I've been a Sterling Tek battery user now for about 2 years, but I wanted to pass along some props for them.
Over Thanksgiving weekend I was shooting an ice hockey tournament. I charged up 3 sets of Sterling Tek BP511 batteries, and went about my business. On Friday I shot 15 games in 9.5 hours, and on Saturday I shot 10 games in 7.5 hours. Both rinks were extremley cold. Colder than I've ever experienced for indoor ice hockey.
Well, over the 2 days and 17 hours of nearly continuous shooting, I shot somewhere in the neighborhood of 4,000 images with my 40D/BG-E2N and a 70-200 2.8 IS lens, and NEVER changed batteries. I still have the same 2 batteries in the grip today and they are still going strong.
I've always known they were good batteries, but this seemed supernatural.
I was a happy SterlingTek user as well. Had them on my XT for a year and half. No problems whatsoever.
When I upgraded to the 30D, of course I had to get a SterlingTek spare. Used it for 15 months, alternating with the Canon battery. Worked flawlessly, until recently. Charger orange light comes on and stays on. But camera won't start up, with flashing low battery symbol.
I'm hoping it's just a fluke. Thinking about ordering another as they are so cheap.
Been asking Sterling Tek about the LP-E6 battery for the 5D Mk II. They told me it will be out in a couple of weeks ... about 4 weeks ago. Meanwhile I ordered one from Adorama for $80, waited for about a week, and they have now informed me that it shipped out last week. Because the LP-E6 is a "smart battery" maybe I should do the smart thing and order another original Canon from Adorama. At least they are cheaper by $20.
FWIW, I am still waiting for my 5D II that I ordered from Amazon on Sept 17. Sheesh!
bobbytan wrote:
Been asking Sterling Tek about the LP-E6 battery for the 5D Mk II. They told me it will be out in a couple of weeks ... about 4 weeks ago...
Bobby, any update with Sterlingtek? I just shot them an e-mail, but was wondering if you might have heard anything from them.
TERRIBLE customer service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HATE THEM.
Bought two 511 knock offs, They did not engage properly in my Canon battery grip and were totally unusable. I called them about the problem and was told that was once a problem but no longer and I would have to return them at my cost for replacement. WHAT?!?!? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
ronnymills wrote:
TERRIBLE customer service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HATE THEM.
Bought two 511 knock offs, They did not engage properly in my Canon battery grip and were totally unusable. I called them about the problem and was told that was once a problem but no longer and I would have to return them at my cost for replacement. WHAT?!?!? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I only buy original Canon batteries now.
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If they are willing to replace your batteries with newer ones that shouldn't be cause for saying that their service is terrible just because you have to pay postage. Another satisfied SterlingTek user here.
They had a design problem, they knew they had a design problem, they sent me the ones with the design problem, they wanted me to pay to send back defective product they should not have sent me in the first place. They did not work from day one. Why should I take a 25% hit on a product I could never use? THAT is horrible customer service.
I don't care if you or anyone is satisfied with them. I had a terrible experience and I should be able to give my opinion/experience to those who have not made up their minds.
They sent me some completely wrong batteries in a mixed order yet the packing list rporesented the bnatteries that shoudl have been shipped. Also, one of them did not fit so well and another one did not last too long. Some batteries were fine. Overall it is not worth the hassle of buying 2nd rate batteries IMO.
