9 replies to this topic

[Snorky]

Hi... new to the forum here with a simple question.

 

From what I've read, it's best to replace the camera battery with an original Nikon battery, not an off-brand one. Is this an absolute fact? What are your experiences?

 

Thanks!

[Merco_61]

Nikons are finicky when it comes to batteries. Third-party ones are a bit hit-and-miss.

[ScottinPollock]

For the last 5 or so years I have used Wasabi batteries and chargers exclusively. While they are assembled in China, they use Japanese cells, have a three year warranty, and in the States, have direct sales and customer service based in California.

 

I have used them in Panasonic, Nikon, and Canon cameras and have never had an issue. I use the OEM batteries with OEM chargers, and the Wasabi batteries with the Wasabi chargers exclusively. The Wasabi chargers do not support cell balancing, and I honestly don't know whether the batteries themselves support it either... hence why I use the Wasabi chargers with their batteries (which also have the advantage of charging over USB).

 

I do notice they do not last quite as long as OEM batteries, and I attribute this the missing support for cell balancing when charging. But it is barely noticeable, and considering you can get two batteries and a USB charger for under US$25, I'd much rather have 3 or 4 in my bag than 1 or 2.

 

With all that said, I take very good care of my batteries... rotating them regularly with usage, and avoiding deep discharge/recharge cycles when possible. Whether they hold up as well under frequent abuse I can't say.

[Snorky]

Wasabi batteries? Hmmmm..... do they come with sushi ?

 

Seriously though, I found a couple of YouTube videos recommending them as well. So far my camera battery is working well, I just wanted to know what to purchase down the line. Thanks.

[Tony]

Wasabi batteries? Hmmmm..... do they come with sushi ?

 

Seriously though, I found a couple of YouTube videos recommending them as well. So far my camera battery is working well, I just wanted to know what to purchase down the line. Thanks.

They do come with Sushi.  However, they will give you heartburn, but like their lives, it will not last long.  I have been using Wasabi batteries and I must say, I am not impressed.  I purchased a package deal with two brand new batteries and a brand new Wasabi recharger.  Let's put it this way, I get better results charging the Wasabi batteries on my dedicated Nikon recharger.  One of the new Wasabi batteries has already given up the ghost, while the other is barely clinging to life.  My suggestion is this; If you will hang on to your Nikon device for a long time, go with the Nikon batteries.  I say that because every time you purchase a new/different Nikon model, more than likely you will need to purchase different batteries.  I do have two dedicated Nikon batteries and they work excellently every time.  The Wasabi batteries I take with me as spares and not much else.  Hope this helps.  Tony

[Snorky]

Yeah, you get what you pay for. I'll buy the Nikon battery.

[Colin B]

My spare battery and charger both came from my local Battery World store. The battery only admits to being manufactured in Japan with no branding but both it and the charger have worked satisfactorily for over a year now. I always run the batteries flat then swap them over as I always understood this was the best way.

 

Am I wrong?

[Merco_61]

Running the battery flat before charging was necessary with NiCd cells. Current technology can be damaged by over-discharging and will work more charge-cycles if you change over at something like 20% charge or so.

[Nikonphotographer]

I've been using Hahnel batteries for a few years now, I bought their USB twin battery charged to cut down on room while travelling, it works perfectly.

 

Hähnel - For Nikon

[Snorky]

Here's a helpful article about camera battery care:

 

Digital Camera Battery Life - How to make it last longer.