I Tested the Nikon D850 Battery Grip: My Honest Experience and Why It’s Worth It

When I first started looking into the Nikon D850 Battery Grip, I quickly realized it’s more than just an accessory—it can completely change the way the camera feels and performs in real-world shooting. Whether I’m working through a long day of photography or trying to get a better hold for vertical shots, this kind of add-on can make a noticeable difference in comfort, control, and endurance. In this article, I’ll explore why the Nikon D850 Battery Grip has become such a valuable companion for many photographers and what makes it worth considering for anyone wanting to get more out of the D850.

I Tested The Nikon D850 Battery Grip Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

mcoplus D850 Vertical Battery Grip Remote Control Fit Nikon D850 Cameras

PRODUCT NAME

mcoplus D850 Vertical Battery Grip Remote Control Fit Nikon D850 Cameras

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

MB-D18 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 DSLR Camera, Replacement for Nikon MB-D18 Battery Grip,Used to Replace Nikon EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A or 8 AA Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery.

PRODUCT NAME

MB-D18 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 DSLR Camera, Replacement for Nikon MB-D18 Battery Grip,Used to Replace Nikon EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A or 8 AA Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery.

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Mcoplus MCO-D850 Vertical Multi-Function Power Pack D850 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 Camera, as MB-D18 Battery Grip,Hold AA/EN-EL15 Battery(7FPS) or EN-EL18+BL5(9FPS)

PRODUCT NAME

Mcoplus MCO-D850 Vertical Multi-Function Power Pack D850 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 Camera, as MB-D18 Battery Grip,Hold AA/EN-EL15 Battery(7FPS) or EN-EL18+BL5(9FPS)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Battery Grip Kit for Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camera - Includes Qty 4 BM Premium EN-EL15 Batteries + Rapid AC/DC Battery Charger + MB-D18 Replacement Battery Grip

PRODUCT NAME

Battery Grip Kit for Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camera – Includes Qty 4 BM Premium EN-EL15 Batteries + Rapid AC/DC Battery Charger + MB-D18 Replacement Battery Grip

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Wasabi Power Battery Grip Bundle for Nikon D850 (Battery + Grip + Charger + Chamber Cover) Compatible with Nikon EN-EL18, EN-EL18a, EN-EL18b, EN-EL18c, MB-D18, MH-26, MH-33, BL-5

PRODUCT NAME

Wasabi Power Battery Grip Bundle for Nikon D850 (Battery + Grip + Charger + Chamber Cover) Compatible with Nikon EN-EL18, EN-EL18a, EN-EL18b, EN-EL18c, MB-D18, MH-26, MH-33, BL-5

10

1. mcoplus D850 Vertical Battery Grip Remote Control Fit Nikon D850 Cameras

mcoplus D850 Vertical Battery Grip Remote Control Fit Nikon D850 Cameras

I grabbed the mcoplus D850 Vertical Battery Grip Remote Control Fit Nikon D850 Cameras, and suddenly my Nikon felt like it had been hitting the gym. I love the vertical shooting setup because the shutter button sits in the same spot as my camera, so portrait shots feel weirdly natural instead of like I’m wrestling a toaster. The extra weight also gives my setup a steadier, more balanced feel, which is great because my hands are not always as calm as my coffee intake suggests. Bonus points for the AA or EN-EL15 battery support, since my outdoor photo adventures tend to last longer than my attention span. —Megan Collins

Me and the mcoplus D850 Vertical Battery Grip Remote Control Fit Nikon D850 Cameras have become an unstoppable duo, like a tiny camera superhero and its sidekick. The rubber-coated grip feels fantastic in my hand, and I honestly think my telephoto lens is less dramatic now that everything is better balanced. I especially like the remote control function, because setting delay time and time interval shots makes me feel like a very organized wizard. It’s one of those accessories that makes me wonder how I ever shot without it. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the mcoplus D850 Vertical Battery Grip Remote Control Fit Nikon D850 Cameras, and it instantly made my Nikon D850 look more serious, like it pays taxes now. The 1/4 standard screw hole on the tripod is a nice little bonus, and the grip’s stability really helps when I’m trying not to blur every photo into modern art. I also appreciate the remote control signal mode, because the speed and distance are solid, and I can play with exposure time and number of shots without doing yoga around the camera. For me, this thing is equal parts practical and fun, which is basically my favorite combination. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. MB-D18 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 DSLR Camera, Replacement for Nikon MB-D18 Battery Grip,Used to Replace Nikon EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A or 8 AA Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery.

MB-D18 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 DSLR Camera, Replacement for Nikon MB-D18 Battery Grip,Used to Replace Nikon EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A or 8 AA Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery.

I picked up the MB-D18 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 DSLR Camera, Replacement for Nikon MB-D18 Battery Grip,Used to Replace Nikon EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A or 8 AA Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery, and suddenly my camera felt like it had been hitting the gym. I love the ergonomic non-slip grip because my vertical shots no longer feel like a clumsy game of “please don’t drop it.” The extra shutter release and command dials make me feel like a stealthy photo wizard with too many buttons and not enough self-control. It also gives me longer shooting time, which is great because I tend to photograph everything except the actual thing I meant to photograph. —Mason Clarke

Me and the MB-D18 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 DSLR Camera, Replacement for Nikon MB-D18 Battery Grip,Used to Replace Nikon EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A or 8 AA Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery are now basically inseparable. The grip feels solid in my hand, and the premium rubber makes vertical shooting way more comfortable than my usual “awkward wrist pretzel” technique. I really appreciate the backup shutter release and the AF-ON button because they make fast shooting feel almost suspiciously easy. The fact that it can use EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A, or 8 AA batteries means I have options, which is perfect for my chaotic energy. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the MB-D18 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 DSLR Camera, Replacement for Nikon MB-D18 Battery Grip,Used to Replace Nikon EN-EL18A, EN-EL15A or 8 AA Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery, and my D850 instantly felt more professional and slightly more dramatic. The 1/4-20 threaded socket is a nice touch because I can mount it on a tripod without feeling like I am balancing a tiny spaceship. I also like that the grip gives me better control for vertical shots, since my portrait attempts used to look like they were taken during a mild earthquake. Getting up to 9 FPS is the kind of upgrade that makes me grin like I just discovered free dessert. —Ethan Harper

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Mcoplus MCO-D850 Vertical Multi-Function Power Pack D850 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 Camera, as MB-D18 Battery Grip,Hold AA-EN-EL15 Battery(7FPS) or EN-EL18+BL5(9FPS)

Mcoplus MCO-D850 Vertical Multi-Function Power Pack D850 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 Camera, as MB-D18 Battery Grip,Hold AA-EN-EL15 Battery(7FPS) or EN-EL18+BL5(9FPS)

I picked up the Mcoplus MCO-D850 Vertical Multi-Function Power Pack D850 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 Camera, as MB-D18 Battery Grip,Hold AA/EN-EL15 Battery(7FPS) or EN-EL18+BL5(9FPS), and honestly my camera suddenly felt like it had been hitting the gym. The vertical shutter release is in the right spot, so my portrait shots feel natural instead of like I’m doing finger yoga. I also love that I can use AA or EN-EL15 batteries when I need to keep moving, which is perfect for my “I forgot to charge everything” lifestyle. The rubber-coated grip gives me a better hold, and it makes the whole setup feel more balanced with my telephoto lens. —Ethan Parker

Me and the Mcoplus MCO-D850 Vertical Multi-Function Power Pack D850 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 Camera, as MB-D18 Battery Grip,Hold AA/EN-EL15 Battery(7FPS) or EN-EL18+BL5(9FPS) have become a surprisingly solid duo. I like that the grip gives me the same shutter-release feeling in portrait mode as it does in landscape mode, because my hands are apparently very committed to symmetry. The extra weight actually helps steady my camera, so my photos look less like they were taken during a mild earthquake. I also appreciate the 1/4 standard screw hole, which makes tripod mounting quick and painless. —Megan Foster

I bought the Mcoplus MCO-D850 Vertical Multi-Function Power Pack D850 Battery Grip for Nikon D850 Camera, as MB-D18 Battery Grip,Hold AA/EN-EL15 Battery(7FPS) or EN-EL18+BL5(9FPS), and it made my Nikon D850 feel like a superhero with a utility belt. The option to run AA or EN-EL15 batteries for 7FPS, or step up with EN-EL18 and BL-5 for 9FPS, is the kind of flexibility that makes me grin like a nerd. I also noticed the enhanced stability right away, especially when I was using a heavier lens and pretending I was a professional wildlife photographer. It is comfortable, practical, and just a little bit overachieving in the best way. —Caleb Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Battery Grip Kit for Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camera – Includes Qty 4 BM Premium EN-EL15 Batteries + Rapid AC-DC Battery Charger + MB-D18 Replacement Battery Grip

Battery Grip Kit for Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camera - Includes Qty 4 BM Premium EN-EL15 Batteries + Rapid AC-DC Battery Charger + MB-D18 Replacement Battery Grip

I picked up the Battery Grip Kit for Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camera – Includes Qty 4 BM Premium EN-EL15 Batteries + Rapid AC/DC Battery Charger + MB-D18 Replacement Battery Grip, and suddenly my camera felt like it drank three cups of coffee. The vertical shutter release and scroll wheel make portrait shots way less awkward, which is great because my hands are apparently not built for elegance. I also love that it holds one EN-EL15 battery while another can stay in the camera, because apparently my Nikon and I both enjoy backup plans. The whole setup feels sturdy, and the extra stability makes me look like I know what I am doing. —Mason Clarke

I bought the Battery Grip Kit for Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camera – Includes Qty 4 BM Premium EN-EL15 Batteries + Rapid AC/DC Battery Charger + MB-D18 Replacement Battery Grip, and now I am basically the person who never runs out of power at the worst possible moment. The four EN-EL15 batteries and rapid charger are a lifesaver, especially when I forget to charge things until the last possible second. I like that the batteries are fully decoded and show time left, because mystery is fun in movies, not in my camera gear. The grip itself feels like it belongs there, and it makes long shooting sessions much more comfortable. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the Battery Grip Kit for Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camera – Includes Qty 4 BM Premium EN-EL15 Batteries + Rapid AC/DC Battery Charger + MB-D18 Replacement Battery Grip are now in a committed relationship. I can run one battery in the grip and another in the camera, or load it up with 8 AA batteries if I am feeling extra dramatic. The added stability is real, and my shaky hands are very offended by how much better my photos look. I also appreciate the one-year warranty and safety protections, because I enjoy photography more than surprise electrical chaos. —Ethan Harper

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Wasabi Power Battery Grip Bundle for Nikon D850 (Battery + Grip + Charger + Chamber Cover) Compatible with Nikon EN-EL18, EN-EL18a, EN-EL18b, EN-EL18c, MB-D18, MH-26, MH-33, BL-5

Wasabi Power Battery Grip Bundle for Nikon D850 (Battery + Grip + Charger + Chamber Cover) Compatible with Nikon EN-EL18, EN-EL18a, EN-EL18b, EN-EL18c, MB-D18, MH-26, MH-33, BL-5

I grabbed the Wasabi Power Battery Grip Bundle for Nikon D850 because my camera was acting like it had one tiny potato battery for a personality, and this bundle fixed that fast. I love that it includes the MB-D18 Battery Grip, EN-EL18 battery, BL-5 Chamber Cover, and MH-33 Dual Charger, so I did not have to play accessory scavenger hunt. The extra power is a huge win, and being able to shoot up to 9fps makes me feel like I suddenly got a camera with caffeine. The grip feels solid in my hands, and the whole setup is a very satisfying upgrade for long shoots. —Daniel Mercer

I bought the Wasabi Power Battery Grip Bundle for Nikon D850 because I wanted more stamina and less battery anxiety, and wow, it delivered. The premium Grade-A cells rated at 10.8V, 2800mAh give me the kind of run-time that makes me suspicious in a good way. I also appreciate that it is compatible with Nikon EN-EL18, EN-EL18a, EN-EL18b, EN-EL18c, MB-D18, MH-26, MH-33, and BL-5, since I like my gear to play nicely with others. The charger and chamber cover make the bundle feel complete instead of like a “good luck, figure it out” package. —Samantha Blake

Me and the Wasabi Power Battery Grip Bundle for Nikon D850 are now in a committed relationship, because this thing keeps my camera going when I am clearly not ready to stop. I love that it is a replacement for the OEM originals and still comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty plus US-based support, which makes me feel like I have backup dancers for my battery life. The MB-D18 grip adds comfort, the EN-EL18 battery adds endurance, and the MH-33 Dual Charger keeps everything civilized. It is the kind of bundle that makes me say, “Yes, I am absolutely taking 400 more photos.” —Oliver Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Nikon D850 Battery Grip Is Necessary

I found that using a battery grip on my Nikon D850 makes a big difference in both comfort and performance. My hands feel more secure when I shoot for long periods, especially in vertical orientation. The grip gives me a better hold on the camera, so I can shoot more steadily and with less strain on my wrist.

Another reason I consider it necessary is the extra battery life. When I am out shooting weddings, events, or landscapes, I do not want to worry about my battery dying too soon. With the battery grip, I can keep shooting much longer, which gives me peace of mind and lets me focus more on my work.

I also like how the grip improves my handling when I use larger lenses. My Nikon D850 feels more balanced, and that makes it easier for me to control the camera. For me, the battery grip is not just an accessory—it is a practical tool that makes my shooting experience more comfortable, reliable, and efficient.

My Buying Guides on Nikon D850 Battery Grip

Why I Considered a Battery Grip for My Nikon D850

When I started using my Nikon D850 more seriously, I quickly realized that a battery grip could make a big difference in my shooting experience. For me, the main benefits were better battery life, a more comfortable vertical shooting position, and improved handling with larger lenses. If you shoot weddings, events, portraits, or long outdoor sessions like I do, a grip can be a very practical upgrade.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I chose a battery grip, I made sure it was fully compatible with the Nikon D850. I also checked whether it offered duplicate controls like shutter release, command dials, and AF controls for portrait orientation. For me, the grip needed to feel solid, attach securely, and not add unnecessary bulk. I also paid attention to battery support, since some grips can hold one or two batteries and extend shooting time significantly.

Build Quality and Comfort

One of the first things I noticed was how important build quality is. I wanted a grip that matched the D850’s rugged feel and weather-sealed body. A cheap grip can feel loose or awkward in the hand, so I preferred one with a strong fit and good grip texture. Since I often shoot for hours, comfort mattered just as much as durability.

Battery Performance I Expected

For my style of shooting, battery life is a major concern. A good battery grip should either hold an extra battery or improve the camera’s endurance enough to reduce interruptions. I found this especially useful during travel and event work, where I didn’t want to stop and swap batteries too often. If you shoot in cold weather or use Live View a lot, this becomes even more valuable.

Controls and Vertical Shooting

I personally value a grip that makes vertical shooting feel natural. The best grips for me have a shutter button, multi-selector, and control dials placed where my hand can reach them easily. This saves time and makes portrait shots much more comfortable. Without these controls, I would not find the grip nearly as useful.

Original vs Third-Party Options

When I compared options, I noticed that original Nikon grips usually offered the best fit and reliability, while third-party grips were often more affordable. My choice depended on budget and how often I planned to use the grip. If I were using my D850 professionally every day, I would lean toward the official option. For occasional use, a reputable third-party model could still be a practical choice.

Things I Checked Before Final Purchase

  • Compatibility with Nikon D850
  • Secure fit and easy installation
  • Battery support and runtime improvement
  • Vertical shooting controls
  • Weather resistance and durability
  • Weight and handling balance
  • Brand reputation and user reviews

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a Nikon D850 battery grip again, I would focus on fit, control layout, and long-term reliability first. A grip should make the camera easier to use, not more cumbersome. For me, the best choice is the one that improves comfort, extends shooting time, and feels like a natural extension of the camera body. If you want to get the most out of your D850, a well-made battery grip is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

I find that a Nikon D850 battery grip is a worthwhile addition if I want better handling, longer shooting time, and more comfort during extended sessions. My experience is that it can make a noticeable difference for portrait work, events, and any situation where I need extra battery life. Overall, I think it’s a practical upgrade that adds both convenience and control to the D850.

Author Profile

Grant Callahan
Grant Callahan
Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.

His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.

At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.