Sterlingtek battery not fitting? Try this...

[Jackal]

Thanks to Canonphotog for this tip.

Saw this problem come up more than once on the forum so I was bored and drew a quick picture (yeah yeah I guess I made it more detailed than necessary) on how to fix this problem if for whatever reason you don't have time to mail the battery back to sterlingtek.

Just file down this edge lightly and it should now fit the battery grip just fine. I filed it down JUST a tad and it now fits super smooth and works fine. I just haven't had the time to send it back and I needed the battery for an event last weekend.

So, incase you get one of these bad batch of batteries and don't feel like going through the hassle of a return then try this simple 2 minute job.

[cdifoto]

Keep in mind that filing it down voids that return policy/warranty if it does in fact fail on you.

[Jackal]

It's such a SMALL almost unnoticeable modification I bet they wouldn't notice. This is kind of an exaggerated diagram so it's easier to see.

I can't notice my filing at all so I doubt they would.

The battery goes in...just a tad bit rough and doesn't release easily. The very small bit of material filed down lets it go in smooth.

[cdifoto]

Ok. The mod COULD void it. :p They're cheap enough though that if you do need the mod in a pinch like you did, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I wouldn't do it to a $50 Canon OEM though...ouch. lol.

[deadpass]

Keep in mind that filing it down voids that return policy/warranty if it does in fact fail on you.


i'd just buy another if it failed on me, it's not really worth the shipping to send the dud back when you can get a new one for 12 bucks.

[cdifoto]

i'd just buy another if it failed on me, it's not really worth the shipping to send the dud back when you can get a new one for 12 bucks.

I'd rather spend the $2 to send it back. I'd still be $10 to the good. If it cost $12 to send back I could see your point. If I get a dud of anything from somewhere and it doesn't cost more to return than to replace outright, I'll return it. At least then they'd get a signal that at least one of their products was bad. Enough returns and they find a new source, or go out of business. No returns and false assumptions of 100% satisfaction don't work for me.

[roundy]

I just compared my BP-511s - 1 from Canon, 2 from My Digital Place, and 4 from Sterlingtek (ok, ok, I know that's alot of batteries but I like the insurance.) Anyway the first three batteries came with the edge beveled like Jackal's picture showed but the Sterlingtek batteries are missing the bevel.

Seems to me that Sterlingtek may have missed a minor piece of the design.

[NAisBEST]

Still confused? See this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=238797)for additional pics and information.

[Tee Why]

I got one of the bad batch battery yesterday and I called them today. Gabi at the customer service said that they did have a bad batch she tells me that they don't know which ones are the bad ones (perhaps they don't keep track of the batteries by batches).
So it appears that they are just sending them out and letting the customer find out it they got a bad one or not.

She said she'd send one to me from the good batch today (makes me wonder how she knows which is good or bad) and since they don't allow prepaid return shipping for defective material that they sent out, I'd have to pay to return the battery and they will refund my account the shipping cost once I e-mail them a return confirmation number, which means I have to pay for delivery confirmation.

Very questionable business tactic in my view.

[Tee Why]

Here's an update, I got a replacement stating to ship from the 2nd batch. So it must be the first batch that is bad. Anyway, the only differences are that the defective battery is made in Hong Kong and the second batch, which works fine, is made in China. The second batch battery aslo has a tougher plastic feel to it.

So if you get one made in Hong Kong, I'd either file the plastic down or return it. Some cameras have enough space in the grip to use your fingers to pull the battery out, some like the 30D have no space so you have to pry it out with a slim object if the battery gets stuck.

[GlennSter]

update!

just got a pair of 2000mah batteries from sterlingtek...

they already fixed the battery and you don't have to file down anything!

i ordered another 2 from a different retailer to compare it with this...

[scottbergerphoto]

Just got 4 BP511's made in Hong Kong. No problem with fit. Must be a new batch.

[dsc_1972]

Got two sterlingtek Bp511A's recently and they fit my 30D no probs!

[slyone]

OK, so I'm receiving my new 30D today! Horray! anyways, interested in getting some extra batteries and it seems SterlingTek is the place? My question is..what's the diff between BP511 and BP511A??? why so confusing...TIA!

[tekkie]

I am guessing its just some revision change or something but on the website it says both work work with the 30D

the 511A ones are 1800ma vs 2000ma on the 511

btw here is a $5 code if you spend 25.99

edit the code is SAVM5

[andrew chong]

...btw here is a $5 code if you spend 25.99
edit the code is SAVM5Thank you for sharing the $5 off code; I appreciate it http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif. I just used it against an order of two nb-2l's (nb-2lh equivalent).

Best wishes to you.

[Austin Fern]

Thank you for sharing the $5 off code; I appreciate it http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif. I just used it against an order of two nb-2l's (nb-2lh equivalent).

Best wishes to you.

Rats, I didn't look this far down in this thread and didn't notice the coupon code.

On the plus side I contacted them yesterday because I didn't notice an update on my order status. I didn't actually expect to have received the batteries but was wondering. I chatted with Gabi and she said they showed as delivered but the zip was different than mine. She then put my 4 batteries in a FedEx envelope and I received them this morning. happy customer. She told me to just decline delivery if the initial order were to show up.

-F

[craigJ]

I just bought two 2000mAh batteries for my Canon 5D and neither of them fit. At about a 1/2 inch from going in they get very tight and then at the 1/4 inch mark they so snug that I had to carefully pull them out with a paperclip.

I don't want to file them down myself. I emailed SterlingTek and we'll see what happens.

[MueveloNYC]

what are symptoms of it "not fitting" (just no power or does it turn on and off). I bought my batteries from them 2 months ago, but haven't had any issues, but was wondering how to tell...

[aIpha]

what are symptoms of it "not fitting" (just no power or does it turn on and off). I bought my batteries from them 2 months ago, but haven't had any issues, but was wondering how to tell...

Heh, the symptom was that it slid in without too much resistance but when you push aside the plastic to get the battery to pop out, it wouldn't come out by itself. You would have to use a pen or something to pull it out.

It has been A LONG time since this was posted, I am hoping that they did get their supplier to fix this issue by now.

[wbessada]

Heh, the symptom was that it slid in without too much resistance but when you push aside the plastic to get the battery to pop out, it wouldn't come out by itself. You would have to use a pen or something to pull it out.

It has been A LONG time since this was posted, I am hoping that they did get their supplier to fix this issue by now.

I have been selling Sterlingtek batteries to forum members for the last month and I can confirm that the new batteries do not have any fitment issues.

Regards,
WB

[MueveloNYC]

ok good to hear. my batteries are ok then!

[canonshooter4life]

Umm I just got two batteries from sterlingtek and they dont fit my 30D... I ordered the 511A ones and on the bill and box it says only 511??

[Jon]

They physically don't fit? Then call or e-mail them for a RMA.

But BP-511 is really a generic description. Canon tagged the "A" on the end when they came up with a higher-capacity version of the original BP511. Physical dimensions and voltage are the same. You can use either (or both in a grip) interchangeably. I use a random mix of Canon BP511, Canon BP511A, Sterlingtek BP511 and a few other BP511 batteries in my gear.

[canonshooter4life]

Well they fit but about half an inch left of pushing it in I have to really force it... I will be giving them a call...

[jgogums]

Wow...glad I remembered this thread.
I just purchased 6 BP511's from DBG storefront. Got them through the Pricegrabber link. I've bought 2 others through them before with no problems.

However I just got home from shooting a wedding and decided to swap out the ones I just used with 2 of the new, charged up 511's.

And, same problem. Kinda stiff to push in but then they won't come out!

Power works but it sucks cause I got another wedding tomorrow and if I gotta change batteries I'm screwed.

Was able to "pull" the one out of my 30D out with a piece of stiff wire, but the one in the 5D is really crammed in there and ABSOLUTELY won't budge.

I guess there may be a 'new' batch floating out there that is junk.

For the record I don't see "Sterlingtek" anywhere on the battery label.
Just says 'Replacement For BP511 Li-ion Rechargeable Battery 7.4V 1800mAh' and another label saying made in China, caution, etc....

Do Sterlingteks have their name on BP-511's?

Any advice on how to get this junk battery outta my camera?

[AcuraFan]

this happened to my gf's 5D. here's what i did: used a small automotive pick,
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=00941513000&vertical=AUTO&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

1) take the right angle pick and go down the curved end of the battery and rotate the pick clock-wise a little, 2) then release the 5D battery latch, 3) pull on the pick. the battery should come up with some force.

finally, file down the edges - it's a good 2000mah battery, just got a bad design or manufactured from a bad mold.

[jgogums]

this happened to my gf's 5D. here's what i did: used a small automotive pick,
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=00941513000&vertical=AUTO&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

1) take the right angle pick and go down the curved end of the battery and rotate the pick clock-wise a little, 2) then release the 5D battery latch, 3) pull on the pick. the battery should come up with some force.

finally, file down the edges - it's a good 2000mah battery, just got a bad design or manufactured from a bad mold.

Mahalo AcuraFan for the link, visuals help! I will certainly try this. I used the same method to get the one outta my 30D but I was using a skinny metal ear pick:p. But the 'hook' part was too small to get decent leverage on the battery stuck in the 5D though.
Your tool tip should be considerably better then the tiny hook on the ear pick. Thanks!

Also, I agree on battery holding a good charge. I had to use the 5D last night in a wedding hoping the stuck battery would last.
I got about 600 shots off with tons of chimping a bright LCD display, etc. Indicator light never showed less than full charge. So immediate event is over, now I gotta get it out and file them down or send them back...haven't decided....

EDIT/UPDATE: For those experiencing the same joy...AcuraFan's tool pick recommendation above worked perfectly. It popped right out! Tool looks like it would be too thick to slide down the opening in the battery compartment, but it does just barely fit. Still...it's a sketchy feeling wedging a sharp metal object into your $2600.00 camera!

No response yet from DBG Storefront (via PriceGrabber) either...

2nd EDIT/UPDATE: July 15th: DBG storefront did refund my purchase for 4 of the batteries I returned without a problem. Overall, bad luck with this batch of batteries, but satisfied with DBG's customer service and response.

[twins29]

I see on this thread there are some problems with fitment on the camera body but are there any problems with them fitting on the battery charger? I'm looking to buy the NB-2LH for my Xti but a little worried.

[jgogums]

I see on this thread there are some problems with fitment on the camera body but are there any problems with them fitting on the battery charger? I'm looking to buy the NB-2LH for my Xti but a little worried.

I first posted on this sticky and then found this thread...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=79584

This thread is longer and more active. I don't use the battery you are asking about so can't help you there...

Try the other thread, I seem to recall people asking about all types of 3rd party canon batteries. For what it is worth, the 3rd party BP511's work fine in the canon charger and don't get stuck...mainly because you can easily grab them with you whole hand and move them in and out.

It's when you put them in the camera that it becomes a problem. You can't get your hand around the battery at all....thus the need for prayer and/or unconventional and scary removal techniques!!

[twins29]

I first posted on this sticky and then found this thread...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=79584

This thread is longer and more active. I don't use the battery you are asking about so can't help you there...

Try the other thread, I seem to recall people asking about all types of 3rd party canon batteries. For what it is worth, the 3rd party BP511's work fine in the canon charger and don't get stuck...mainly because you can easily grab them with you whole hand and move them in and out.

It's when you put them in the camera that it becomes a problem. You can't get your hand around the battery at all....thus the need for prayer and/or unconventional and scary removal techniques!!


Thanks for the info. Well I think I'll try buying one since it's much cheaper than the Canon one and hopefully I can pry it out. :cry:

[canonshooter4life]

just recieved my second set from sterlingtek and they fit perfectly and it only took about 2 weeks to send back the ones that didnt fit and receive the new ones... I would and probably will buy from them again... and at that price you cant go wrong... I got 2 batteries for 33$ including shipping... by far less than only one of the canon brand batteries...

[da_teacher]

Will the Sterling Teks charge with the original Canon charger?

[Pinto]

Will the Sterling Teks charge with the original Canon charger?

Yes.

[nutsnbolts]

Will the Sterling Teks charge with the original Canon charger?

yes, I bought 2 batteries from them including a charger. So I have two in my grip, switch them out and put two in the grip again. While the other two are charging, non canon charger and canon charger.

[da_teacher]

Sweet...it's going to save a lot of CASH and maybe then can I get a battery grip. Thanks all.

[wbessada]

Just to say the fitment issues were solved with the manufacturers a while ago. I've sold a lot of Sterlingtek batteries in the Classifieds section without any problems - and I'm cheaper than buying direct from Sterlingtek too :-)!

[canonphotog]

Has this minor, yet easily corrrected issue been corrected by the manufacturer/distributor?

[Jon]

Has this minor, yet easily corrrected issue been corrected by the manufacturer/distributor?

just recieved my second set from sterlingtek and they fit perfectly and it only took about 2 weeks to send back the ones that didnt fit and receive the new ones... I would and probably will buy from them again... and at that price you cant go wrong... I got 2 batteries for 33$ including shipping... by far less than only one of the canon brand batteries...

Just to say the fitment issues were solved with the manufacturers a while ago. I've sold a lot of Sterlingtek batteries in the Classifieds section without any problems - and I'm cheaper than buying direct from Sterlingtek too :-)!Read the rest of the thread? Long since solved.

[canonphotog]

Thanks Jon, and no.., I didn't dig through the rest of the thread. I guess post #37 said it all.

[brantfordbandit]

can u charge the sterlingtek batteries with the Canon charger

[NAisBEST]

can u charge the sterlingtek batteries with the Canon charger

Absolutely, im looking at mine as it charges right now!....uhhp...wait....all done!

:lol:

[neilattopspeedtuning]

I have ordered from SterlingTEk and have like 2 of the 1800 mah and 1 of theri 2000 mah batteries in the BP511 size.

No problems using hte batteries in my Digital Rebel and 40D! Maybe a bad batch is what they got....


Neilattopspeedtuning.com