DSLR Batteries (Page 4): Depends on how many you need. So far, have had luck with after market batteries. With a little looking you can find batteries with a higher mAh rating for less...

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Depends on how many you need. So far, have had luck with after market batteries. With a little looking you can find batteries with a higher mAh rating for less money than OEM batteries. I have both. Have one after market that does not seem to last as long, but it's several years old and has a lot of use.
Interesting articles in above links.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

mdorn wrote:

Yeah, this topic comes up a lot. Not sure anyone h... (show quote)

The over heating battery I described that I was unable to remove was a knock off battery. I've never had an overheating or swelling problem with a genuine Canon battery. Yes they are more expensive but I won't buy any knock off batteries again... once burned, twice shy I guess.

When I bought my t3i a while ago I bought 3 LP-E8 batteries for it and have not run out of power on even a long video shoot... so count me a happy Canon user.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

When I bought my 70D from B&H in Dec it came bundled with several other items, including a spare battery, and it was not a Canon battery. If anyone were to check their site right now you would find a number of cameras bundled with spare, aftermarket batteries. Given B&H's reputation and experience, if they're not worried about it neither am I.

travelpals

I am going on a one month trip to alaska and purchased 4 en-el 14 battries from eforcity via ebay. as the trip was more than 5 months away from the purchased date, i did not do anything with the battries. the battries were marked on the sides to be 3n-el 14s but when putting them in my camera I got a message that the battries coul not be used in m Nikon D 5100. I contacted the seller and they said that I ordered the wrong battries and that I was stuck with them and they could not be returned. I offered to ship the batteries back and get the right ones even if they cost more.

They responded that they would not do that.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

travelpals wrote:

I am going on a one month trip to alaska and purch... (show quote)

Well at least you know who not to buy from next time. Let that word get out and their business will quickly go away... we can only hope.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

photoqueen wrote:

I'm looking for some input on batteries - is it safe to buy aftermarket replacement batteries in lieu of camera mfg brands? Is it safe to save a buck or will the price difference redeem itself with performance/longevity? Nikon is my brand if that makes any difference.

This is an interesting subject. I have 3rd party batteries for my Canon 60D and they work fine. The camera keeps account of battery life, number of shots, and how good it will recharge. But when I upgraded to the newer 70D, these batteries could not be used. The camera gave me a message of not looking at the battery they still worked. Because of this message, I have decided to not use them.

Every camera is going to react differently

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I shoot Canon, but my latest experience with Mfg batteries has been pretty favorable for Canon. I bought my 7D from B&H, and it came with a Canon battery, I also bought a new Watson battery for the 7D as a spare. While on vacation, in Spain, the Canon battery failed to hold a charge after only 7 months of use. I called Canon, and they honored their 1 year warranty, and sent me a new Canon battery. I'm sure Nikon would do the same for you too should the new battery fail in just a months service. I'm glad I did have some spares along on the trip.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

photoqueen wrote:

I'm looking for some input on batteries - is it safe to buy aftermarket replacement batteries in lieu of camera mfg brands? Is it safe to save a buck or will the price difference redeem itself with performance/longevity? Nikon is my brand if that makes any difference.

This is one area of photography that you simply can't skimp. Use OEM batteries if you want guaranteed performance, longer lasting batteries.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

mikedidi46 wrote:

This is an interesting subject. I have 3rd party batteries for my Canon 60D and they work fine. The camera keeps account of battery life, number of shots, and how good it will recharge. But when I upgraded to the newer 70D, these batteries could not be used. The camera gave me a message of not looking at the battery they still worked. Because of this message, I have decided to not use them.

Every camera is going to react differently

Didn't we read a while back that Canon was going to put something in their firmware that would "reject" knockoff batteries or am I imagining things?

dickwilber Loc: Indiana (currently)

amehta wrote:

The one extra Nikon battery will last you as long ... (show quote)

I'm on my fourth and fifth Nikon batteries for my D 200. I still have the original (still working) batteries from my D 100 & D 70, but the newer version that works with the power gauge on the D 200 quit working after a few years. (I suspect it is the power gauge capability that is the culprit.) When shooting for clients (I now only shoot for myself) I always have at least three batteries ready to go! Going back to the original question, whether to use OE batteries, I would be very reluctant to use third party batteries if I was carrying any less than three fully charged batteries (i.e., at least two spares)!

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

jimmya wrote:

Didn't we read a while back that Canon was going to put something in their firmware that would "reject" knockoff batteries or am I imagining things?

I believe they did and I think the 70D has that firmware. I only use Canon batteries for this body, and use both for the 60D.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

mikedidi46 wrote:

I believe they did and I think the 70D has that firmware. I only use Canon batteries for this body, and use both for the 60D.

I believe that is one of those internet rumors like Bigfoot and Nessie and honest politicians. You know, things nobody has ever proved exist. My 70D works fine with the aftermarket battery B&H included with it when I bought it and I am quite sure that all the other cameras they sell with aftermarket batteries included as spares also work fine. There is absolutely no difference in how my 70D operates no matter which battery is in it, Canon or aftermarket. Can an aftermarket battery be junk and cause problems? Of course, which is why I've stated from the beginning to buy from reputable sources.

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

jeep_daddy wrote:

This is one area of photography that you simply can't skimp. Use OEM batteries if you want guaranteed performance, longer lasting batteries.

I have the exact same camera as she does, a nikon D5200. The Nikon battery that came with it sucked. My son bought me 2 Photive ph-enel14 1500mAh batteries that came with a car battery charger. They work WAY better than the original, the battery level meter works fine in the camera. I don't know what he paid, but I found them just now on Amazon (sans charger) for $20 each. I'm sure he got a better deal on the package, 2 batteries and a car charger.

http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-EN-EL14a-EN-EL14-Capacity-Battery/dp/B00906D9YE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0NE940HM3TDGB6SRRKFG

The key thing for power is the 1500 mAh rating. The Nikon that came with the camera was only 1030mAh, and believe me, it sucked. So as far as I'm concerned, stay away from Nikon and buy these.

Actually, my guess is the Nikon 1500m Ah batteries would be just as good, probably made by the same people.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Hi and welcome, I use off brand batteries bought from known dealers, and they work even with the most recent upgrade, but I do agree that it really is not worth the cost difference to take a chance, I will be using the name brands from now on just for added security. but if you are trying to save a couple of dollars they have worked for me.

photoqueen wrote:

I'm looking for some input on batteries - is it safe to buy aftermarket replacement batteries in lieu of camera mfg brands? Is it safe to save a buck or will the price difference redeem itself with performance/longevity? Nikon is my brand if that makes any difference.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

photoqueen wrote:

I'm looking for some input on batteries - is it safe to buy aftermarket replacement batteries in lieu of camera mfg brands? Is it safe to save a buck or will the price difference redeem itself with performance/longevity? Nikon is my brand if that makes any difference.

Hello photoquee

I too use Wasabi batteries for a Canon 7D they work flawlessly; and they registered perfectly with the 7D. I have been using them now for 6 months. I bought them on the recommendation of Jerry who is on this site they are was worth the money Over the price that Canon charges!.