Nikon Batteries

mud390

As of right now, I only have the battery that came with my D80. I went to check on a second battery at the local photography shop and was a little shocked by the $60 price tag for a Nikon brand battery. Their off brand was actually one dollar more. Is this about right, or are they just running the price up to maximize profits? Is there another source for a quality battery for a less shocking price? Thanks!

Kris

The Mack

mud390 wrote:

As of right now, I only have the battery that came with my D80. I went to check on a second battery at the local photography shop and was a little shocked by the $60 price tag for a Nikon brand battery. Their off brand was actually one dollar more. Is this about right, or are they just running the price up to maximize profits? Is there another source for a quality battery for a less shocking price? Thanks!

Kris

Sounds a little higher then what I've seen, but, brick & mortar stores are gonna be a little more due to the higher operating costs.

nightowlcat

For the $20 savings on one, get two for $80, plus shipping.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/409071-REG/Nikon_25334_EN_EL3e_Rechargeable_Lithium_Ion_Battery.html

Double-check their holiday schedule though:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/AutumnHoliday08.html

dangin

if you don't want to worry about trying to order while someone's on religious holiday, check out calumet photo:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/nz11152/

the d80 uses the EN-EL3e which is also used in the D200. a Nikon-branded battery is $40 at calumet.

Joves

The Mack wrote:

Sounds a little higher then what I've seen, but, brick & mortar stores are gonna be a little more due to the higher operating costs.

To a point but some do overcharge for accessories. My one local has the battery for $45 so, it is really diffrent from store to store. The Ritz up her wanted $65 and, I laughed at that. Also most off brand batteries stink. I tried one for my D50 and, it was terrible. It didnt have the same shooting power my Nikon did, I would get only 75% of the shots with it.

davidweaver

The Promaster (marketing company) has an unbranded one that my local shop sells for 40 bucks and it works great. Plus I have a 10% off frequent buyer card. I try to buy local and the shop will usually either split the difference between the B&H price or will sometimes even match it. Smart camera store!

BTW: the Hong Kong ones I got once upon a time were a complete waste, counterfeit, missing cells...bleech.

swintonphoto

Watch ebay. I bought three genuine Olympus batteries for my OLY DSLRs for $20 total there. They were brand new - part of an overstock sale. They work great. So, I bet something similar is possible for Nikon batteries as well.

The Mack

Joves wrote:

To a point but some do overcharge for accessories. My one local has the battery for $45 so, it is really diffrent from store to store. The Ritz up her wanted $65 and, I laughed at that. Also most off brand batteries stink. I tried one for my D50 and, it was terrible. It didnt have the same shooting power my Nikon did, I would get only 75% of the shots with it.

True, but they have to make their money somehow.
They might be cheaper on something then other stores are, but more expensive on the things that aren't "needed"