Is there a better brand of battery for cameras?

When I shop for batteries for cameras or laptops, I always see these...what could be called off brands of batteries that I have never seen before. But I wonder if there is a known brand that is in fact better than the manufacturers original batteries. I have always gone out of my way to buy exactly the look and model of the batteries that came with my cameras. But is there a brand I should be looking for instead that may have better life or better quality?

Hey Timza. I think you might get some good information if you let us know what camera you are using. The 3rd party offerings tend to vary a lot so it helps to narrow it down.

Canon batteries are crazy expensive. Many members here, including me, have had good results with SterlingTek and Wasabi.

I am not sure I want to say a specific camera [Cough]Canon G16[\Cough]. If there is such a brand of batteries, like Coke, or Honda, or Canon, then that brand of battery would be good for all cameras. And it would be known by people here. I have been out of photography for a long time, and have simply purchased point and shoot cameras and then purchased more chargers and batteries identical to what came with the cameras.

This place: http://www.safebatteri​es.com/ appears to make fresh batteries that are better than what come with laptops. And since my laptops are older, this place interests me for laptops because it as been hit and miss buying older batteries for my older laptops, even if the batteries are said to be "new." And makes me wonder if there is a place like that for cameras.

I like the name Wasabi.

And when people sold cameras used, just like they point out the brand and model of memory card, they would say, and it comes with a 20,000 mAh Big Blue battery!

Lenmar?

Digipower?

Timza wrote in post #17880941
Lenmar?

Digipower?

Those would probably work, but as was said earlier, you can't go wrong with SterlingTek or and Wasabi.

I bought a Lenmar NB-5L compatible as a second battery for my Canon S100. It was on sale and cost less than 1/5 the price of the Canon equivalent. I need 2 batteries because they don't last long in cold weather, so I keep one warm in a pocket and switch batteries every hour or two. (They recover their charge when warmed back up.) No problems at all so far... but I don't leave either battery charging unattended.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=79584. It's a sticky.

I've been using SterlingTek batteries for Canon cameras for years now without issue.

I picked up a 1D4 IV a few months ago and ordered a Wasabi LP-E4 not long the purchase (SterlingTek doesn't make this battery). It charged initially... didn't have any issues. Yesterday, I put it in the camera and it only had a 50% charge. Not all that surprising since I hadn't charged it since November and it was the first charge. I just popped it into the charger and at the end of the cycle, all three of the charge indicator lights were flashing. The manual says that this means the internal temperature is out of spec (over 104 degrees F).

I emailed Wasabi though Amazon. I'm sure they'll either replace or credit me for the defective battery. I decided to just buy a Canon battery. Quite a bit more money..... but I get nervous fairly easily.

Assuming you live in the States, where the Wasabi and SterlingTek are both available direct from their importers, then take the advice already given and get one or the other. Wasabi tends to bundle two with a charger whereas SterlingTeck sells singles and bundles. I do suggest ordering direct from the importer so you acquire fresh stock.

There is little reason to suffer from analysis paralysis on something likely to be less than $20 (for the battery only).

You indicate the G16 as camera of choice. The Wasabi link is http://www.bluenook.co​m …rger-NB-10L/dp/B012PTKILO.

I know I'm spending more than I have to, but I have used only Canon's batteries. Considering a battery lasts me 4-5 years, I am worry free.

The SterlingTek link is http://sterlingtek.try​nt.com/canon-nb-10l-battery/ and the battery is $12. Note that SterlingTek does not specifically say it is compatible with the G16, although the SterlingTek product on Amazon says it is guaranteed to be compatible with the G16. If you feel uncomfortable email SterlingTek and ask. They are very good about response.

The direct Wasabai link is http://www.bluenook.co​m …rger-NB-10L/dp/B012PTKILO. It states compatible with the G16.

lar55 wrote in post #17880980
I bought a Lenmar NB-5L compatible as a second battery for my Canon S100. It was on sale and cost less than 1/5 the price of the Canon equivalent. I need 2 batteries because they don't last long in cold weather, so I keep one warm in a pocket and switch batteries every hour or two. (They recover their charge when warmed back up.) No problems at all so far... but I don't leave either battery charging unattended.

I try not to leave any battery charging unattended if I can avoid it, especially lithiums.

lar55 wrote in post #17880980
I bought a Lenmar NB-5L compatible as a second battery for my Canon S100. It was on sale and cost less than 1/5 the price of the Canon equivalent. I need 2 batteries because they don't last long in cold weather, so I keep one warm in a pocket and switch batteries every hour or two.

If you carry batteries in your pocket make sure the terminals are covered with the protective cap or carry them in a good container. Most rechargeable batteries make excellent short term welding machines if their terminals get shorted.