AK Grandpa Loc: Anchorage, AK

In the MB-D17 grip : I know that the EN-EL 18a has about 2 to 3 times the battery life when compared to the EN-EL 15 battery . . . But how does the use of 8 AA batteries compare as far as useful life goes ? I've searched for an answer, but haven't been able to find anything. Thought someone on here may have an answer . . . Thanks . . .

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Are the 18 and 15 interchangeable? It sounds like you might become the expert on using AA batteries in the grip.

Jim Bob

I think you have to purchase an optional adapter to use the 18 with that grip.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

All of the AA batteries have the Mah on the battery, the higher the number the longer they'll last.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The only thing I see (with a magnifier) on a AA Duracell Alkaline battery that looks anything like an mah rating is "mn1500" which is apparently the model #, not the capacity. A little research shows that the mah rating from AA alkalines is all over the place depending on the discharge rate. This from wiki:

"Primary (non-rechargeable) zinc–carbon (dry cell) AA batteries have around 400–900 milliamp-hours capacity, with measured capacity highly dependent on test conditions, duty cycle, and cut-off voltage. Zinc–carbon batteries are usually marketed as "general purpose" batteries. Zinc-chloride batteries store around 1000 to 1500 mAh are often sold as "heavy duty" or "super heavy duty". Alkaline batteries from 1700 mAh to 3000 mAh cost more than zinc-chloride batteries, but hold additional charge."

Here's a link to the technical data sheet from Duracell or their AA alkaline. As you can see from the chart, mah capacity varies substantially with discharge rate: https://d2ei442zrkqy2u.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/MN1500_US_CT1.pdf

Here's another source of information: http://www.allaboutbatteries.com/Energy-tables.html

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

You do, and that is about $ 25. I've never really tried AA batteries in anything but my F5s and I use En-El18a batteries in all three of my current cameras. It makes it so much easier to keep track of and keep a charged spare or two available. I would consider the AAs to be backup, but I doubt I would have the proper adaptor with me to use them anyway. Best of luck.

AK Grandpa Loc: Anchorage, AK

My grip came with the adapter . . . I guess though, that the en-el 18a is probably the way to go . . .

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

The grip comes with the AA adapter, not the en-el18a adapter. That's an additional 25 or so. Well worth it!

Sladecam Loc: Vancouver, BC

Typically, the MB D17 comes with the AA battery adapter but it does not come with the BL-5 battery cover (relatively cheap) which is what you need to connect to the back of the EN EL18A when used in the grip. Bear in mind too that unless you already have a D4/D5 that came with the charger for the EN EL18A, you will have to get one if you're using that battery...and they're expensive to buy on their own. While I'm not a fan of third party batteries, I would use a third party charger. Wasabi makes one that is compatible. Also, I have been experimenting with single-use lithium AA batteries in the MB D17 grip, specifically to test battery life and back up capability (I have a nine day camping photo trip trip coming up late summer with no power generating capability). Currently, I have taken about 4500 shots on this set up and the lithiums are still going. Downside? The "battery info" indicator on the D500 gives you nothing (neither on the top LCD screen or in the main menu when you're using AAs vs "smart" batteries like the EN EL15 or 18). So my guess is that when they die, they die quickly...make sure you have another back-up.