spare battery storage... confused.

[e r y k]

hey all,

i currently have 3 batteries, two of which i constantly use inside my battery grip. the third, is the OEM canon NB-2LH which i keep stored in my bag just in case i run out of juice.

however, i rarely have to ever stick in the spare battery because the 2 batteries in the grip provide me with more than enough charge 95% of the time. i also top those off each time before i go out to shoot.

my question is, what should i do about the third battery? leave it half charged? fully charged? ive seen so many different responses from searching and i want to know for sure what i should be doing.

thanks

eric

[Jon]

I try to keep mine topped off; after all, if it's half drained or worse it's not a whole lot of good as a spare, is it?

[cdifoto]

I keep mine topped off and in the bag. Exactly as Jon said...why even have it with you if it's not charged? Might as well toss it in the kitchen's junk drawer.

[MeNiS]

i keep all my spares fully charged.

[SuzyView]

Won't put in one charged, one not in the grip. All batteries are fully charged before using them. Like everyone above.

[00silvergt]

Li-ION batteries are best kept at full charge as you mentioned. Ideally, you want to keep the battery cool, some suggests storing it in a refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Keep it at 40% if you are storing it for a long time. Avoid full discharges, it is better for the battery to be partially discharged and then fully charged.

[nutsnbolts]

Look at me, I actually bought 2 extra spares and an extra charger from Sterlingtek. I mean the prices and great reviews from them....who could resist. Although I'm in the same dilemma (not really a dilemma). I haven't used my spares...well I did whenever I use my camera for the day, the night, I take them out, switch it out and charge the other and having two chargers...well done at the same time!

[KirkHMB]

Is it better to rotate the three batteries through the cycle, or keep one as a dedicated spare? On other devices, I always change which one is in use, thinking it helps (so they all die at once), instead of one dying from lack of use.

[00silvergt]

I don't think see an advantage to rotating since LI-ON batts have no memory. So I say keep two in the grip and one at the ready...

Wait, LI-ON do have a limited recharge cycle...they are limited to 200-300 recharges, so rotating may get more life, i.e. rotating tires on a car.