This vertical grip is surprisingly well built. It makes a solid connection to the camera (in my case a D90 but it also works with a D80). The controls have a solid feel and there is a certainty when you push a button or turn a dial. The rubberized panel adds to the solid feel and provides a bit more "camera to hold on to." This is especially important if you are used to larger SLRs (e.g., D200).A few years ago I bought an after-market battery grip (made by someone else) for my D200 and was very disappointed. It didn't connect solidly to the camera, the controls didn't always work, and the rechargeable batteries need to be inserted into a small tray and *that* was slid into the camera. I was concerned that all aftermarket vertical grips were made to that same low standard. My plan was to buy the "real" Nikon grip for my D90. However, after reading a lot of good things about this version decided to take a chance on this version. I'm glad I did.
Not only does it work perfectly but it also looks like the camera.
I can't imagine the Nikon grip could be made better or fit better.
Obviously this makes it more convenient to hold your camera in a vertical grip. Since it holds two rechargale batteries you can shoot longer before having to change them. It also include a carrier that allows you to use six AA batteries. This is handy if you ever find yourself with dead rechargeable batteries (and still manage to have the carrier with you).
Perhaps a lesser known benefit is that you get increased stability. This is due to the extra weight provided by the grip and battery. A final benefit is that you can use Da'Grip (as described in The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes, a book every photographer should read), this is money well spent.
There are several grips available, most more expensive and a few less, that provide many or all of these same benefits. What makes this product stand out is that is has best-of-breed quality while remaining one of the least expensive.
If you want a vertical grip then this is the one to get. The only question is if you buy this package and get the extra stuff or of you just buy the grip alone: Zeikos ZE-NBG90 Battery Power Grip for Nikon D80 & D90.
I wouldn't recommend assigning too much value to the accessory kit although the blower works and the brush has fine bristles. The bulb smells like cheap rubber from China the kind where the smell never goes away...but don't let that hold you back from purchasing. Shipping by this seller was fast.
11/26/11 Update: I have been using this grip for a while and still recommend it with two caveats: 1) it's not really rigid enough to use with a tripod, especially with a longer lens as it adds a little unwanted motion. 2) I've been using a strap that connects to the tripod mount (and I really like the strap) but it doesn't work with the grip. Since the camera hangs from the bottom of the grip, the grip's electrical connections intermittently loose contact inside the camera so I have to wiggle it to turn on.First of all the battery grip is good for the price. Of course the built quality is not close to that of Nikon brand. Nonetheless, the battery grip does what it is designed for. The transition between empty battery to full battery is smooth. However, after a year of use, I do notice some problems arising. First of all, during high humidity weather, the battery grip do have connection issues. Secondly, when it was new, the battery grip completely drains one battery before switch to another. However, after a year or so, I have noticed that the secondary battery can't held its charge while the primary battery is in use.
As for batteries it's a hit or miss situation, one of the battery works great, and is still kicking well a year of abuse. Meanwhile, the other battery started to have problems after two three months. The battery started to have transition problems, for example if the primary nikon battery drained completely, this third party battery work kick in. I had to remove the Nikon battery and restart the camera. After about 6 month later the battery died completely. Meanwhile the other third party battery still works fine.I purchased this product about a year ago for $72 and its been working well. Fools the tools into thinking my D90 is a D3 especially when I put my Mamiya 645 120 Macro on it. But this aside this product is worth it for the batteries alone. I find they charge as quickly as Nikon's own and give me roughly the same number of shots. The best part is being able to take 2000k + pics and not have to worry about running dry or storing another Li-ion.
The grip itself is sturdy and reliable, makes for a much better shooting experience both vertically and horizontally. Makes gripping the camera easier in general with any type of lens espeacially heave glass. You can hold it walking around with out that feeling its going to slip out of your hand as your fingers can really secure themselves.
Strong enough to work on my Manfrotto with no torque shake and is even strong enough to carry around locked to your pod provided you have a metal shoe and trust your gear.
GREAT VALUE AND NO COMPLAINTSIt wasnt actually the item i was expecting because i was expecting a Zeikos MB-D80 but instead I got a vivitar MB-D80 it works great but it wasnt what i was expecting. But other than that I was a great addition to my business.
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