5d batteries

<p>I'd like a bit of advice re batteries I am seeing a range of batteries for my 5d (is the mk11 the same?) for about $80 down to under $20. I few in the $30 range that appear to be genuine, but i am unsure. My experience with cheap batteries in the past has been that they are that - cheap. But i am wondering of there are any genuine options.</p>

<p>The 3 Sterlingtrek 511 I owned were all longer lasting than the "genuine" Canon 511. Cost about 1/3 as much. Realize Canon doesn't actually make batteries themselves but subcontracts them to battery factories. Incidentally, the 5D and 5D2 use different batteries.</p>

<p>I have an array of batteries for my 5D including Canon and off-brand and I've noticed no difference in performance. There is the odd story floating round here occasionally about off-brand batteries causing eqipment damage or even fire. Whether these stories are real, apocryphal, theoretical, or whether its a case of "happened once, therefore danger in perpetuity" I can't tell you. <br>

The batteries for the Mk2 are different - and very expensive. I don't know whether there is yet a sensible off-brand alternative and whether they can provide the same battery info as the Canon version.</p>

 

<p>The BP-511 & BP-511A are the official battery for the 5D. The prices range outrageoulsy from 20-80 dollars just like you said, but I would read the lower priced ads very carefuly to make sure you are not getting a cheap generic, or fake. The official Canon batteries should have the Canon logo on them. B&H is currently selling them for about $55. I purchased a couple from Adorama for about $40 a few years ago. The BP-511A is supposed to be about 25% longer lasting than the BP-511. However, the camera you are using does play a part. For example the BP-511 last longer on my 30D than on my 5D. It might have to do with the 30D having an automatic cut-off and smaller sensor, but who knows ? </p>

<p>It may make absolutely no difference to you, but batteries other than Canon do not show the information in the menu screen when you check them (which I never do anyway)... but it would tell you which specific battery you are using... important if you think one is going bad. Of course you could mark the batteries...</p>

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<p>The batteries for the Mk2 are different - and very expensive. I don't know whether there is yet a sensible off-brand alternative and whether they can provide the same battery info as the Canon version.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>The chipped batteries for the 5D2/7D/60D are all over the place. You can register them just like the Canon LP-E6 subcontracted batteries, and enjoy reading their stats on the battery menu. Been out for a long time. I even have a Sterlingtrek LP-E6.</p>

<p>Most of the non-Canon brand batteries work well. Most have a lower mAh rating so the battery won't give you the same number of shots as the original Canon battery. Check the mAh rating and compare it to the original battery. Others don't give you as many recharges as the original battery. Unfortunately this information is not as easily obtained.</p>

<p>thank you for this, good info. I was concerned as in recent years i have bought cheapo batteries for my nokia that are just so poor. I havent turned up sterlingtrek batteries but will have a trawl on ebay for them</p>

<p>Actually cant even google sterlingtrek keep getting startrek!</p>

<p>oops sorry found em</p>

<p>Stay away from the counterfeit Canon BP511A's. They look and smell like the real McCoy. But, they are slightly smaller and wont' fit snug into the Canon charger. They sell for around $15 US. Just do a search here on Photo.net.</p>

<p>I've used Duracell batteries for my 5D, 20D & 40D for a couple of years. I bought them on Amazon. I've had no problems with them and they cost a fraction of the Canon price.<br>

As an aside, I bought an off brand battery for my 7D from DigitalRev on ebay, I'm happy with that one too. Although, I can fill 3x16G cards with a single charge, so a back-up is not that vital.</p>

<p>Just an FYI, I've had good luck with bestbatt.com. I was turned onto them by another photographer who uses them with 2 different Canon bodies. They guarantee them to be entirely OEM compatible. </p>