BP-511A Battery chargers, Canon vs. non-OEM questions??

A couple of months ago, I bought a G6 and added an extra Canon and non-OEM (Duracell) BP-511A batteries to my collection. Now, I'm considering the purchase of another battery charger to supplement my current one.

Any thoughts on these devices, buy Canon only, a specific non-OEM brand, etc?

My G6 uses the CG-580 charger -- output 8.4VDC, 1.2A - cost about $70USD
Sterlingtek.com sells a CB5L (used with the less powerful BP511) equivalent unit for $15 + shipping with the following specifications: (I think the output amperage is half what the Canon unit is)

No Waiting! Charges batteries from any level to full capacity
No overcharging Monitors temperature effect - No overheating
Collapsible plug, for easy storage.
AC/DC charger, charge your battery in the car.
Removable DC plug for your car!
110V and 240V AC Power Supply.
UL & CE listed Guaranteed quality
"Top-off" charging after full charge detection.
Charging time is 2-6hrs.
Precision end-of-charge voltage detection guarantees full charging of battery.
http://www.sterlingtek​.com/bpbpbpbachca.html

Thanks.

I use the SterlingTek batteries & battery charger with my G3. Used them for over a year and have no problems. Used the battery charger with the original Canon battery too. Read a lot of posts here about SterlingTek and have found very, very few negative experiences with their products.

Gil

Ordered two BP511's from sterlingtek. They came to my door in less than a day.
No problems so far. Very good battery life!

As long as the charger's output voltage is within the battery's spec, you should have no problem. If the current is halved, then it just means that the batteries will take longer to fully charge. In fact, a slower charge rate is better for the batteries overall.

Andy Garcia
www.capturedinlight.co​m

thanks for the comments....

I have a concern about getting a charger that will NOT overcharge the battery and have other types of protections builtin. It seems that you can spend big $$$ to get the Canon charger with all the safeguards to very little money on ebay for a basic unit with an unknown level of safety.

From what I've read about the Sterlingtek charger, it would appear to take much longer to charge the battery than the Canon due to the lower output amperage. Still would appreciate feedback from someone who has this particular unit -- what is their use experience with it...

By the way, I bought a lowcost ST battery for my Canon S400 and it died within a year after purchase -- while the original Canons I had were still going strong. Happily, ST replaced the battery without problem. They seem to be a reputable reseller.

Why not use this charger?

http://store.yahoo.com​/sterlingtek/canbp511a​cba.html

It's the one I use, is guaranteed, works with the G6 batteries and addresses all the concerns you've expressed.

I can't tell you how long it takes to charge the batteries because I have 3. When one gets low I swap it out for a charged one. Also, this charger has the D/C adapter for the auto so I don't worry about being on the road with no way to charge a battery. Also ST guarantees everything. I guess it's your decision. We've all pretty much given you our opinions. Now it's up to you to bite the bullet. Happy hunting.

Gil

From the specifications of the charger you linked to in your original post, indications are that this model has an overcharge protection circuit which will switch it to trickle charge mode. These are simple circuits, and usually reliable. Although I do not own a Stirlingtek product, they seem to be fairly popular, and enough people have indicated that they are happy with them.

I'd chance it. In fact, I may buy one myself.

Regards

You'd be surprised how good generic batteries and chargers from Sterlingtek and others are. I've used them for years and had no problems.