Summary: Adds a good balance

Comment: I think this helps with the balance of the camera. Not to mention I now have a place for my little finger. I have good size hands and the D90 is smaller than I thought it would be. Not only the added grip is great but the extra battery life and ability to take vertical shots. I had a grip for my D100 so this was an easy call for the D90.

Summary: Battery Drip Nikon D80

Comment: It is good and adds up your shooting time. the adjustment for shutter and aperture is within you reach. just flip the switch there you have it.

Summary: A must have

Comment: I have two D80's and only had this grip for one of them for a while...and found myself never using the body that was without the grip. So I finally broke down and got the grip for the second body.

Not only is this a must have for stability while taking pictures, but the verticle shutter release is something I don't know how you could go without.

The battery options are also nice, with having the ability to use two batteries for extended picture taking, as well as the ability to use AA batteries if you need to.

The only reason I didn't give this item 5 stars is due to the price.

In summary; would I buy one again...I already have!

Summary: Good but not yet great.

Comment: The MB-D80 is a useful device but it is big and bulky and not very well tailored for the D80 Cam. The grip doesn't match or feel like it matches the camera very well. Attaching it to the cam takes some finger power. The shutter release has no real halfway point and the release itself feels very rough. Composing and trying to halfway press the button doesn't work at all. I need this because I shoot vertical 90% of the time, but if you don't then I don't recommend this as a much needed attachement. The added weight does stabalize the cam and having the backup battery is great for the 1000s of photos I take.

Pros - Extra power, easy to attach and use
Cons - Bulky, larger grip than the D80, shutter release is not as responsive as I would have expected

Summary: Best ergonomics for D80/D90

Comment: I originally bought an Opteka battery pack for my D80 after reading some reviews about the hair-trigger shutter button of the Nikon version. Right off I wasn't very impressed with the Opteka - it seemed comically oversized, just goofy to hold, and the grip was smooth, not textured like the Nikon. When an opportunity came up to grab an MB-D80 used for a good price, I decided to check it out. Side by side, the ergonomics of the Nikon version are MUCH better. The control knobs feel much better - they operate smoother and are closer together thanks to the fact that the Nikon is about a half inch narrower than the Opteka. The front grip is a one-piece textured rubber instead of the smooth/slippery grip on the Opteka. The finish matches the camera better, the on-off switch is in a better spot, and overall it just fits in the hand much better.

As far as the shutter release, I'll say this - there is no "stop" between half shutter and full release like there is on the camera (and the Opteka, for that matter). This takes some getting used to, but there is enough travel to the button that after a couple uses it's no big deal.

Whether you're looking to add some extra weight and bulk to your D80/D90 for better handling, or you're just looking for the extended battery life, I definitely recommend getting the Nikon version over one of the knock-offs. I used the Opteka probably 4 times while I owned it because it just didn't feel right, and the Nikon I've never even taken off the camera.

I didn't give it 5 stars because of the shutter release, and frankly if you've ever held the grip for the D300 in your hand this thing will feel like a toy. BUT, it's the best we have for the D80/D90 right now, so -- 4 out of 5!