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EN-EL15b battery query


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4 replies to this topic

#1
guitarman67

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Hi all,

 

I recently purchased a Nikon D500 and 500mm PF lens.  My query relates to the EN-EL15b battery. I’ve charged the battery (I have 2 of them) about 5 times from new. It seems to me that the battery drains a lot quicker than when I shot with my previous Canon gear (7Dii/100-400ii)

For instance, today I began my bird shoot at 2.45pm with the battery showing 100%.  By 4.45 pm I had taken 287 shots and the battery showed 35%. During that time I did “chimp” somewhat. I had the lens on VR (normal and sport) and the camera on AFC. In addition I have aeroplane mode on and wifi/Bluetooth disabled.

I’d really appreciate some advice as to whether you think the battery may be faulty or is this photo count about normal. Are there any other settings that I could change to maximize the number of shots I can get from fully charged?

Looking forward to your advice,

Paul

 



#2
Merco_61

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Turn instant review off as the excellent screen on the D500 is a power hungry beast. Get into the habit of keeping your finger off the shutter button when not actively shooting as the VR activates on half-press. Do you use rear-button AF activation? If not, try it. You will have much more control over when you use the AF, saving battery.



#3
guitarman67

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Many thanks for your reply. All is good now as I made some changes to the settings (including your suggestions). Cheers.



#4
Copyright 1959

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I hope you carry a fresh spare? The 1st thing I get with a new camera body is two battery's.



#5
krag96

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I don't know about the D500, but I solved my battery drain on my D700's by adding converted battery grips that take EN-EL4 batteries for the D3.  They go for quite a while on those big batteries.   The down side is, it may as well be a D3 with the added weight and size.

 

I just checked, you can convert the MB-D17 with a BL-5 battery chamber cover to use EN-El 18 or 18A battery.  That should give you quite a bit of power, and for a long time, if you still need the extra life.