'm researching when third-party grip to buy, now. My hands are large enough that my pinkie hangs off the camera without a grip, so prefer having the grip for that, alone. However, there's also the advantage of the extra battery life, as well as the faster frame rate for the D300 and D700. Further, the grip was free with my D500, so nothing lost there at all.Yes, I can see how the extra size and weight may be a factor, particularly if you're at all weight conscious on the bodies in the first place. But I do prefer the grip.Of course, you are free to feel differently, and all is good.Sam

I never take mine off. I switch from landscape to portrait and back constantly and the shutter and back button (for focus) are right in the same place. Never have to move my right hand. Also the extra weight helps to steady heavy lenses,

The only time I take my grip off is to put the camera in a dive housing.Grips back to my N8008s...

I had a Nikon grip on my D200. Since then I have not had one for the D750 or now my D850. Mostly because price initially, but now I just don't care much. Camera sits level on a table with any lens mounted. I have adapted naturally to supporting the camera fine. I usually support the barrel of the lens at the mount on my 70-200..I handhold the 200-500 fine as well. Might grab an aftermarket soon because I'd like the 9fps, extended life.Also the remote with the Meike would be nice for northern lights, as opposed to my shoe mounted wireless receiver.- www.alaskanorthphotography.com

I think you mean the N90/N90s, don't you? The N8008s was my first Nikon, bought when I was 16 with money from my first real job in high school (a pizza restaurant!) and I pined for a grip option, but never saw one. I studied that glossy Nikon promo brochure until I knew it cold (and certainly better than any salesman in my local camera store).Even had the idea of someone fabbing me one out of aluminum and embedding a Nikon shutter remote cable release in it ...I never saw a Nikon vertical grip for any non top-tier pro level Nikon (ala the F4s) until they released the N90 and announced the grip for it.Still have that N8008s as a memento - started my business with it, in fact.

greenmanphoto wrote:Carl,I use grips on all of my cameras, except for the D850. And that's simply because I've not yet bought one for it. I can't afford the Nikon grip at this time, and I'm researching when third-party grip to buy, now. My hands are large enough that my pinkie hangs off the camera without a grip, so prefer having the grip for that, alone. However, there's also the advantage of the extra battery life, as well as the faster frame rate for the D300 and D700. Further, the grip was free with my D500, so nothing lost there at all.Yes, I can see how the extra size and weight may be a factor, particularly if you're at all weight conscious on the bodies in the first place. But I do prefer the grip.Of course, you are free to feel differently, and all is good.SamSam, IMO this is the best grip...as I indicate...also had the OEM and still have the Mcoplus.Rob

Gripped and very very rarely ever removed.

I have never used a grip. I can understand what the use for them is but I prefer the camera as it is.Just makes the whole thing a bit bulky for me.

Still using an N6006! Still love it, though will finally be getting Fx during this year.

Ever since the D1/D70 I have always added the Nikon grip.It adds balance as well as the extra capacity I need for longer shoots.

Loved mine for my D700, especially the vertical shutter button option. The D3s it's a moot point.  Bought the third party one for my Df but the lack of a vertical button bothered me, so I don't use it anymore.

I always use a grip.  All my DSLR bodies have them attached.It helps to balance the body with larger, heavier lenses.  It also allows me to spread my fingers out a bit more and doesn't leave my pinky hanging.  The extra battery it carries is an added bonus and allows usage of AA batteries in some.I was disappointed back then when I found out there was no Nikon made grip for my D70 but alas, I found a third party unit which has worked out well.

I’ve shot 8 DSLR bodies since 2005 and never been interested in a grip...until now. I’ve never wanted one for my nature photography as I often walk long distances with a lot of gear. To me, the grips just add cost, weight and bulk to my kit. I would just make sure to have extra batteries.However, I’m breaking down and getting a third party grip (Meike) for my D850. While I couldn’t justify the $900 or so for the OEM grip and accessories, I figured that for $200 and gaining the extra 2fps it was worth a try for shooting BIF.If I shot high volume professionally, especially sports, weddings or other events, I could see the advantages of a grip in terms of extra battery life, ease in vertical shooting, and more fps in some models.Alan

Since I started digital photography with my Olympus E1.  Every camera bought after that I got the OEM grip.  Just can't live without it for the extended battery time and vertical shooting, especially for portraits.

i use them a lot but i shoot a lot of sport and wildlife so portrait orientation is important to me Only thing i dislike is having to take it off to change the battery in the body!