Nikon/Canon Brand Batteries vs Generic

limited60limited60 Registered Users Posts: 17 Big grins
edited March 6, 2010 in Accessories
I'm looking to acquire an extra battery or two for my Nikon D90....but there is an astronomical price difference between generics and authentics.

I know Nikon says to use only their batteries, but is this actually the case in practice? Is it really going to matter if I have a generic $16 EN-EL3e equilvalent or a Nikon brand $60 EN-EL3e?

TIA.

Comments

  • rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
    edited March 5, 2010
    I cannot speak for Nikon but....
    I cannot speak for Nikon but, I have been using a couple of generic batteries for my several Canon DSLR cameras for years. They apparently work just fine because I never even look to see if I am using a generic or a Canon battery.

    The only shortcoming is that the generic batteries that I purchased did not come with a plate to protect the contacts like my Canon batteries were supplied with. However, I have Canon batteries which were supplied with my DSLR cameras so, I just use the protective inserts which came with the Canon models for any batteries I carry as spares.
  • mud390mud390 Registered Users Posts: 219 Major grins
    edited March 5, 2010
    I have a Nikon D80 and have only used Nikon batteries. I did look into using generic batteries when I purchased my 2nd battery, but at the store I went to, the price difference was only $5 more for Nikon, so I went that route. I did see the cheap batteries online, but decided not to go that route.

    Kris
  • limited60limited60 Registered Users Posts: 17 Big grins
    edited March 5, 2010
    I have a Nikon battery for my D40, and a generic....but I don't particularly care if that camera is somehow messed up by using the wrong battery.

    I see some online and there is a significant price difference....and would prefer 2 extra generic batteries if they cost the same as 1 name brand one. I just don't want them to somehow damage my camera.
    Voltage and all tech data are identical, so, really, I can't see what would go wrong.
  • 20DNoob20DNoob Registered Users Posts: 318 Major grins
    edited March 5, 2010
    I use SterlingTeks in my XXD bodies and Lenmars in both my 1 series along with the the Canons. I use both of the off brands more often than not as they last longer than the stock batteries.

    Lenmars can be found on Amazon, Sterlingteks here.
    Christian.

    5D2/1D MkII N/40D and a couple bits of glass.
  • DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
    edited March 5, 2010
    You can get cheaper batteries but you never know what you are getting. You could even get counterfeit Nikon batteries if bought from a shady source.
    The one thing I do not cut corners on in electronics is the battery. Especially on a high priced item.
    I buy from Adorama instead of a local shop just due to high mark up.
    Battery is the heart of your system it runs everything get a good one that wont void your warranty.
    Chris K. NANPA Member
    http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
  • GH41GH41 Registered Users Posts: 43 Big grins
    edited March 6, 2010
    DsrtVW wrote:
    You can get cheaper batteries but you never know what you are getting. You could even get counterfeit Nikon batteries if bought from a shady source.
    The one thing I do not cut corners on in electronics is the battery. Especially on a high priced item.
    I buy from Adorama instead of a local shop just due to high mark up.
    Battery is the heart of your system it runs everything get a good one that wont void your warranty.

    I agree. The cost of a genuine battery is very small considering you investment. GH
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