Alongside the launch of the Z6 III, Nikon also unveiled a new vertical grip battery pack, the MB-N14. What’s notable about this product, and something easy to miss, is that the MB-N14 is compatible with the new Nikon Z6 III and the older Z6 II and Z7 II cameras.
The MB-N14 is the right choice for Nikon Z6 III owners who want a vertical grip. However, existing owners of Z6 II or Z7 II will wonder about the difference between the new MB-N14 grip and the older MB-N11 grip, which was previously the only option.
For starters, the new MB-N14 is less expensive than the old MB-N11. The MB-N14’s current price is $356.95, while the MB-N11 sells for $396.95. If you already shoot with a Z6 II or Z7 II, this new, lower price point is probably all you need to know to choose the MB-N14 over the older model. But what if you already own the MB-N11? Undoubtedly, you’d like to know what else has been improved besides the price.
After digging through the specifications for both products, the main differences between the two seem to be:
- Improved weather sealing that matches that of the Z6 III
- Faster charging time for two batteries (5hrs instead of 5hrs 30 minutes)
- The new MB-N14 is 0.2 oz (5 g) heavier than the MB-N11.
When the MB-14 is used with a Z6 III, Nikon says the operating temperature range is -10 °C to 40 °C/+14 °F to 104 °F. However, this drops to 0°C to 40°C/+32°F to 104°F when the grip is paired with the Z6 II or Z7 II, matching the older MB-N11’s specifications. This seems like a limitation of the older cameras instead of the grip.
Both the MB-N11 and MB-N14 feature hot-swap capabilities, and both can be used as a dual battery charger to charge the EN-EL15 batteries over USB-C when the grip is not attached to the camera. Looking at this relatively short list of improvements, it isn’t worthwhile for Z6 II and Z7 II owners to upgrade their existing MB-N11 battery grips to the new MB-N14. However, Z6 III, Z6 II, and Z7 II owners looking to buy a new battery grip should be pleased to see improvements offered at a lower price.
While a lower price should be applauded, as a Nikon shooter, I’m still somewhat disappointed that I couldn’t simply use the MB-N12 battery grip from my Z8 with the new Z6 III. Battery grips are expensive, and it’s frustrating to need a collection of them to work with multiple cameras. Sony does this right, making one grip compatible with many camera bodies for many years.
I’m also disappointed that the vertical grip still has only a single customizable button next to the shutter. This means that in the vertical shooting position, the buttons available to your fingers are not the same as those (three) buttons next to the shutter when shooting in the horizontal position. Likewise, the camera’s front customizable buttons are missing from the MB-N14 grip. This disparity in available buttons when switching from horizontal to vertical shooting positions is an in-field muscle memory frustration, just as it has been with Nikon’s previous battery grips.
Why don’t they listen? Again, Sony does this right. All the dials and custom buttons on my Sony a9 III are perfectly mirrored on the optional battery grip. It feels no different using that camera in the vertical position than using it horizontally. As a result, I love using my Sony battery grips, but find myself using them sparingly on my Nikon cameras (yes, I shoot both Sony and Nikon).
Where to Buy
- Nikon Z6 III Body Only – B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK) / Camera Canada
- Nikon Z6 III Kit With 24-70mm f/4 S – B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK) / Camera Canada
- Nikon Z6 III Kit With 24-120mm f/4 S – WEX (UK)
- Nikon MB-N14 Battery Grip for Z6 III – B&H Photo / Adorama / WEX (UK)
- Nikon EN-EL15c Battery for Z6 III – B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama / WEX (UK)
Press Text from Nikon
Primary features of the MB-N14 Power Battery Pack
The MB-N14 Power Battery Pack is an optional power battery pack for the Z6III, Z7II, and Z6II. The MB-N14 Power Battery Pack can hold two EN-EL15c*1 Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries, allowing users to shoot approximately 1.9x more stills and video footage.*2 In addition to offering the same dust- and drip-resistance as the Z6III, the MB-N14 Power Battery Pack can be used in conditions as cold as -10°C/14°F, making it extremely useful when shooting for extended periods of time in harsh conditions. What’s more, the MB-N14 Power Battery Pack is a “hot swap” power battery pack that continues to supply power even when one of the two batteries is removed, as long as the other is not exhausted. The batteries inserted in the MB-N14 Power Battery Pack can also be charged using the built-in USB connector, even when the device is not attached to the camera.*3
- *1EN-EL15b and EN-EL15a batteries can also be used, but note that battery endurance (the number of shots possible) may be less on a single charge.
- *2Actual endurance varies with such factors as environmental conditions, battery charge level, the interval between shots, and the options selected in the camera menus.
- *3EN-EL15c and EN-EL15b batteries can be charged.
- Specifications, design, product name and supplied accessories may differ by country or area. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
