Product Description

Photographers exploring the possibilities of the (alpha) DSLR series will enjoy the creative flexibility added by the high-quality VG-B30AM Vertical Grip. It not only helps steady your hand with the camera in both vertical and horizontal positions, it also provides a stable platform for shooting portraits, still-life shots and other subjects requiring vertical format. For added convenience, the shutter button and other important controls are easy to use and located at your fingertips. It also holds two NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM batteries (sold separately) for up to 1,500 shots, with automatic power switching to backup battery power for uninterrupted shooting.

Product Details

• Brand: Sony
• Model: VG-B30AM
• Released on: 2008-02-18
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 10.00" w x 8.00" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

• Compatible with select Sony digital SLR cameras, including the DSLR-A200, DSLR-A300, and DSLRA350
• Vertical camera grip with storage for two NP-FM500H batteries (not included)
• Built-in camera control buttons for easy vertical shooting
• Displays remaining power on camera's LCD display
• 5-1/4 x 4-5/8 x 3-1/4 inches

Customer Reviews

Nice accessory for Alpha 200 & 350
Although mostly plastic, this is a very nicely made grip that attaches solidly to the body. There's also a nice storage place for the battery cover of the camera (which you must remove to use the grip).

The grip has three prime values:

First, you can double up your batteries, using two at a time. Considering how long the Sony battery lasts, I think this will be of little value to most.

Second, held in the traditional horizontal manner, it makes the grip longer. This is not only nice for larger hands, but for anyone using a longer, heavier lens. Additionally, it allows you to use an optional hand strap. However, my preference has always been to us this with a traditional shoulder strap attached to the side. This way, it places the strap to the side while holding the camera or tripod mounted horizontally (my most common orientation), and about as out of the way as possible.

Last, the vertical orientation is very nice with this grip, as far as the button locations and feel in general. This is particularly nice for people with hand or wrist problems.

So, what keeps this from being 5-stars? Price. Although I like everything about the grip, it doesn't give me anything unique, and is at a considerably higher price than most competitors of equal quality.

An Excellent Additon to the Alpha Line
I couldn't wait to get the vertical grip for my Alpha 300; I had one on my old Olympus E-10 and loved it. This one is even better. With a smart storage spot for the camera's battery door on-board the grip, you will never lose it.

It provides even better grip than the camera body alone, which is partly why I bought it (I have large hands), and makes vertical photography a cinch. With two infolitium batteries on board, I spent an entire week in Toronto visiting family and taking over a thousand shots; and still had 98% left on the second battery. It's amazing what the grip does to your battery capacity.

I only wish it came with the vertical grip hand strap; which is an extra $50 and also worth the money.

I highly recommend this grip, and am very happy I finally purchased it.

Great for extended shooting sessions, handling control.
I'm new to the DSLR prosumer products and picked this up at the same time I bought my first DSLR.
Since buying the camera and accessories in September 2008 I've taken over 5,000 shots of sporting events, outdoors activites, animals, and lots of interior activities. This vertical grip allows you great control of the camera in either horizontal or vertical usage.
Having the two batteries internal means you can shoot all day long without ever worrying about a dead battery, and the change up from a single battery to adding this is a 60 second operation.
The Vertical Grip also comes with mounting screws for tripod/monopod with I have used on both vertical and horizontal sides, for both types of pods.
For my taking the sporting event shots, this has been a great asset to me in allowing me to control the camera and get some wonderful pictures. I highly recommend this for anyone who may be doing extended shooting.