gdanmitchell
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I'm not a fan of third-party batteries, having had quite a few less-than optimal units and several that failed in unfortunate ways. I think you might be better off with 5D batteries than with batteries for later versions of the 5D, though I would start with at least one reliable Canon unit.
The issue isn't clear cut. With another camera I use, I have a couple of the OEM batteries plus a couple of third-party batteries. The third-party batteries work OK (and their charger is fine), but they don't hold a charge as long and they seem to have lost their ability to hold a charge over time more quickly. They are fine for secondary "may use in a pinch" batteries, but I don't trust them as first line batteries.
I had a very bad experience with one other third party battery supplier and a 5DII. I had used batteries from that supplier with my 5D and they worked OK, so when they started to offer 5DII batteries I ordered a pair. One was dead on arrival and the other held perhaps 20% of a normal charge. I returned them and received replacements... neither of which worked. I now simply get the Canon batteries and move on.
Yes, it seems wrong to spend the Canon prices when something promising performance at a much lower price exists. However, as a breed, these third-party batteries have not proven to be as reliable. You might get something that works or you might not. It might last as long as Canon or it might not. It might work for a while and it might fail prematurely.
When I'm making photographs, for me it is unacceptable to be unsure of whether the batteries will work as expected, and saving a few dollars and losing photographs is not an attractive trade. (I discovered the defect in one set of batteries on a long backcountry pack trip on which I had calculated enough batteries for a week plus a small overestimated. Two third party batteries turned out to give reduced service and I was nearly in a heap of trouble.)
Dan
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