TonyBrown

My partner and I are planning a Safari trip next year where opportunities to recharge camera batteries will be limited with a lot of time spent in tents with no power. I have a Nikon D500 and my partner has inherited my old D7200, both of which use the Nikon EN-EL15 battery. However, with limited opportunities to recharge batteries and not wanting to splash out on too many extra units are thinking of using Power Blocks(Anker Powercore 201000- 20000 Ultra High Capacity Powerbank), for back up battery charging while travelling around. I currently have two original Nikon batteries and my partner has 3 batteries, one of which is a Duracell unit. Interestingly, the Duracell battery seems to work fine in the D7200, but not in the D500. Cutting to the chase, I plan to buy a couple of USB chargers to plug into the Powerbanks, but I am not sure whether this will work for the Nikon EN-EL15's. I believe the Duracell batteries will charge in this way, but not sure about the Nikons. I am also thinking of getting a couple of spare Duracell batteries for my partners D7200 and a couple of spare Nikon batteries for my D500. Not a cheap option and probably the only time I will need to carry 4 batteries. Any thoughts on whether this will be okay? Any other ideas would be welcomed.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I've been on 2 Safaris, was always able to charge batteries nightly. Call and ask your tour.

11bravo

I'd suggest comparing the cost of branded batteries vs the cost of the trip. Yes, Nikon batteries not cheap, but what is the cost of repeating the trip. Not saying this is a once in a lifetime trip, but...

Personally, I have 4 spare Panasonic batteries that I carry in the case, plus one in the camera. My partner, the same (nice her camera uses the same, though she usually leaves her batteries in the hotel). Rarely do either of us exceed 1 spare during the day, but would rather have and not need than need and not have.

We also use a dual charger so 2 batteries can be charged at once.

I'd buy the powerbank if others report it works, but still would pick up some extra batteries. Cheap insurance.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

When I went to the Chobe, I took 4batteries and was able to charge them. Rennet to take a converter plug for the counties that you will visit. Different plug types in different countries

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

The Meike battery grip for the D500 allows the option to use AA batteries. If you absolutely can not recharge your Nikons, this might be a good alternative.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Do your charger units allow power sourcing from a usb type plug? I don't shoot Nikon, but Canon battery chargers plug into a 110-240 outlet. I have used the Paul C Buff Vagabond battery to recharge before. Once, I plugged into a UPS battery backup before I had a Vagabond.

On trips, I always have at least 3 charged batteries available for each day's excursion.

Silverrails

Always use the Camera Batteries that have been designated to use for your particular camera model by the Manufacturer of that Camera
Nikon use Nikon designated Batteries
Canon use Canon designated Batteries
Etc.

ClarkG Loc: Southern Indiana USA

Also, look into Solar Battery chargers. I don’t have one but I know they make them?

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

You really, really don't want to be on a once-in-a-lifetime safari and have battery problems. Or memory card problems. I was looking at battery grips that use AA batteries before my trip until I determined that we would be able to charge batteries nightly. I cannot imagine any safari not accomodating the battery-charging needs of its guests.

ngrea Loc: Sandy Spring, Maryland

Having worked on emergency preparedness for many years I believe everyone should have a powerbank for power outages, so you can charge your cell phone (modern landline phones don’t work when the electric system is down. Would not hurt to have one with you, as well as extra batteries.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

(Because they don't want you buying some other brand?
Because they will not guarantee results with another brand? {great cop-out})

I have been using one Canon battery and five Lenmar batteries for years without any problem.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I have not been to a safari. But, when I go on vacation with my DX camera, I take a charged extra battery. I'm always able to recharge my batteries in my hotel room. You will need more than 2 charged batteries on a safari, depending on how many photos you plan to take. I read you can get approximately 1240 photos on a D500 with a fully charged battery. I would take at least 4 fully charged batteries per camera. I find it rare you would be unable to charge your batteries while on an expensive trip, such as a safari.

TonyBrown

We have been on other safaris staying in lodges where battery charging is not a problem. However, this trip will involve camping with not power source so we need a back up plan.

11bravo

Why I keep my old POTS landline - works when the electricity is out. Voltage over the copper POTS.

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

Camera batteries are lithium ion and should only be charged with the specific charger designed for them. If that charger plugs into the wall you will need an inverter as well as a battery pack. Keep in mind that if your camera battery is 1500 mah (for instance) your battery pack will have to produce at least that much energy for each battery charged.