Nikon D850 Battery Dilemma: Recently returned from my 10th river trip in the Grand Canyon. 3 or 4 days into the trip I changed the battery in Nikon D850 and happy it lasted so long...

cytafex Loc: Clarksburg MA

Recently returned from my 10th river trip in the Grand Canyon. 3 or 4 days into the trip I changed the battery in Nikon D850 and happy it lasted so long only to discover that I went though half the batteries I brought (14) before I could find one that had a charge. This despite charging all the batteries before the trip and having no problem using them with a Nikon D810 body. I now found myself with the prospect I might not have enough batteries for the whole 23 day trip! I was able to nurse the batteries almost to the end of the trip, but I did discover the batteries that didn't work with the D850 did work with my spare D810 so I never ran out of batteries. It never occurred to me that only some batteries would work with the camera and to think it could have been a disaster!

Bill_de Loc: US

Were they genuine Nikon batteries? If not, the newer camera may be designed to not handle aftermarket ones.

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rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

cytafex wrote:

Recently returned from my 10th river trip in the G... (show quote)

The first question, are these ELN-15 or ELN-15a, Nikon OEM batteries? Or are they generic 3rd party? I have to ask since I only use Nikon OEM batteries in my D850 and find that they hold a charge for months when not used.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The first question, are these ELN-15 or ELN-15a, Nikon OEM batteries? Or are they generic 3rd party? I have to ask since I only use Nikon OEM batteries in my D850 and find that they hold a charge for months when not used.

For my D850, I only use the recommended EN-EL15b by Nikon. We know the others will work for shorter periods of time.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

DaveO wrote:

For my D850, I only use the recommended EN-EL15b by Nikon. We know the others will work for shorter periods of time.

Nikon supports the EN-EL15a (in the D850 owner's manual) however I checked with Nikon and the EN-EL15 will work just fine also. I have been using both types interchangeably for years now w/o any noticeable difference between them. Also, as stated by rgrenaderphoto, they hold a charge very well - for months when not used.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Howard5252 wrote:

Nikon supports the EN-EL15a (in the D850 owner's manual) however I checked with Nikon and the EN-EL15 will work just fine also. I have been using both types interchangeably for years now w/o any noticeable difference between them. Also, as stated by rgrenaderphoto, they hold a charge very well - for months when not used.

Nikon recommends that you do not go backwards with models designed for newer cameras. Nikon: ...using an earlier battery in a camera designed for use with a later battery will result in lower than expected performance (fewer pictures can be taken with a single charge)...

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000042103&lang=en_GB

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Aside from the battery problem, find a way to charge them in your car. For example,

https://smile.amazon.com/EN-EL15-Powerextra-batteries-Charger-Compatible/dp/B06XXFHCHB/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=nikon+d850+battery&qid=1573131011&sr=8-9

Or -

https://smile.amazon.com/EN-EL15-Powerextra-batteries-Charger-Compatible/dp/B06XXFHCHB/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=nikon+d850+battery&qid=1573131011&sr=8-9

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

jerryc41 wrote:

Aside from the battery problem, find a way to charge them in your car. For example,

https://smile.amazon.com/EN-EL15-Powerextra-batteries-Charger-Compatible/dp/B06XXFHCHB/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=nikon+d850+battery&qid=1573131011&sr=8-9

Or -

https://smile.amazon.com/EN-EL15-Powerextra-batteries-Charger-Compatible/dp/B06XXFHCHB/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=nikon+d850+battery&qid=1573131011&sr=8-9

On a float trip down the Grand Canyon?

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

DaveO wrote:

Nikon recommends that you do not go backwards with models designed for newer cameras. Nikon: ...using an earlier battery in a camera designed for use with a later battery will result in lower than expected performance (fewer pictures can be taken with a single charge)...
https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000042103&lang=en_GB

Here's what I found on the website:
" ... there may be differences in movie footage or the number of shots that can be recorded (battery life) or in the "Battery info" display when using the EN-EL15 batteries manufactured after electric discharge characteristics were modified, compared to a case where the pre-modified EN-EL15 batteries are used."

As it turns out, my batteries were manufactured prior to the internal changes made by Nikon.
One other point, I never let the battery run down to nothing, when the life left gets low, I put a fresh battery in. I think that is the prudent thing to do. It means that you should also have at least one extra (charged) battery on hand ... also a prudent step.

linda lagace

cytafex wrote:

Recently returned from my 10th river trip in the G... (show quote)

Did it get very hot Some batteries lose their charge if the heat is excessive

Mike1017

Buy the battery pack for the 850 end of problems used EN-EL18a problem solved the battery that EN-EL15 just will not cut it I am a world traveler I use a D5 and a D850 you can make the setting in the camera to use the EN-EL 15 for back only Mike

Bullfrog Bill Loc: CT

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The first question, are these ELN-15 or ELN-15a, Nikon OEM batteries? Or are they generic 3rd party? I have to ask since I only use Nikon OEM batteries in my D850 and find that they hold a charge for months when not used.

My experience exactly!

Bill_de Loc: US

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The first question, are these ELN-15 or ELN-15a, Nikon OEM batteries? Or are they generic 3rd party? I have to ask since I only use Nikon OEM batteries in my D850 and find that they hold a charge for months when not used.

I wonder if the OP's lack of response answers that question?

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Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

I have a pile of Kastar batteries that work as well as my gennie OEM Nikons.
ALWAYS check the amp/hr ratings! I have found from 1750 to 2900 values.
Some cameras don't really "turn off"- if the battery is in it it's discharging.
My worst battery was the one that came with my D3200. One year later- wouldn't hold a charge.

I also have a few battery packs. From the one and two bat 18650 cell phone boosters to my 8 bat buddy.
That one is especially useful for weddings into night time receptions, flash and focus every shot.
Somebody fix Nikon, so I can charge thru the USB port, and while shooting.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Howard5252 wrote:

Here's what I found on the website: br " ... ... (show quote)

The OP obviously feels that he has a problem and Nikon explained a good possibility why.

I'm somewhat surprised that there is frequent concern for batteries from many shooters. I start out every day with a freshly charged battery and it is extremely rare that I need a replacement during the day. I do understand that usage varies from person to person or that they may not have the ability to charge them daily. I am not a casual user, doing a lot of wildlife for several hours at a time, etc, with a D500 or D850 or my wife with her D7100. A month of shooting in Yellowstone this year contained no issues with batteries, but the D7100 was broken when a geyser shifted with the wind and we ran for cover...live and learn. (The water was cold and we were completely soaked.) I like extended grips on my cameras, but I have not found a need to put an extra battery in the camera and ultimately go through the aggravation of taking the grip off to change the battery.