Canon batteries: I am shooting a lot of live view now because of bad eyesight, and batteries are being eaten up. I have a Canon 7D. B&H sells the 7D battery LC-E6 for $67. I just saw...

nat Loc: Martha's Vineyard, MA

I am shooting a lot of live view now because of bad eyesight, and batteries are being eaten up. I have a Canon 7D. B&H sells the 7D battery LC-E6 for $67. I just saw some LP-E6 batteries on Amazon for just $25 with the claim that they fit the 7D. Do you think it is safe to buy the cheaper batteries? I'm on a tight budget, but don't want to risk harming the camera.
Thanks in advance.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

From my research the non OEM batteries won't last as long per charge and the overall life span is shorter. Plus your taking a risk of damaging your camera. Some off brand names are better than others but I'm not risking it myself as my camera still has a warranty.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I've used three Lenmar batteries in my Canon for over four years now. No problems.

ft Loc: New York, USA

B & H also sells Watson batteries as alternatives to Canon. They list them under accessories for Canon cameras. I have used them without complaint for years, mainly because I trust B & H wouldn't be providing batteries that would harm the cameras they sell, nor void the warrantees, etc. The Watson work fine at half the price of OEM batteries.

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

I'm pretty sure that Canon and others do not make batteries, they just have their label on them. I have used batteries with the name polaroid on them among others, I've heard of good results with Watson Batteries also. Buy your batteries from a reputable firm and keep on shooting.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I have used non own batteries on all me Canon cameras without incident, however your piece of mind is worth spending the extra money.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

nat wrote:

I am shooting a lot of live view now because of bad eyesight, and batteries are being eaten up. I have a Canon 7D. B&H sells the 7D battery LC-E6 for $67. I just saw some LP-E6 batteries on Amazon for just $25 with the claim that they fit the 7D. Do you think it is safe to buy the cheaper batteries? I'm on a tight budget, but don't want to risk harming the camera.
Thanks in advance.

I've used third party batteries in everything for years. No problem. I have a set like below for all my cameras.

https://smile.amazon.com/BM-Premium-2-Pack-Batteries-Charger/dp/B005AY9278/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494762624&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=Canon+7D+batteries&psc=1

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Ron 717 wrote:

I'm pretty sure that Canon and others do not make batteries, they just have their label on them. I have used batteries with the name polaroid on them among others, I've heard of good results with Watson Batteries also. Buy your batteries from a reputable firm and keep on shooting.

Correct, in that the various camera companies do not make batteries and that 3rd party batteries may not hols a charge as long or last as long as the camera batteries. That said I have been usine 3rd party batteries in my 7d since I bought it. No problems. But if you will sleep better with the outrageously expensive camera batteries thats the way to go. I buy 3rd party ink tanks as well. also no problems, but if I printed commercially I would use OEM ink.

nat Loc: Martha's Vineyard, MA

Thank you everyone! Lots of differing opinions on all suggestions that I researched. Decided to go with Watson from B&H, as I deal with them for all my camera needs. I never knew there were so many battery options! Glad I asked!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

nat wrote:

I am shooting a lot of live view now because of bad eyesight, and batteries are being eaten up. I have a Canon 7D. B&H sells the 7D battery LC-E6 for $67. I just saw some LP-E6 batteries on Amazon for just $25 with the claim that they fit the 7D. Do you think it is safe to buy the cheaper batteries? I'm on a tight budget, but don't want to risk harming the camera.
Thanks in advance.

I use Wasabi Power batteries in my 6D and 7DII, and have for about 3 years. No problems. The newest Wasabi batteries actually have a 2600mAh rating compared to 1865mAh for the Canon LP-E6N (extended life version that came out with the 7DII).
For two years now Wasabi has advertised that their batteries and chargers were 100% interchangeable with Canon. Before the batteries worked in the camera but the chargers had to be used with the brand. Now it doesn't matter which battery goes in which charger.

2 Wasabi batteries and a charger are $29.99 on Amazon. There is a package with a two battery charger but it is USB to charge off a computer and is slower than the plug in charger.

7D will use the newer batteries, in fact the 6D, 7D, 7DII, 60D, 70D, 80D and the 5D series all use the same batteries.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

robertjerl wrote:

I use Wasabi Power batteries in my 6D and 7DII, an... (show quote)

I recently bought a couple of Wasabi batteries to supplement my Canon batteries for my 7DII and 6D and so far been quite happy with them.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

nat wrote:

I am shooting a lot of live view now because of bad eyesight, and batteries are being eaten up. I have a Canon 7D. B&H sells the 7D battery LC-E6 for $67. I just saw some LP-E6 batteries on Amazon for just $25 with the claim that they fit the 7D. Do you think it is safe to buy the cheaper batteries? I'm on a tight budget, but don't want to risk harming the camera.
Thanks in advance.

They won't last half as long as real Canon batteries. Stick with OEM Canon batteries. I've bought some of the cheapies and they don't last as long, and half of them wouldn't even take a charge after using just a couple of times.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I've recently bought a HAHNEL high capacity battery for my 60D. Initial impressions are it's no better / worse than the standard CANON, but this might improve after a few charging cycles. It was, however, only 2/3 the price of a CANON replacement.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

This debate will continue as to whether third party camera batteries are acceptable and satisfactory. Some will never buy third party. I am picky about aftermarket batteries too. Which is why I'll only buy Watson or Wasabi. In my opinion, these are the two very best ones made. And I trust them. Alongside my Nikon Brand batteries too.

tgreenhaw

I needed a couple spares so I took a chance on these for $13.99 on Amazon and they seem to work fine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DEHVC8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I do use an aftermarket charger. I've heard that some aftermarket batteries don't fully charge on the Canon charger.