Li-on batteries: ebay has a bunch of batteries for sale. Just looking at the sale image many have manufacture dates from five to seven years ago printed on the battery. I have taken...

hannaco Loc: People's Republic of California

ebay has a bunch of batteries for sale. Just looking at the sale image many have manufacture dates from five to seven years ago printed on the battery. I have taken the low selling price as a warning.

Now for the question, how long can an OEM battery sit in storage before it loses the ability to hold a charge?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

You seem to forget that these images are years old.

The illustration does not imply in anyway that the batteries sold today are old!!!! But then again, it is E-bay so who knows who and when the images had been taken!

As to how long they last?

It depends. There is no rule. Storage depends where you place them. Some enjoy the cold, other do not. Other need to be kept charged other do not.

Rule of thumb? Use a battery until it is drained (your camera stop working) then recharge. Full drained = dead.

I usually travel with three. I change them as needed, in turn. I have yet to experience an issue and some (nikon)are over five years old.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Have you checked Amazon, B&H or Adorama? If prices are comparable avoid e-bay. I've seen people pay more for an item on e-bay than they would have paid from B&H and generally you're lucky to get a 30 day warranty for anything on e-bay.

SS319

Additionally, there are no clues as to the worth of a battery; the only way to know is to actually use it. A battery collected from an old camera that is 10 years old will look exactly like a brand new one - factory rejects will also look perfect. Even on Amazon, buy batteries by the milliamphours, then the cost.

hannaco Loc: People's Republic of California

I am not in need of an additional battery. e-bay just sent me an email where the lead item was a battery. It was for a brand of camera that I do not own. Just wondering how long it would last. The seller is in Hong Kong.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

It is my understanding if the voltage of a lithium-ion cell drops below a certain level, it's ruined. Lithium-ion batteries age. They normally last 3-5 years, even if they are sitting on a shelf unused, assuming kept charged. (You will hear those who have had them longer, but not at full performance). Thus odds are really old new batteries may have totally discharged.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

hannaco wrote:

ebay has a bunch of batteries for sale. Just looking at the sale image many have manufacture dates from five to seven years ago printed on the battery. I have taken the low selling price as a warning.

Now for the question, how long can an OEM battery sit in storage before it loses the ability to hold a charge?

I have a Canon battery that came with my Canon 7D purchased in 2008 that still works well.
It is in a rotation with Canon batteries purchased with a Canon 6D & Canon 5DIV.
I'm quite certain that I don't get as many shots with the 7D batt, however, I always carry a fresh spare.
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

It's a key item... and, to save a couple of bucks, I'd look elsewhere. Other than memory, there's almost nothing more important than batteries. Doesn't work so well without it.

Dik

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

hannaco wrote:

ebay has a bunch of batteries for sale. Just looking at the sale image many have manufacture dates from five to seven years ago printed on the battery. I have taken the low selling price as a warning.

Now for the question, how long can an OEM battery sit in storage before it loses the ability to hold a charge?

I can tell you I use Wasabi battries for Canon camera’s for over 5 year’s and there still holding a good charge.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

I don't mind other batteries... but, not from a questionable source. I have 3 spare batteries for my a6000 and they function perfectly well. Used the UHH site for information on what batteries to purchase.

Dik

Stan Wieg Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

I have had good luck with after market batteries via eBay. I have four extras, and if they don't last quite as long as the original from Sony; well, all four cost less than one factory item.

A second charger is nice too in case (bang forehead on wall here) one leaves the charger plugged in when departing a location. I like one that will charge off a USB connection - that way I can use the phone charger or the "candy bar" battery that is the backup for the phones. Lots of fun places have nowhere to plug in a charger, or squirrely electricity.

Note too that some airlines don't like spare batteries in checked luggage. Apparently they'd rather have a fire in the cabin than in the baggage hold...

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have been surprised how long (months) I have stored batteries and they are still charged.

tnleafer

Best way to store lion batteries long term is at around 80% charge, and not to drain them dead every time,
I would stick with a reputable supplier, some of the no name batteries can be dangerous, or not be the correct voltage.
Don't use visibly damaged or swollen batteries if you like your equipment.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

hannaco wrote:

Now for the question, how long can an OEM battery sit in storage before it loses the ability to hold a charge?

I will buy a bunch of OEM batteries, test them periodically, then get back to you in a couple of years with the results!

On second thought, that would be a rather costly experiment. Those batteries are not cheap.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I only use orginal manufacturers batteries. Had after market swell and little tight in camera. Spend 1000's on equipment and saving few dollars on battery. Not for me