I have a D200 with the MB-D200 grip.
I am a vertical grip advocate. There is no downside, only positives to having a vertical grip on the camera, as far as I'm concerned.
I put a grip on all of my camera bodies that don't come with one built in.
The grip and the 2 batteries it holds:
- adds weight making it easier to hold the camera steady.
- adds gripping surface area making it easier to hold the camera steady in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
- adds counter weight for heavy lenses making it easier to hold the camera steady.
- I can shoot continuously for over 8 hours and not have to change batteries.
- The grip has a second set of controls for use in the vertical orientation. (shutter release, 2 command dials, back-focus button, etc.)greatly improving the stability of the camera when used in the vertical orientation.
- makes the camera look really cool.
I just bought another D300 so Thursday I will be offering my backup D200 with a MB-D200 grip for sale.
If you would be interested in a prisitine, used MB-D200 and a Nikon En-ELe battery I would be willing to sell it seperate from the camera.
I have sold other gear here on TPF and it is always in tip top shape.
I have the original box, AA battery tray, and users manual for it.
The MB-D200 does not increase the frame rate of the D200.