Must Have Accessory
The Pentax DBG3 Battery Grip is a must have accessory for anyone who spends extended time in the field with their K-200. It mates solidly to the body and maintains the camera's weather resistance (I've used both in light rain and the high humidity of South Florida's swamps without a hitch). It functions very well when shooting vertically and also retains a tripod mount receptical - so no need to remove it to use a tripod or monopod. While the DBG3 obviously adds some weight, this is more than compensated by the extended power range, vertical grip / shutter release capability and overall better balanced feel to the camera with a larger lens attached. Add some Sanyo Eneloop batteries and this grip will keep you shooting all day.SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries

Caused my K200D to Freeze Up
It's a great idea to have this which is why I bought it. Looks cool too. But, it caused my camera to freeze up. I had to take the batteries completely out of the camera after removing the grip just to get it to shut off. Pentax chat customer care was very helpful and helped me determine it was the grip that was the problem and not the camera. Regardless, the lithium batteries that came with the camera are still going and I'm around 2,000 shots taken already without this grip (which I returned). They still show on full charge. Amazing!! By the way, I LOVE the K200D!! Takes awesome shots! Saving up for the 18mm - 250mm Pentax zoom 3.5 - 6.5 lens.

Battery grip for K200D
Great item doubles battery life. You can choose to auto switch, use camera battery first, use grip battery first, or manual choice of battery in menu screen. Has vertical shutter release for portraits and vertical AE lock button. Also makes camera feel more balanced with longer lens.

Perfect...
I love it on my K200D, weather sealed, extremely well build. What else would u ask for. At~ $100 i guess can't go wrong.