Saturday, April 10, 2010

Opteka External Flash Battery Pack for Nikon SB-900, SB-800, SB-11, SB-20, SB-22, SB-24, SB-25, SB-26, SB-27, SB-28, SB-28DX, & SB-80DX Speedlight Flash Units

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Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR with 2 extended EN-EL9 Batteries (2400mAh Total) Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR with 2 extended EN-EL9 Batteries (2400mAh Total) From Opteka


Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR with 2 extended EN-EL9 Batteries (2400mAh Total)

Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR with 2 extended EN-EL9 Batteries (2400mAh Total)
From Opteka

Opteka is one of the world's leading producer of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! The Opteka BP-D40 holds 6 AA or or 2 EN-EL9 batteries. This provides a extremely extended shooting time. Compatible with the Nikon D60, D5000, D3000, D40 & D40x digital SLR only. This package includes 2 extended EL-EL9 1200mah 7.4v Batteries

Customer Reviews

OPTEKA Battery Grip for the NIKON D50005
I did a lot of research before I purchased this item, however; there were no reviews on it as it relates to the D5000. The only thing I could ever find is the manufacturer claiming that it fits the D5000 or someone elses review of it for a different camera (D40/D60.)

I'm just getting back into the SLR frame of mind for photo's and I knew a battery grip was one thing I wanted. The lack of a NIKON grip for the D5000 nearly kept me from purchasing the camera but the D5000 was really a great entry into the dslr arena, so I bought it and the OPTEKA battery grip.

The OPTEKA grip does fit the NIKON D5000 but it's not a perfect fit. The "tray" that the bottom of the camera is nestled in when they go together is just "slightly" larger than the bottom of the camera. A person who isn't a camera entheuiast probably wouldn't notice and from a small distance it's not noticable but things like this usually bother me! Don't get me wrong, it's not a loose fit, the grip fits tight and there is no slop, it's just that the small raised lip around the top edge of the grip is "slightly" larger then the bottom of the camera! It's not really an issue but consumers need to know this because this may bother some people! The outer demensions of the grip are virtually identical to the outer demensions of the camera and the look and finish of the grip are pretty much spot on!

When you hold it, it feels similar to the D5000. It appears to have a similar build quaiity to the camera body. It doesn't add any significant weight to the camera except for you now have two batteries instead of one. This product also comes with a battery cradle that holds six double A batteries so if you get in a pinch you can buy new batteries virtually anywhere! I havn't tried this out yet!

I was also worried about taking off the cameras battery door to install the grip but that was very easy, it just snapped right out! They even have a slot in the grip for you to put the battery door in so you don't lose it!

Installation was a breeze. You just gently remove the camera battery door (instructions come with grip) and slide the electronic contacts (male) into the battery receptacle (female.) Then you turn a thumbwheel that turns a bolt (1/4") that screws into the area on the bottom of the camera where you usually attach a tripod and you're done. It's a tight solid fit and it all feels like one piece! The grip also has an area on the bottom of it where you can attach a tripod (1/4".) It all feels very good in my hands!

After about a month of use I highly recommend this product for anyone who has a D5000. Overall the benefits of this product far outweigh the fact that it may actually have been produced and intended for a "slightly" larger camera. It is a wonderful product that I am very happy with and it adds to my enjoyment of my D5000.

I can't comment on the vertical shutter release as I personally have no interest in this feature as of yet.

fit..............................9 of 10
looks.........................10 of 10
ease of assembally.......10 of 10
operational value.........10 of 10 (don't have to change betteries as often.)
value for the $..........10 of 10 (if NIKON made one it would cost much more.)

hope this helps someone.

sincerely..... Mike R.

Great for D40, D40x, and D60 when used with a heavy lens4
I must say that I am quite happy with this item. It fits well onto my D40, the finish is excellent, and it gives the camera a whole new "personality". I have the Sigma 18-200mm lens, which is much bigger and heavier than the 18-55mm kit lens. This makes the camera more awkward as the center of gravity is now different. This causes my wrist to tilt forward instead of keeping the camera balanced. I have an ongoing issue with my wrist, due to a prior injury, and noticed that with the heavier lens the camera had to be gripped in a way that was a bit painful to me. With this battery grip I am able to grip the camera much better! The weight of the batteries in the bottom of the grip plus the change in the center of gravity makes it much easier for me to hold the camera properly.

I do not like the vertical shutter function at all, but I blame this on the D40 itself and not the grip. Hey, at least Opteka tried, it just doesn't work well for me. I had issues with getting the shutter to release, but I have had the same issue with the wireless remote so I don't blame the grip for this.

The option of using AA batteries with this grip was important to me as well, as I like the flexibility of having multiple power options.

Here are my rankings (1-10):

Appearance: (8)- Certainly gives the D40 a much different, more pleasing and professional look.

Fit and finish: (8)- The "crackle" finish is perfect, and even in bright sunlight looks exactly like the finish on the D40. The color is slightly off; it's slightly lighter in color than the D40. It is not a HUGE difference, but it is detectable. My grip fit slightly crooked, with the right side a few millimeters lower than the left side. Again, this was very minor but detectable.

Ease of installation: (9)- Very simple, the hardest part was taking off the battery door (I didn't want to break it) but this is a D40 issue, not the battery grip issue. The grip fit into the battery compartment and attached to the tripod mount perfectly. I would have preferred some better markings on the cartridge that holds the two batteries, but they fit well and the cartridge slid into the grip with ease.

Ease of use: (9)- The vertical shutter button is not an easy feature to use, but this is more the fault of the D40 than the battery grip. Once the grip is in place it feel like a natural extension of the camera.

Comfort: (7)- The grip feels good in my hand, although I can feel the vertical shutter button on my palm, which is minor annoyance to me.

Value: (7)- For a $100 item I would like to have seen a charger included for charging both batteries at once. I feel that a lot of the cost was for the vertical shutter option, which I won't use often, if at all.

Overall: (8)- Overall this is a very good item and I would recommend it for someone who wants longer life between battery charges as well as the flexibility to use AA batteries. I would also highly recommend this product for users who have a heavy lens on the D40 as it makes the camera much easier to hold properly. I would not suggest this item exclusively for the vertical shutter feature as it doesn't work very well, although this is a D40 issue and not an issue of the battery grip.


Works great on my D40 !5
This puppy works great with my Nikon D40 , it fits perfectly and looks great on the D40 . Comes with 2 batteries it also has a normal battery adapter if you need to use store boughts to get by...

I have a 55-200mm Lens and with the battery grip it has a nice feel and loads of battery life.

The side (portrait ) button only works in conjunction with the infrared sensor , so while it does work .. its not like the main button....

The grip slides in nice and matches the D40.

 

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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Opteka Deluxe "Skaters" Package (Includes the OPT-SC37FE Platinum Series 0.3X HD Ultra Fisheye Lens, X-GRIP Camcorder Handle, & 3 Watt Video Light) for 25mm, 30mm, 30.5mm, & 37mm Camcorders

The perfect gift for the action sport filmer!

The Opteka 0.3X Ultra Fisheye Adapter offers an extreme fisheye effect and a high degree of barrel distortion. It exaggerates depth by pulling nearby objects closer and causing distant objects to recede into the background.

The Opteka X-GRIP handle can be used by both a professional or amateur user. This incredible support offers stability and control. The hot shoe attachment enables you to add a video light or flash.

3 Watt video light features: 3w Quartz halogen illumination, super lightweight design recharges hundreds of times, Illumination time : 20-25 min, AC charger and 2 AAA rechargable batteries included.

With an Opteka 5 piece Lens/Camera cleaning kit it contains everything you need to maintain your Digital Camera! It cleans hard to reach lenses, protects battery contacts, and is very easy and safe to use. Works excellent for lenses, cameras, filters, and it also easily cleans LCD panels. The lens cleaning solution is specially made for removing oil and dirt. The Opteka tabletop tripod is ideal for backyard observation or anywhere - an ultra-compact tripod is all you need! The LCD Protectors fit all screens up to 3.5" X 4.25" and offers protection from scratches, wear and damage. Also reduces screen glare and enhances view.

The following items are included
(1)Opteka OPT-SC37FE Platinum Series 0.3X HD Ultra Fisheye Lens for 25mm, 30mm, 30.5mm & 37mm Digital Video Camcorders
(2)Opteka X-GRIP Professional Camera / Camcorder Action Stabilizing Handle with Hot-shoe for Flash or Video Light
(3)3 Watt Halogen Video Light for Camcorders
(4)Opteka LCD Screen Protectors
(5)Lens Cleaning Kit
(6)Tabletop Tripod
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Opteka X-GRIP Professional Camera / Camcorder Action Stabilizing Handle with Hot-shoe for Flash or Video Light

The Opteka X-GRIP handle can be used by both a professional or amateur user. This incredible support offers stability and control. The hot shoe attachment enables you to add a video light or flash. Extremely useful product for skateboarding and other extreme sports.
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