Originally posted by rrstuff Looks exactly like the DSTE. There are user reviews for it, it works fine.
You'll be surprised to know that there are actually just two or three manufacturers who churn out battery grips in different brand names, albeit with slight variations as demanded by the Reseller.
Someone also mentioned that Ricoh-Pentax do not make many parts or accessories themselves - like batteries. They farm them out - to their specifications and quality control of course.
And many folks have reported that most of the 3rd Party Battery Grips are good. So don't bother about this WR bogey brother. After all you are paying just 1/3rd the cost of the Pentax original.
Let me refute the claim and the bogey again about 3rd Party Batteries. I have been using them since 2009 and they are just as good if you buy brands like DSTE, Wasabi etc. And why not, they just cost some $ 7 to 9 with free shipping from China on EvilBay.
So once I bought (2) of them for just $ 3.99 each with shipping. They worked well, albeit lasting for just half the time of the original. So what??
And Ball Heads: I am not a Pro, + my lens and body combo weigh just 3.5 Kg (8 lbs). Why spend $ 160 to 360 on big name brands?? I bought the Manbily KB-0 & KF-0 rated at 15 Kg load for $ 20 each + Free Shipping from EvilBay. I downgraded the loading capacity to 7 Kg and they work great.
Regards.