Accessories
As with any new digital SLR, the D700 is compatible with a wide range of accessories. We’ll detail a few here.
The MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Grip
The MB-D10 is the same grip as used on the D300, so people upgrading from that model won’t have to buy a new version. With the grip, you can use 8 AA batteries, a second EN-EL3e battery (the same as is used internally by the camera itself), and even the high-capacity EN-EL4/EN-EL4a as used by the D3.
That’s not all; if you use either AAs or the EN-EL3, the top frame rate of the D700 is boosted to 8fps - the same as the previously top-of-the-range D2x, D2h and D2hs.
The MB-D10 is fully sealed against dust and moisture too, to the same level as the D700 itself.
Finally, here’s the D700 with the grip attached:
Where to buy
Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack for Nikon D300 & D700 Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon BL-3 Battery Chamber Cover for Nikon EN-EL4 and EN-EL4a for the MB-D10
WT-4 / WT-4a Wireless Transmitter
Want to go wireless with your D700? Then Nikon have the answer in the form of the WT-4 (or WT-4a/b/c/d/e, depending on your region - the only difference is in the number of channels supported). This enables you to connect your camera directly to your wireless network, uploading images as you shoot - all the advantages of shooting tethered, but without the cable.
The transmitter itself is attached to the 10-pin socket via a cable, and is designed to be clipped to your belt. We understand that this means the transmitter isn’t limited to use with a single body style (ie it will work just as well with the D700 as it will the D3 and D300, and can also be used regardless of if you have the MB-D10 attached). However, we can’t help but think this is perhaps a backwards step from Nikon’s Wi-Fi transmitters of old, that used to attach directly to the camera body with no trailing cables.
That aside, the WT-4 is packed with functionality:
- Remote camera control (when used with optional Camera Control 2 software)
- FTP image transfer
- Connectivity via Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g) or wired LAN (100Mbs, not gigabit unfortunately)
- Supports ad-hoc and infrastructure modes
- Thumbnail Select mode: Thumbnail images can be displayed on a connected computer, and selected images can be downloaded and saved.
- Image Transfer mode: Images stored in a memory card and those just taken can be transferred and saved on a computer or FTP server.
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September 18th, 2008 at 4:29 am
‘However, we can’t help but think this is perhaps a backwards step from Nikon’s Wi-Fi transmitters of old, that used to attach directly to the camera body with no trailing cables.’
Yeah, except that back then, every time you bought a Nikon with a different body configuration, you needed a different WiFi transmitter to connect to it. The WT-4 will work with the D3, D300, D700, and probably more to come.
October 20th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Under your MB-10 description you write: “if you use either AAs or the EN-EL3 the top frame rate of the D700 is boosted to 8fps”
I think what you mean to write is EN-EL4/4a.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:47 am
One major omission in this post is that anyone considering the MB-D10 for use with the EN-EL4 battery MUST purchase the Nikon BL-3 Battery Chamber Cover. I didn’t know this until I received my MB-D10 and EN-EL4 in the mail and wondered why I couldn’t use them together. Not to mention that the BL-3 (just a simple piece of plastic with two metal prongs) is grossly overpriced when it should come FREE with the MB-D10. Anyhow, the MB-D10 is really a must-have, so be prepared to plunk down a lot of cash for these three items.
May 13th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Agreed, the pricing on the BL-3 is outrageous and yes it should come free with the MB-D10.
Not only is the EN-EL4 overpriced but anyone wishing to use this combination also has to aquire the equally overpriced charging unit!
I work in the manufacturing industry and I know how much these items cost to manufacture. Nikon like many others are ripping off consumers to an unbeleivable degree.
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:56 am
yeah, first surprising for the description “if you use either AAs or the EN-EL3 the top frame rate of the D700 is boosted to 8fps”, it should be EN-EL4 or EN-EL4a
July 10th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Does anyone have experience with the Phottix grip? Its more than half the price and does the same thing. But how is the quality?
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I have recently purchased a Meike grip modelled on the MB-D10, it came with all the necessary battery chambers and works perfectly, the plastic and grip material closely match the cameras so it looks authentic. The best news though is that it was 1/3 of the price of the Nikon.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Hi Peter,
Have a read at the following link for a fellow photographer’s POV on the unit :
http://prakashphotography.blogspot.com/2009/02/nikon-mb-d10-vs-phottix-grip-vs-other.html
Albert
April 13th, 2010 at 2:38 am
You say, “The transmitter itself is attached to the 10-pin socket via a cable …”.
No it isn’t; it’s attached to the camera’s USB connection.
April 15th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Just a note on the MB-D10. This will take the D700 to 8FPS when used with AA batteries. You do need to make sure that your settings are to use the MB-D10 battery first. For those times when you need 8FPS those AA’s do come in handy without the expense of the EN-EL4.
May 5th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Thanks Albert.
May 19th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Why does everybody read, that AA batteries can be used in the grip, but nowbody uses this cheap and on my D700 very suitable pack? 8 AA, 2500 or more mAh, charging time for all of them about half an hour, work GREAT, last long and provide 8fps as well as the original battery can remain inside the body as reserve. Who want´s more? Quick chargers are very cheap now and we even find batteries over 3000mAh.
Marc Bergmann / Germany
June 11th, 2010 at 12:53 am
Hi,
I use the Meike grip with the EN-EL3 and I can shoot at 8fps. The grip is awesome, way cheaper than the official nikon one and has all the same functions.
I’ve heard the only difference with the official Nikon grip is that it is made of metal, so from the tripod mount on the grip to the camera is one solid piece - where as with the Meike it two pieces to plastic stuck together.
I haven’t had any problems with the Meike grip - I shoot gigs and fashion and run around a bit and the thing hasn’t failed me
June 14th, 2010 at 5:06 am
anybody buy MB-D10 at linkdelight?
http://www.linkdelight.com/Standard-Battery-Grip/Battery-Grip-for-Nikon-D300s-D700-MB-D10-+-BL-3-Chamber-Cover/Detailed-product-flyer.html
the price let me aha, so low, but made in china, er~
June 29th, 2010 at 4:23 am
How do I tell if I have the WT-4a b c or d?