I thought it was kinda tacky when i first bought one but to be honest after shooting with it for a while you wont ever take it off, and being able to use AA's is a big plus for some
If you like higher FPS, more shots per charge (assuming you're using rechargeable batteries), more stability (from the added weight and grip area), and vertical controls, then it's worth it. If you don't care about that stuff, then probably not worth it.
Personally, I don't like Nikons without a grip. My pinkie and lower part of my palm hangs off the edge and it's uncomfortable after a while..
I have a generic one and it permanently resides on my camera. For birding it is a no brainer, as others have said, better balance, more FPS, and thousands of shots of power...
a lot of people like the grips just for the added weight and feel. if you shoot a lot in portrait orientation it can be much easier with a grip having the controls where they normally are on a camera. the extra battery life is good too.
Indeed! It's a "must own" and get the "Nikon" despite the Zeikos being popular. I've had both. The Nikon is metal to match your D300/D300s/D700!!!
8 frames per second with it also!!!
My cheap one with a cheap en-el4, door and charger gets 8fps also and it was $70 for everything. But The aa holder doesn't work.. If I had the money I would go Nikon..
I bought the Zeikos and it seemed fine. But I also bought a used "Nikon" to compare with it. I was going to keep the one I wanted, and send back the other. I returned the Zeikos. The metal build was matching the D300 body and I liked that. The rubber on the Nikon was better, thicker as well.
It all boilded down to that for me... build quality... but I'm sure the Zeikos will be fine also.