I’ve never been a fan of these metal grips for cameras, preferring a good old battery grip that has a more useful function of extra power. But I’ve been shooting a lot of video this year on a Zhiyun Weebill S gimbal and wanted to use a quick-release system rather than having to rebalance the gimbal every time I used it, each time I needed to change batteries. I started off using a Manfrotto quick release plate, but as I also shoot stills on the same gig, I didn’t like that square block attached to the bottom of my camera when not on the gimbal. Enter the Meike MK-XT3G hand grip for X-T3 (there’s an X-T2 version too).
Although Fujifilm makes there own version of this, like all Fujifilm accessories, it is a little overpriced. JJC produce a version of this grip too, but in the end, I opted for the Meike one as I preferred the design.
BUILD QUALITY
Built quality is first class. It is solid and made of metal. The vertical part of the grip is also made of metal but has a plastic grip at the front. This thing is built well and should last for years.
LOOKS
Although I find the vertical grip part (that sits in front of the camera’s grip) is a little too glossy for my liking, which looks a little cheap on close inspection, this is the only downside but will hopefully look better with a little wear. Its finish is not a match for the X-T3’s more rubber look.
The bottom of the grip (the important part) looks nice and is well styled to suit the camera. It might even add to the looks of the X-T3. Rather than just putting a brick on the bottom of the camera, Meike has added a few design curves that give it a more expensive look and feel.
The logo on the back is a little oversized, but I’m just being picky now. Put up with it or add a little bit of black tape if you don’t like it.
FUNCTION
Instead of having to screw a plate on to the bottom of the camera each time a tripod is required, the Meike grip just stays attached and simply locks into the quick release plate on the gimbal or tripod. It’s a functional grip when hand-held, or a tripod bracket when required. The front and rear of the grip has built-in rails Which allow the quick release plate to lock it in place on any Arca Swiss bracket. The simplest things can often be the best, and that little white line on the back of the grip that marks the centre position is great! I can use it to line-up with similar markings on the quick release plate to always lock my camera in the same spot, allowing my gimbal to be balanced each time.
On the bottom of the grip, there are two threaded holes that can be used to attach standard tripod screws or BlackRapid style straps. Each corner of the base is curved to make it more comfortable on the hands. The grip is also cut-away to allow the flip-out screen to move freely.
VALUE
At £39 on Amazon, this is outstanding value for money and a bit of a no-brainer if you need to use a tripod or gimbal with a quick-release Arca Swiss system. I paid a further £15 for the Arca plate to attach to the gimbal, so for a total of £59, this saves a lot of time having to re-balance the Weebill S each time I use it at a different location (which could be up to six times per day).
SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?
There are three good reasons to by the Meike MK-XT3G.
If you use a tripod regularly.
If you use a gimbal, but don’t want to have to constantly balance it.
If you find the camera a bit small in your hands.
If any of these reasons apply to you, it’s probably a no-brainer, especially at the price on Amazon. Time is money, so for me, this grip will more than pay for itself in very little time!
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