Best Battery Grip for Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 is arguably the greatest DSLR ever made, but it feels incomplete without a dedicated vertical grip. Beyond improving ergonomics for portraiture, the right grip transforms this camera from a 7fps workhorse into a 9fps beast. I’ve spent years shooting weddings and wildlife with this body, and I’ve tested everything from the pricey OEM Nikon MB-D18 to various third-party alternatives. Here is my definitive guide to the best battery grips for your Nikon D850.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grip for Nikon D850: Detailed Reviews
Nikon MB-D18 Multi-Power Pack View on Amazon View on B&H
If you demand absolute reliability, the Nikon MB-D18 is the only choice. This is the official OEM grip designed specifically for the D850, and the build quality is identical to the camera body itself. It features a magnesium alloy chassis and comprehensive weather sealing, ensuring your setup survives a rainy sideline or a dusty safari. I find the button tactility on the MB-D18 to be significantly better than any third-party option; the AF-ON button and joystick have that familiar “click” that pros rely on. Most importantly, when paired with an EN-EL18c battery and the BL-5 cover, it boosts the D850’s frame rate to 9fps. The only drawback is the eye-watering price tag, especially since you have to buy the higher-capacity battery and charger separately to get that speed boost. However, for a tool you’ll use every day, the peace of mind is worth every penny.
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Vello BG-N19-2 View on Amazon View on B&H
Vello has long been the gold standard for third-party grips, and the BG-N19-2 for the D850 continues that tradition. It feels remarkably solid in the hand, with a rubberized texture that matches the Nikon body nearly perfectly. While it is constructed from high-quality plastic rather than magnesium alloy, it doesn’t feel “creaky” when mounted—a common issue with cheaper alternatives. I’ve used this grip during long wedding shoots and found the vertical shutter release to be responsive and well-placed. It supports the same battery configurations as the original, including the ability to hit 9fps if you provide the necessary EN-EL18 battery and BL-5 door. It’s about a quarter of the price of the Nikon version, making it the sweet spot for photographers who want professional ergonomics without the professional price tag. Just be aware that the weather sealing isn’t quite as robust as the OEM version.
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Meike MK-D850 Pro View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike MK-D850 Pro is an incredible bargain, especially because it includes a 2.4GHz wireless remote that doubles as an intervalometer. If you’re into long exposures or time-lapse photography, this feature alone makes it worth the purchase. The grip itself is lightweight and functional, though you can definitely feel the difference in materials compared to the Vello or Nikon options—the plastic is thinner and the buttons feel a bit “mushy.” However, it fits the D850 securely and provides the extra battery life and vertical controls you need. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it also supports the EN-EL18 battery for increased frame rates. While I wouldn’t recommend this for a heavy-duty pro who beats up their gear daily, it is an excellent choice for hobbyists or landscape shooters who need a tripod-friendly remote and better vertical handling on a strict budget.
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Nikon MB-D18 (Full Kit) View on Amazon View on B&H
For the professional who leaves nothing to chance, the premium choice is the full OEM ecosystem. While the grip itself is part of the story, the “Premium” experience comes from using the EN-EL18c battery (the same used in the D5/D6). This setup provides the D850 with enough voltage to drive the shutter mechanism at 9 frames per second and extends the battery life to over 5,000 shots per charge. You’ll notice that the balance of the camera improves significantly when using heavy glass like a 70-200mm f/2.8 or a 400mm f/2.8. The integration with the camera’s menus is seamless, and there are never any “communication errors” which can occasionally plague third-party electronics. It is an investment, often costing over $600 for the full kit (grip, battery, charger, door), but it turns the D850 into a mini-D6 that is virtually indestructible.
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Pixel MB-D18 Replacement View on Amazon View on B&H
Pixel has earned a reputation for making some of the most durable third-party accessories on the market. Their version of the MB-D18 is a fantastic middle-ground option. It feels slightly more rugged than the Meike and offers a very tight seal against the bottom of the D850, which minimizes the “flexing” feeling you sometimes get with cheap grips. The joystick is surprisingly accurate, which is vital when you’re quickly moving your focus point around while shooting vertically. It includes trays for both the standard EN-EL15 battery and AA batteries, giving you plenty of power flexibility. I’ve found this to be an excellent backup grip to keep in the bag or a primary grip for shooters who want something more substantial than the budget options but aren’t ready to commit to the Vello or Nikon prices. It’s a workhorse that punches well above its weight class.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip for Nikon D850
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon MB-D18 | Professional Work | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Vello BG-N19-2 | Event Shooters | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Meike MK-D850 Pro | Landscape/Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Nikon MB-D18 Kit | Maximum Performance | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Pixel MB-D18 | Daily Use/Backup | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I actually get the 9fps speed boost with a grip?
To reach 9fps, you need more than just the grip. You must use the larger EN-EL18 (a, b, or c) battery, which requires the Nikon BL-5 battery chamber cover to fit into the grip. Additionally, you will need a separate MH-26 or MH-33 charger for that battery. Once installed, the D850 will automatically detect the higher voltage and unlock the 9fps burst mode in the menu settings.
Are third-party grips safe for my Nikon D850’s electronics?
Generally, yes. Brands like Vello and Meike have been making grips for years with a high safety record. However, there is always a small risk of power surges or battery drain issues with non-OEM electronics. If you notice your camera’s battery draining rapidly while turned off, or if the camera becomes hot, remove the grip immediately. For high-stakes professional work, the Nikon MB-D18 is the only way to be 100% safe.
Can I use standard AA batteries in these grips?
Yes, almost all D850 battery grips (including the Nikon MB-D18) come with a secondary tray that holds eight AA batteries. This is a great emergency backup if your lithium-ion batteries die while you’re in the field. Using high-quality Ni-MH rechargeable AA batteries can even provide a slight boost in performance, though they won’t typically reach the full 9fps speed or match the longevity of an EN-EL18.
Does adding a grip improve the autofocus performance?
The grip itself does not change the AF algorithms, but using the EN-EL18 battery via the grip provides more power to the lens motors. You might notice that large, heavy lenses like the 200-400mm f/4 or 600mm f/4 focus slightly snappier and with more “torque” when using the high-voltage battery setup. Additionally, the improved ergonomics help you hold the camera steadier, which can indirectly lead to sharper images.
Is the Meike wireless remote reliable for professional work?
The Meike remote is excellent for landscape and studio work where you have a clear line of sight. It uses 2.4GHz technology, which is much more reliable than old infrared remotes. However, it is made of lightweight plastic and isn’t weather-sealed. For critical professional work, I would use it as a secondary trigger but keep a wired shutter release in my bag as a fail-safe backup.
Final Verdict
If you are a professional shooting in harsh environments, do not compromise—get the Nikon MB-D18. It is the only grip that matches the D850’s tank-like build. However, for most enthusiasts, the Vello BG-N19-2 offers 95% of the performance at a fraction of the cost. If you’re a landscape photographer who just wants a remote and extra battery life, the Meike Pro is a fantastic bargain that will serve you well.