Extra battery backup - Branded v/s Generic

[parth_pandit]

Hi All,

I have a question to the experts in this group about a dilemma I am facing.

I am planning to buy an extra battery backup for my Nikon D3100. I checked on internet for available options and found that there is a wide price range available. In ideal world we may all like to go with the genuine battery provided by Nikon. But there are several other companies offering compatible options at much lesser price range!

What do you suggest, should I go with standard Nikon battery only or I may go with other non-expensive option? Can you suggest any option that you may recommend other than Nikon?

[Izzy]

I am running on 4 impostor batteries and 1 OE. I have not noticed a difference in battery life. These impostor batteries are the ones you get from china on eBay. I think these are fine to use - just make sure the mAh is the same. They come in various mAh and some are lesser so watch for those.

[parth_pandit]

Originally Posted by Izzy

I am running on 4 impostor batteries and 1 OE. I have not noticed a difference in battery life. These impostor batteries are the ones you get from china on eBay. I think these are fine to use - just make sure the mAh is the same. They come in various mAh and some are lesser so watch for those.

Thanks for your suggestion!

[Bruce A]

I have used non name brand ones without any problem - just buy from a reputable dealer.

[UlpilotSC]

Originally Posted by Bruce A

I have used non name brand ones without any problem - just buy from a reputable dealer.

Same here... I've used fake batteries too. No issue. My imposter battery has the same mAh of my canon battery, and I haven't noticed a difference in life.

[Azaki]

Originally Posted by UlpilotSC

Same here... I've used fake batteries too. No issue. My imposter battery has the same mAh of my canon battery, and I haven't noticed a difference in life.

Same here with my D90

[Mike367]

My only experience is with a Pearstone battery I bought as a backup for my D700. It was about $10 less than a Nikon battery, and it totally sucks. Should have spent the extra 10 bucks, will not do it again.

[Saralonde]

I used Opteka for years without any problems on my Canon XTi. Unfotunately, they didn't make them for my 7D. I needed a second battery about a year ago, but apparently the popularity of the Canon battery had them backordered everywhere. I was also shocked to see the price had gone from about $60 when I orginally bought my 7D to close to $100 in some places. Supply and demand, I guess. I did find a housebrand for around $50 at Adorama. A bit nervous about it, but it has worked fine both in the camera and the Canon charger. It seems to hold it's charge about the same length of time, too.

So yes, a good generic seems to be fine. Check out Opteka.

[Izzy]

I just realized that your question also pertained to a generic battery grip.

These too are impostors on my gear. They work just fine and buttons they lack I never use anyway. They cost me about $20-25 each - also from china.

[kirbinster]

Generics are fine as long as the VOLTAGE is the same, the mAhr is much less critical and a larger value will mean you get more capacity.