Aftermarket batteries for newer models?

I can get 6 aftermarket batteries for the price of just one OEM. This puts spares in bags and cases, providing more peace of mind and backup resources.

I understand WilsonFlyer's perspective. If you've got $5K-$10K US invested in camera gear, $63 US for an OEM battery is noise in the data. If you travel to take pictures, add in airplane tickets, car rentals, hotel rooms, meals and the $63 is even smaller in relevance.

I see the same thing with high-performance car owners. They spend $80K and up on a car and complain that each tire is $200. Again, noise in the data.

And that was the only point I was trying to make. Thanks for the additional clarification.

Carry on.

WilsonFlyer wrote in post #18992711
OEM batteries are a total rip-off. Just like OEM ink and laser cartridges.

Nonetheless, and for the life on me, I can't understand why people insist on buying non-OEM batteries and risking their investment over pennies on the dollar. You guys must go thru a lot more batteries than I do. The cost of camera batteries just isn't something that keeps me awake at night. Sorry.

I have been using 3rd party batteries in my cameras for about 15 years -- from a Rebel XT to a 40D to a 7D, 7D2, 5D3, EOS M, EOS M50 and EOS R. They perform just as well as OEM batteries, without any issues with equipment failure. So explain to me how I am "risking my investment"?

dangermoney wrote in post #18992761
I understand WilsonFlyer's perspective. If you've got $5K-$10K US invested in camera gear, $63 US for an OEM battery is noise in the data. If you travel to take pictures, add in airplane tickets, car rentals, hotel rooms, meals and the $63 is even smaller in relevance.

I see the same thing with high-performance car owners. They spend $80K and up on a car and complain that each tire is $200. Again, noise in the data.

How much I paid for my camera equipment is irrelevant. Why would anyone pay $60 for an OEM battery when they can purchase two 3rd party batteries for $25 (including a charger) if those 3rd party batteries perform just as well? My camera will not produce better pictures because the battery has a Canon label stamped on it. Even if the batteries have a shorter shelf life, I can buy five 3rd party batteries for the price of one Canon battery. Canon's batteries are not lasting five times as long for me.

Along these same lines, I refuse to purchase Canon lens hoods for those lenses that Canon does not provide a hood. Why pay $45 for a piece of plastic that has the Canon label when a 3rd party hood that fits exactly the same costs under $10? My photos will look exactly the same no matter which hood I use.

Canon's prices for accessories are way too high -- similar to buying accessories for your phone at a Verizon, Sprint or AT&T store. Why spend more than is necessary?

When I used Leica's, I made a point of only using OEM batteries.. Now with Canons & Nikons, I always buy 2 or 3 third party batteries, over the years the 3rd Party batteries have been just as reliable.. (I usually source from either B&H or Amazon) -

dangermoney wrote in post #18992761
I understand WilsonFlyer's perspective. If you've got $5K-$10K US invested in camera gear, $63 US for an OEM battery is noise in the data. If you travel to take pictures, add in airplane tickets, car rentals, hotel rooms, meals and the $63 is even smaller in relevance.

I see the same thing with high-performance car owners. They spend $80K and up on a car and complain that each tire is $200. Again, noise in the data.

Why spend $60 for a battery when you can get one for $15? When you try to get the best price for that camera, why wouldn't you do the same for all accessories, like batteries, lenses, flashes, etc?

It is illogical to state that because you spend $X for a camera, you should be happy to spend more for a battery just because. And before ANYONE tries to bring up the perceived risks of aftermarket batteries over OE, there is not basis for the argument.

SkedAddled wrote in post #18897155
So, it's been a while since it was discussed,
so I'd like to ask about LP-E6N batteries for a Canon 5D Mk IV,
or even a general recommendation for third-party batteries.

While we all know the LP-E6 has transitioned to the LP-E6N battery,
I'm finding it difficult to understand the differences.
What's the 'N' designation?
What are the differences between them?

I've used and been very pleased with SterlingTek(STK) in the past,
from a Rebel XTi to a 40D and a 50D.
However, they seem to be pulling back on the market for even the
(fairly) current 5D MKIV.

Hopefully, there's an aftermarket battery out there which still fulfills the needs
of users of Canon cameras, and without breaking the bank.
I am loath to spend US $60 on a battery, but if that's all there is
which is reliable, then I'll do it.

Suggestions?
Hints? Tips?

All feedback appreciated.

Oh no it's not.

SkedAddled wrote in post #18992700
However, I'm rather surprised to learn that you've acquired STK packs for the LP-E6,
as they did not seem to be available at the time of my purchase.

I'm actually surprised that they weren't available at the time of your purchase. STK is one of the most popular alternative batteries to the OEM there are, and I'm sure the company is doing just fine in the market share. I certainly had no problem finding them right away on Amazon.

In any case, I received 3 of these yesterday. I decided not to order the STK charger since I already have the OEM charger as well as the Wasabi. I recharged all 3 STK batteries using these chargers, and they worked just fine. I marked each battery with the date so I can find out how long they'd last. I paid $41.99 for all three at $13.99 each, and that's still cheaper than one OEM at $62.99. During those 20D, 40D, 5DIII years that I've had Wasabi, they lasted either as long as the OEM or even longer. I expect that these STK to perform as well as my old Wasabi.

Strong opinions in both camps. Personally I have a spare OEM battery for each of my two cameras ( E6N and E8 ) but like everyone else I find them too expensive. I also have a set of wasabi E6 batteries. For the OEM batteries I try to follow the charging recommendations, run the battery down to less than 30% then recharge but I don't shoot a lot. It is not unusual for me to decide to go out, camera in hand only to find the battery is at 10% hence the wasabis. Put a wasabi in the camera and put the OEM in the charger. Once the OEM is charged it goes back in the camera.

In a sense the wasabi is my duck tape or WD40 - not a permanent solution but it solves an immediate problem.

Rod

This comes up every year. The sentiments never change, it's always the same 4 camps.

- You spent X on a camera, you should be fine spending Y on the OE battery, no matter how ridiculous the price
- I tried buying aftermarket and some didn't last as long (but I still saved money)
- I love aftermarket but I buy the known good brands, and save the money
- I heard on the grapevine that aftermarket batteries are terrible and cause fires/issues with warranties

If my memory serves me correctly (doubting more as I age), I believe the old Wasabis that I used during my 20D and 40D years, i.e., many years ago, were "Made in Japan"? These were awesome batteries. More recent ones, however, including STKs that I just got, as well as the OEM Canon batteries, are all "Made in China." Can anyone confirm or is my memory being fickle with me?

SYS wrote in post #18992955
I'm actually surprised that they weren't available at the time of your purchase. STK is one of the most popular alternative batteries to the OEM there are, and I'm sure the company is doing just fine in the market share. I certainly had no problem finding them right away on Amazon.

In any case, I received 3 of these yesterday. I decided not to order the STK charger since I already have the OEM charger as well as the Wasabi. I recharged all 3 STK batteries using these chargers, and they worked just fine. I marked each battery with the date so I can find out how long they'd last. I paid $41.99 for all three at $13.99 each, and that's still cheaper than one OEM at $62.99. During those 20D, 40D, 5DIII years that I've had Wasabi, they lasted either as long as the OEM or even longer. I expect that these STK to perform as well as my old Wasabi.

The LP-E6 is shown on the STK website (see http://sterlingtek.try​nt.com/canon-lp-e6-battery/) and Amazon (see https://www.amazon.com …5&s=merchant-items&sr=1-1).

My personal preference is to acquire direct from the importer as opposed to Amazon. IMO purchasing in that manner insures (hopefully ) the freshest stock and most up to date "chipping". Having said that I've never had any potential "chipping" issues with STK on a 60D and 80D.

John from PA wrote in post #18993046
The LP-E6 is shown on the STK website (see http://sterlingtek.try​nt.com/canon-lp-e6-battery/) and Amazon (see https://www.amazon.com …5&s=merchant-items&sr=1-1).

My personal preference is to acquire direct from the importer as opposed to Amazon. IMO purchasing in that manner insures (hopefully ) the freshest stock and most up to date "chipping". Having said that I've never had any potential "chipping" issues with STK on a 60D and 80D.

STK has set up shop in Amazon, so my batteries were "Sold by SterlingTEK" on the invoice.

I just checked my vintage 20D/30D/40D batteries and all were made in Japan. All other batteries for more recent dSLR and P&S are made in China.
It might have something to do with the fact to China is a major source of Lithium. It has a major advantage of cheap labor, which has allowed it to dominate many manufacturing industries. But China also has more lithium reserves and much greater lithium production than the U.S. China has seized the momentum and established a commanding market lead over its competitors in this space, they are focused on controlling the world’s production of lithium ion batteries.

Very strange situation for me. I've had six Wasabi LP-E6s that I've rotated in my 5DII for years. After purchasing my new 5DIV, I found five of the six don't power up the 5DIV at all (as though they're dead), and one causes the 5DIV to display a message that it is not a genuine Canon battery, and would I like to "register" it. (I've never received a warning or "registration" message from the 5dII) After registering the one Wasabi, sometimes it works, and sometimes it's dead like the other five. All six Wasabis still charge in the Wasabi charger and power the 5DII just fine. I have the original LP-E6 that came with the 5DII, a new LP-E6N that came with the 5DIV, and a new Canon LP-E6N I've purchased from B&H. All three Canon's work fine in the 5DII and the 5DIV. From the satisfied Wasabi posts here it appears something about Wasabi batteries has changed over the years - or Canon has started to block non-OEM batteries like some inkjet printers block non-OEM ink cartridges. Anyone notice the same issues?