lol guess you don’t know he posts here, but I’m sure he’ll appreciate this! @Jman13
Kent_Photo wrote:
This review is well written and seems to cover most issues of the main Zf grip choices currently available. https://admiringlight.com/blog/
I recently got this one from ebay, also wooden. It is I think among the lightest of them and it feels nice in the hand. Only down side I can think of is, it is not perfectly sticking to the body, there is tiny movement when you grab it. Like half a milimeter space in between body and wooden handle. Not big deal but just something to mention.
Kent_Photo wrote:
Didn't know that he posts here, but I had been looking for a review like this. I think I will continue with the Smallrig grip for now.
phinix wrote:
Same here, I wonder if Nikon version feels as good as Smallrig.
It definitely looks more subtle, not so much bulky.
Overall, the Smallrig is more comfortable to hold, though I prefer the material feel of the Nikon, and the fact that it doesn’t interfere with the front dial. As such I prefer the feel of the Nikon for shooting, but the Smallrig for carrying. However this may differ person to person based on hand size and how you grip the camera.
Jman13 wrote:
Overall, the Smallrig is more comfortable to hold, though I prefer the material feel of the Nikon, and the fact that it doesn’t interfere with the front dial. As such I prefer the feel of the Nikon for shooting, but the Smallrig for carrying. However this may differ person to person based on hand size and how you grip the camera.
I agree with you , although I've just been sticking with the Nikon since it arrived. A bit more polished.
I would like to see Smallrig bring out a new version with a wrap around thumb bump added and maybe trim a little off the top of the grip to give better shooting access to the front dial.
Neewer has quietly released an updated version of their grip for the Zf, the CA079 'slim formfitting' grip. This fixes nearly all the issues I had with the original grip. It's still a bit slick (its only remaining downside), but that matters far less due to the other changes.
First, the shape of the front is changed, and is more of a pure 90 degree grip on the finger side, making it more secure, especially when carrying the camera in your hand.
Second and most importantly, they have wrapped around and provided a thumb grip on the rear, which is absolutely perfectly shaped to be both small and provide an outstanding amount of grip for your thumb. It's FAR better than the subtle rear flare on the Nikon grip. As a result, this makes the camera much, much easier to hold, IMO, and overall the most comfortable in the hand of all the grips I've tried. At $36 it's also not too expensive. You can get it on the Neewer website, or on Amazon, but on Amazon it doesn't really show up if you just search for Zf Grip or something. If you search for CA079, it'll come up, though....just check the pictures to make sure it has the thumb grip.
They also provided a cool metal hotshoe cover with the old Nikon logo, and a soft shutter release (not pictured) as a bonus.
Thanks for the update. I found many complains online about this new version scratching the paint on camera body, and neewer said this is due to incorrect installation method. Did you find your camera scratched?
Kent_Photo wrote:
I would like to see Smallrig bring out a new version with a wrap around thumb bump added and maybe trim a little off the top of the grip to give better shooting access to the front dial.
Yep, and even bigger front part for bigger grip.
We have small, light grips from others manufacturers, one could be really thick.
Jman13 wrote:
Overall, the Smallrig is more comfortable to hold, though I prefer the material feel of the Nikon, and the fact that it doesn’t interfere with the front dial. As such I prefer the feel of the Nikon for shooting, but the Smallrig for carrying. However this may differ person to person based on hand size and how you grip the camera.
Exactly. I just got Nikon grip and this one is good for simple holding smaller lens, in case I want a small bump to hold on to.
Smallrig is still best for bigger lens, zooms etc.
That new Neewer is interesting - is that thumb part really better than Nikon's one?
phinix wrote:
That new Neewer is interesting - is that thumb part really better than Nikon's one?
IMO, significantly. The Nikon one is very subtle, and you still have to squeeze a little to get purchase. The new Neewer grip is very prominent on the back, and my thumb just latches into it...very secure and quite comfortable.
I did not have any issues with installation or see how it could scratch the body.
Jman13 wrote:
IMO, significantly. The Nikon one is very subtle, and you still have to squeeze a little to get purchase. The new Neewer grip is very prominent on the back, and my thumb just latches into it...very secure and quite comfortable.
I did not have any issues with installation or see how it could scratch the body.
I’ve ordered the new Neewer. Without having seen one in flesh, it looks like the only way to scratch the body would be if the camera was loose in the grip. It should be possible to stick black pvc insulation tape on the inside of grip if scratching really is a concern.
