Nikon Battery Grip Guide: MB-D16, MB-D17, MB-D12, MB-D18
By The Camera Gear Shop | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Buying Guides
Compare Nikon's MB-D16, MB-D17, MB-D12, and MB-D18 battery grips. Find out which model fits your D750, D500, D800/D810, or D850 and get honest decision rules.
Quick answer
Your Nikon battery grip choice is determined by your camera body: the MB-D16 is for the D750, the MB-D12 for the D800/D810, the MB-D17 for the D500, and the MB-D18 for the D850. Each grip adds one extra EN-EL15 battery slot and an optional AA battery holder, improving handling and extending shooting time.
Why choose a dedicated grip instead of a generic one
A Nikon-branded battery grip is shaped to match your camera's contours, giving you a more secure vertical hold and better balance with long lenses. The integrated shutter release and control dials mirror the camera's layout, so you don't have to reach awkwardly when shooting in portrait orientation.
Generic grips often lack the same ergonomic fit or may not support the camera's full feature set. The original Nikon grips listed here are built to the same quality standard as the camera body and include two interchangeable battery trays: one for an EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery and one for eight AA batteries.
Trade-off: price vs. need for extended power
Nikon battery grips are not cheap: the MB-D18 for the D850 costs around $531, while the MB-D16 for the D750 is about $329. If you rarely shoot more than a few hundred frames in a session, a single extra battery swap may be more economical. But for wedding, event, or wildlife photographers who need to keep shooting without opening the battery door, the grip pays for itself in convenience and reliability.
The AA battery tray is a useful backup – alkaline or Ni-MH cells can keep you shooting when you can't recharge. However, AA batteries run at 1.5V and drain faster than the EN-EL15, so treat that option as an emergency fallback rather than your primary power source.
Decision rules for choosing your Nikon battery grip
- Camera body match: Select the grip that matches your camera model: MB-D16 for D750, MB-D12 for D800/D810, MB-D17 for D500, MB-D18 for D850. No grip works across different bodies, so confirm compatibility before buying.
- Battery tray flexibility: All four grips include both an EN-EL15 tray and an AA battery tray. Use the EN-EL15 tray for normal shooting; switch to AA batteries only when you cannot recharge and need a quick power backup. Keep a set of eight AA batteries in your bag as an emergency power source.
- Handling and balance: If you shoot in portrait orientation or use a heavy telephoto lens, a grip improves balance and reduces fatigue. If you primarily shoot in landscape mode with light lenses, the grip may add unnecessary bulk.
- Budget vs. usage frequency: If you shoot fewer than 500 frames per session, a spare EN-EL15 battery costs much less than a grip. If you regularly shoot over 1000 frames or need to keep the camera powered for hours, the grip is worth the investment. Calculate how many extra batteries you would need for a typical shoot and compare that cost to the grip price.
Product facts at a glance
- Nikon MB-D16 Battery Grip for D750 Camera Original Genuine: The Nikon MB-D16 is a Multi Power Battery Pack for the Nikon D750, supplied with two battery trays – one for an EN-EL15 rechargeable battery and one for 8 AA batteries. If you own a D750, the MB-D16 is the only direct-fit grip that adds both extended battery life and a better vertical hold.
Nikon MB-D16 Battery Grip for D750 Camera Original Genuine - Nikon MB-D17 Multi Power Battery Pack for D500: The Nikon MB-D17 is dedicated to the D500 DSLR and accepts one EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery or eight AA batteries via included holders. For D500 shooters, the MB-D17 is the only original Nikon grip that matches the camera's fast-action handling and provides a second battery slot for long wildlife or sports sessions.
Nikon MB-D17 Multi Power Battery Pack for D500
Who should buy a Nikon battery grip?
Best for
- D750, D500, D800/D810, or D850 owners who shoot events, weddings, wildlife, or sports and need extended battery life and better vertical handling.
- Photographers who use heavy telephoto lenses and want better balance and a more secure grip.
Not for
- Casual shooters who rarely exceed a few hundred frames per session – a spare battery is more cost-effective.
- Photographers who always shoot in landscape orientation with light lenses and do not need the extra weight or bulk.
