Shoot for longer and improve the ergonomics of your Nikon D850 DSLR with the Vello Accessory Kit for Nikon D850 | Camera Gear Essentialsfrom Vello. This accessory can hold an additional EN-EL15a battery to effectively double your shooting time, and offers a shutter-release button for easy vertical shooting as well as two command dials, AF-ON button, and Function button. The grip can also be used with an EN-EL18b battery when paired with the BL-5 cover (for up to 7 fps), or power the camera directly via AC with an EP-5B power supply connector and EH-5c adapter combination. It can even accept eight AA batteries when deployed with an alternate battery plate; just make sure to select the correct AA battery type in the D850's setup menu.

To install the grip, remove the contact protectors from both the grip and the camera and align the mounting screw with the D850's tripod socket. An attachment wheel helps ensure a secure fit, while the contact cover from the camera can be kept in a dedicated holder on the grip to prevent its loss. For use with a tripod or monopod, the BG-N19 offers a 1/4"-20 threaded slot at the bottom for easy mounting. Finally, a control lock switch next to the shutter-release locks all buttons on the grip to prevent accidental triggering.

Holds an Additional Battery    Doubles Camera Battery Life    Vertical Shutter Release Button    Replacement for Nikon EN-EL15a Battery    Range: 320'    Channels: 16    Static Adhesion Leaves No Sticky Residue    Ultra-Thin Optical Glass    Prevents Lost Lens Caps

• Shutter-release button on grip allows for easy shooting in portrait mode
• Two command dials for controlling exposure settings
• AF-ON button for activating autofocus without pressing the shutter-release button
• Programmable Function button allows for customizable operation
• Control lock switch locks all buttons on the grip, prevents accidental triggering
• 1/4"-20 threaded mount at the bottom for use with a tripod, monopod, or other compatible stands
• Dedicated contact cover slot, holds the camera's protective rubber piece for safe storage
• Push button for ejecting battery inside the holder

• Accepts regular EN-EL15a battery from D850 to effectively double shooting time
• Can be used with optional BL-5 battery chamber cover to hold an optional EN-EL18b battery (for up to 7 fps)
• Alternate battery tray allows you to power the camera with eight AA batteries (ensure the correct battery type is selected on the D850's setup menu)
• Supports EP-5B power supply connector for use with the EH-5c AC adapter

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the Vello BG-N17 Battery Grip for Nikon D500 compatible with the BL-5 battery chamber cover and an EN-EL 18a battery?

A: The grip holds one en-el15 battery while one stays in the battery compartment of the camera itself, doubling the battery power of the camera. That said, there is not enough space to hold the en-el18a in the grip.

Q: 2. What Arca-Swiss compatible plate works with the Vello grip? I would guess that the bottom geometry on the Vello grip is sufficiently different from the Nikon grip so that plates for the MB-D18 don't work on the Vello grip.

A: My Arca Swiss type mounts work just fine on the BG N19-2

Q: 3. I've read that the D500 is very particular about the battery brand, third party brands not working in the D500, will a third party brand work in the Vello grip on a D500 - anyone try this?

A: I am sorting through an issue with my D500, Velo grip and Nikon / non-Nikon batteries. My D500 had the same issue that many have reported where it would not turn off with the only solution being to remove the grip and internal battery to reset the D500. I have done the following to-date to isolate the problem: 1 - Updated D500 firmware and shot with a Nikon battery in the D500 (no issues); Added the Velo grip with Nikon battery (no issues); I will be swapping the Nikon battery in the grip for a non-Nikon and will add my findings once I have some shots taken.

Q: 4. Has anyone checked the frame rate when using 8 AA Alkaline (1.5 volt) vs 8 AA NiMH (1.25 volt rechargeable) batteries?

A: With fresh and or fully charged batteries, the frame should be the same, no difference.

Q: 5. Will this holdup to being on a black rapid type strap ?

A: Yes this would hold up very well.

Q: 6. Do I need to buy the BL-5 Cover separately to be able to use this with the EN-EL18b Battery?

A: The EN-EL18b requires a BL-5 cover, not included with a grip. Its more than a cover as it actually holds the battery. I use a EN-EL18 battery which works fine with the Nikon made battery grip and BL-5 cover. While it all fits in the BG-N19-b with the EN-EL18 it did not connect properly to the D850. Thus Im returning the BG-N19-b. The BL-5/EN-EL18 works fine in another non-Nikon battery grip with a D500.

Q: 7. Will the camera (with battery) still function if the battery grip (without battery) is attached? I'm essentially interested in buying it to add some weight to my d500 so it balances better with the 500mm f4 on my Wimberley

A: Yes, it will function.

Q: 8. I currently have a Nikon D200, which is a fine camera but I've had my sights set on one day moving on up to a great Nikon full-frame, especially before I take my first trip to see Europe. Have been thinking of the top of the line Nikon DSLR and also want to be able to shoot at an ISO much higher than 1600 and not worry about digital noise in a low-light environment, whether indoors or outdoors and have a much more sophisticated in-camera light metering system that does a much more accurate job of handling complicated lighting situations with ease. The D200 always struggled in its Matrix Metering system especially with complicated metering situations and a lot of digital noise shooting in low light at only 1600 ISO. Granted,the D200 isn't a full-frame model and that's a big part of my problem when shooting in a low-light situation. How specifically is the new D850 different from Nikon's top of the line DSLR and what am I giving up by considering the D850 for roughly half the price of the Nikon top of the line DSLR? Thanks for reviewing this and taking the time to answer my question.

A: The D850 uses the D5's autofocus and metering, I believe. The sensor has a much higher resolution though. I would say the D850 is a better investment and it's more compact than a large body camera.

Q: 9. Does the cello grip accommodate Kirk or Really Right Stuff arca style camera plates and arca style L brackets?

A: Don't know. But it sure seems to work just fine.

Q: 10. How well does this work with BL-5 and EN-EL18b on the D850? 9 FPS? Thanks.

A: I get 9 FPS. You have to go into the setup and recognize both batteries.