I have had lenmars which worked well, except they didn't charge in the 20D charger - only the 10D/300D charger. After charging them in that charger, they worked fine. Still work far as I know, they went with the 300D when I sold it.
I generally prefer the originals, but mine stopped holing their charge (got most of my batteries when I got the 20D), so I ordered the Sterlingteks off mydigitaldiscount. They charge fine on the 20D charger, and have lasted me a long time. My 20D has lately seen virtually no use though....but I think they are on their 2nd charge and the camera still shows full power. Not too shabby for a set last charged at least 2 months ago...
I have been using Powersmart 1620mAH VCN008 batteries (bought from HK through ebay), seen no difference than with genuine Canon BP-511A batteries. They also use Japanese battery cells. I agree that Canon BP-511A batteries are overpriced (like Canon's hood BTW).
Good luck, Fred
I prefer the Sterlinteks over the Canon. One thing that does occur with me with the Sterlingteks, and others may chime in on this, is that the battery indicator goes down to a point showing that the battery has less than half of its charge left rather quickly but it last for a long time after this. Mine seem to last at least a third longer than the Canon brand.
FNC80 wrote:
Nothing personal...I just don't understand the logic of spending over $2K on a camera and then looking to save $30 on a battery.
For those who own a 30D/40D + the 5D, especially if you have battery grips on them ( 4 in cameras and 4 for backup), the total cost of the battery cells add up quickly, would you rather pay $400 for 8 Canon OEM, or pay $70 for 8 off-brand cells that are just as good if not better, especially if they are of higher capacity? the $330 that I'd saved I can invest in better glass. Personally I think that is smart-spending, not necessarily being cheap.
Nothing personal...I just don't understand the logic of spending over $2K on a camera and then looking to save $30 on a battery.
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It's like saying you don't understand the logic of buying a 2K camera and have lunch for 15$ rather than 45$, the same day. IMO, Apples and oranges....
FNC80 wrote:
Better yet...use that $330 for your insurance premium
Bottom line, as in any decision, is that it's your money, spend it as you see fit!
Canon must love you!! there are many junk battery cells out there not worthy of using, but SterlingTek, CS-Power, or Duracell brand are not one of them. I for one would not buy something I have never heard of.
FNC80 wrote:
Nothing personal...I just don't understand the logic of spending over $2K on a camera and then looking to save $30 on a battery.
It is so that you can save every nickel and dime to buy the next $2,000 upgrade to your camera.
I have never understood the argument that if you spend a lot on something, then you should spend a lot on everything. Makes no sense to me. Just want to buy good stuff that lasts.
I have used generics for years without a problem. I have gotten them from various sources and used various brands. That being said, I tend to buy Canon the first year or so of owning a new camera and then switch to generics after that.
Another vote for the SterlingTek batteries. I use two pairs with my 20d and still carry the Canon battery as an absolute last resort. I too have a hard time with the logic of $2k camera means every accessorie must be expensive. That's iPod logic. When it comes to iPod accessories, make it white, put an 'i' in front of the name and price is at $29.95. The proof is in the pudding. Try the generic batteries for yourself, at something like $22 a pair, you can always return them and just save your money for Canon batteries.
Steve Spencer wrote:
I have extra batteries from SterlingTek and I find them to be at least as good as the OEM ones. I would recommend taking a look at them. Here is a link: http://sterlingtek.com/index.html
Respectfully I've had a different experience. After about 6 months to a year they drastically lose capacity. On teh other hand my original batteries are still going strong. Now again - the Sterlingtek batteries cost 25% of the new so maybe they are still worth it in the short run - IF you carry spares. Last thing I want is to be in the middle of a wedding and have my juice poop out...
Regards,
Jon
My SterlinkTeks have been going strong for nearly two years. But it would be nice if someone could simulate camera drain on these packs(using a method that doesn't wear out a shutter). Then compare a few different packs for actual drain over time and charge capacity.
Or we could just tear apart a Canon and a couple of other generic packs and have a look at what's inside.
Canon doesn't have to upgrade the maH rating on their packs to be competitive. Whatever maH rating of cells were available at the time of design is probably what they're still selling. On the hand, the generic batteries are differentiated mostly by their maH rating. So a real comparison would be great to see. As far as I know, none of these packs are 'chipped' in any way. I don't believe any of them incorporate charge controller ciruitry in the pack.
pipspeak wrote:
Anyone know which company makes the canon batteries? I'd be surprised if it's Canon itself.
I would bet large sums of cash that they don't make their batteries. However, as in any large name, they have performance and manufacturing standards that their OEMs have to perform to. Same goes for Sony and Dell laptops, which aren't manufactured by Sony or Dell.
tomhh wrote:
It is so that you can save every nickel and dime to buy the next $2,000 upgrade to your camera.
I assumed that a person buying a 5D wouldn't have to save nickles and dimes. My bad, perhaps.
tomhh wrote:
I have never understood the argument that if you spend a lot on something, then you should spend a lot on everything. Makes no sense to me. Just want to buy good stuff that lasts.
I agree with you. However, my comment about saving a few bucks relative to the camera stands, especially in light of generic batteries (not necessarily specific to Sterlingtek, which appears to have a good following). We all have our opinions and you're as entitled to yours as am I, and as I stated, it is only my opinion and not one where I'm looking for an argument!
Has anyone using Sterlingtek (or other generic batteries) suffered the issue of the infamous ERR99 or other problems with their 40D? A case study would probably be impossible, but I'd be very interested to see what percentage of those with issues were using generic batteries versus OEM Canon versions.
From what I know about batteries, even a very minor fluctuation in power output can damage sensitive electrical components.
sigma or canon. oem or third party. personal preference. I have 4oem that I use in the grips (2 in each camera). and when they get low I use the sterlingteks. and by the time I use all the batteries, I shoot well over 4000 shots or about 3weeks between my 40D and 20D bodies before I have use the first of batteries again.
there are many junk battery cells out there not worthy of using, but SterlingTek, CS-Power, or Duracell brand are not one of them. I for one would not buy something I have never heard of.