BP511A

As the prospect of being isolated from electricity while in the field draws near the time has come to stock up on additional batteries. Whenever I look up sources for Canon BP511A batteries I turn up various knock-offs for a fraction of the price as the Canon versions. So far I have yet to yield to temptation under the assumption that you get what you pay for and the usual(?) need for yet another recharger. But some do get good reviews.

Can any BPNers vouch for any non-Canon batteries or should I stick with what works?

TIA, Declan

Not a specific brand Declan, but I can say that my knockoff BP511A battery direct from Hong Kong performed just as well as the Canon battery that came with the camera, and all for the princely sum of $12 plus a small amount for shipping. I see the local "Battery House" has a thirdparty BP511A for about $35 Can.

Declan

I have used the ones from Sterling tek and I know of several others who have also used them......they are good.

http://sterlingtek.com/dc51-2-pack-c...ger-combo.html

Bill

Declan

Here is maybe another way around this. I have never done it but have been curious about it.
Maybe someone else here has some experience with it.

http://store.sundancesolar.com/sochforcaba.html
or maybe some other mfg.

Bill

Declan,

Great question. I too have always used Canon and recently purchased a MKIV. I think an additional battery is around $100 so I might look at these options as well.

I have used a number of the knock offs over the years and they performed the same as the Canon batteries that came with the camera. Come to think of it they all died at about the same time too. Finally had to buy all new batteries. I bought two from Canon and two knock offs. i can't tell any difference.

God bless,

chris

I'm like Chris.. I have two canon and two knock-off batteries and so far, I can't tell any difference..

JMHO

Dave

Wow, a bit more of a response than I anticipated. Maybe I'll take the plunge and try. Has anyone found one that could use the Canon recharger?

William, I've used solar rechargers for other types of batteries with some success. Good lateral thinking.

So far I've been lucky as I've never had a Canon battery become unusable (oldest going on 6 years) but I'd hate to join the club at at critical time.

Declan

Delcan,

I use the Sterlingtek ones and they use the Canon charger. They last longer per charge too with their higher mAh value.

I've used knock off's from 7dayshop.com for a few years now in my 10D, 20D, 40D, 1DMk2's and have had no hesitation in just ordering two more now for my 1Dmk3. They are fully compatable with the canon chargers and have the same life spans. I would have no hesitation in recomending them. The LP-E4 equivalent batteries for my 1Dmk3 cost £12.99 each delivered in the UK compared to £110.00 plus postage for the genuine Canon ones. In my opinion its a no-brainer.

The two I bought were Delkin 1600 ma batteries from Artie's website.. They fit the Canon charger and I think that there are every bit as good as the Canon's.. Don't know if Artie still has them listed, but you might look at www.birdsasart.com

Dave

Thanks again for the great responses, exactly the info I was looking for. I'm taking the plunge.

Looks like 7dayshop.com does not ship to the states. I could be wrong here?

I have a bunch of misc. manufacturer BP511's for my 30D and they all work fine and work fine with the Canon charger. Unfortunately, the LP-E6 for my 7D is "smart" and communicates with the camera (unlike the BP511). The only knock-off's I've seen for that one don't communicate charge to the camera and also require special chargers. It's a shame, too, because the OEM ain't cheap!