3rd party battrey grip for the D60?

[stu_the_flat]

I am going to go to China for a month soon, I would like to take some photos while I'm there and I'm sure the original battery will not last. Charging it might be quite inconvenient all though I'm really impressed with its charge time.

I was going to buy a second standard battery until I found out that Nikon want £45 for one!

So I was wondering if anybody has any knowledge of the 3rd party grips? The idea of popping into any shop and being able buy AA for it appeals to me. (obviously I would need to make sure the some of the battery's = the origonal voltage.)

I also like the idea of having a bit more grip and a second shutter button but its not some thing I "need".

Are they worth owning or just eBay junk?

Cheers Stuart

 

[stu_the_flat]

Has every one not got an opinion on these?

One thing that I have just remember is I can't just "add voltages" together to make the proper power source for my camera.

It would be even better if somebody could point me in the direction of a cheap original Nikon battery.

Many thanks

Stuart

 

[itsdavedotnet]

you can also buy 3rd party batteries very cheaply, which do the job. Some people argue against them, but the vast majority have no problem with them - and the nikon ones are hideously overpriced.

A battery grip is, imo, in most cameras, used more to provide a vertical grip, than to provide longer battery life. Being able to use AAs in a pinch is a added bonus, but I'd still reccomend buying a few offbrand D60 batteries. They're probably about a fiver on ebay/7dayshop, and will do exactly the same thing

 

[Flash In The Pan]

there's a Phottix grip that has a built-in battery, I'd be buying it in HK if I were you though, seeing as you'll be passing through....

Be careful with aftermarket batteries for the D60 as some old ones (made for the D40/x) won't work in it. Also avoid cheap "genuine" Nikon batteries on Fleabay, they are invariably fake...

 

[stu_the_flat]

Cheers I think I will take your advice and buy a 3rd party battery and just use it as an emergency battery if the proper battery fails.

I might pick up the phottix in China if I can get it for under £20 as that is what I would value it at if there are no disaster stories about them

Many thanks
Stuart