Does anyone use non OEM batteries in a 1D MKIII?

Paulmack

Paulmack

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I am looking at getting a spare battery for my 1D MKIII and wondered what the non Canon batteries are like?

Is anyone using one, and if so how does it compare to the original that came with your camera?

Cheers
 
I have 1, but it doesn't get used much, the only problem is that most of them cannot be charged with the OEM Canon charger, you need a 3rd party one, some batteries come with them others don't.

I just use OEM ones now, its just used in case i have a disaster with the others.
 
I don't use one but there is a thread somewhere on the USA canon forum about ebay batteries. Problems included short life, charging and messing up the shot count that was left in the battery resulting in switching off with the old ERR 99
 
I thought about getting a spare (non OEM) battery. But I get so many shots out of the original that I just haven't needed to.

Interesting point about the Canon charger not charging non Canon batteries though. I hadn't heard about that. I'd no problem of this sort with the 20D, 30D or my 1D mark IIN and it does sound like a sneaky way of Canon forcing you to buy their own much over priced offering. No doubt they explain it on grounds of health and safety?
 
Bill Roberts said:
I thought about getting a spare (non OEM) battery. But I get so many shots out of the original that I just haven't needed to.
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I agree that the original does last an age but I am thinking more along the lines of best be safe than sorry.

My brothers sister-in-law has begged me to shoot her wedding in a couple of weeks because she cannot afford to pay for a pro and after refusing for months and months I have somehow allowed myself to be talked into it so for the day I want another battery 'just in case'. Now before I start getting abuse about weddings then please don't bother, I have read all the threads on here about people going into weddings when wet behind the ears and I am not willing to let this one go there. Believe me I havent asked for this but it is me or nothing at all and the bride is fully aware of what she can expect so I will leave it at that hey!

Back on topic anyway.....I use compatibles in my 40D and I have to say they work fine so I am thinking a compatible may do the trick as it would only be a back up if the battery on my 1D went belly up. Big difference between £30 and £90 for an original but do you get what you pay for though?
 
If I was looking for a MKIII battery I think I would go for a Canon one, considering they work so well. If I purchased a generic non Canon one I would be worried I would need to replace it later down the line and would end up costing more then if I just purchased the Canon one to begin with.

I've yet to fully use a battery when using my MKIII.
 
MPB have a used original for £49 which is a fair price but then you have the uncertainty of knowing how much life is left in it. Could be on its last legs already.....Need to look around for a bit longer me thinks
 
Paulmack said:
MPB have a used original for £49 which is a fair price but then you have the uncertainty of knowing how much life is left in it. Could be on its last legs already.....Need to look around for a bit longer me thinks
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Just ask Matt at MPB to check its condition, if it has all green indication on its status check when in the camera, it is in tip top condition. These batterys really are much better than the mk2 versions, and with them being chipped you can instantly find out the status of the battery.
 
I have a non canon battery for a 1D mkiii, i bought it in the US it's made by Rayvac. It works fine can be charged on the canon charger. I have to say that i don't use it much as the canon battery lasts so long, however i do feel secure in the knowledge that i have a backup.
 
mho said:
Just ask Matt at MPB to check its condition, if it has all green indication on its status check when in the camera, it is in tip top condition. These batterys really are much better than the mk2 versions, and with them being chipped you can instantly find out the status of the battery.
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Sound advice, cheers!
 
The canon recommended shots for a LP-E4 battery is 2200 and given that they may be off a little it is still probably fair to expect at least 1200 would you say? Which would therefore give me enough power for the day as I will be using a 40D also.

So I am back to the point of getting another as a backup in case i have problems with mine.

Think I will contact Matt at MPB and see what he says about the battery he has
 
Stick with Canon. I bought a non-canon one for my mk3, it lasted about a month then went completely flat and would not charge. Waste of about £40
 
Cheers Lee, think its the route I am going to take
 
Paul, I take over 1000 images on my Mk3 in a day at a Wedding, its gets switched on about 8am and switched off about Midnight, also lots of chimping during dinner and I have only ever lost 1 bar ! You will be fine matey !
 
Cheers Ian

Will spend the money in the boozer on saturday now :)
 
dseered said:
Paul, I take over 1000 images on my Mk3 in a day at a Wedding, its gets switched on about 8am and switched off about Midnight, also lots of chimping during dinner and I have only ever lost 1 bar ! You will be fine matey !
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[S1]I agree![/S1]
 
I've found the battery impossible to wear out! Has anyone used the battery reconditioner on the charger? I've not used mine at all yet as it tells me the battery is 'healthy' still.
 
nah, ive not touched it, just used the standard button, and found thats pretty quick
 
I have the 1Ds mk III which uses the same battery. Incredible battery. Never wears down unless you do multiple days shooting between charges. I took 1000 shots at my Daughter's wedding. Battery was still great. I can't understand why you will spend so much money on a great body, then try to scrimp on a spare battery. If you need a spare, go with the Canon. You know it makes sense, and you don't have any niggling worries about possible damage to the camera, caused by a cheapo battery. That is what would be constantly on my mind.
 
A huge improvement over previous battery life, the mk3 batteries are great. I wouldn't worry about one shoot unless you don't have a fully charged battery for some reason.
 
I got 3 days shooting 1ds with 600 with IS on all day for 3 days 2500 shots and was showing 5% left.
 
George said:
A huge improvement over previous battery life, the mk3 batteries are great. I wouldn't worry about one shoot unless you don't have a fully charged battery for some reason.
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The fact the life is so good is what gives me the problem to be honest, I keep on forgetting to charge them :$
 
something I have been thinking about since getting my mklll, think I will go for an origanal after reading this.
probaly never need it but as you say better to be safe then sorry
 
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