Batteries for D500

Any issues with off brand batteries for the D500? 50% cheaper.

Haven't tried any for the D500, but in the past I have had very mixed results using third party batteries for various cameras. As a result I now just pay for the branded ones.

I haven't purchased a Nikon battery for any camera for at least the last 10 years...

I've had mixed luck with third-party batteries, although I still buy some. I make sure I have two OEM Nikon batteries for each DSLR, then any additional purchases will be the budget versions.

Third party batteries that I have tried on my D500 last less than half as long as Nikon batteries. This includes Wasabi, which I had heard were very good.

I have had nothing but bad luck with third party batteries, especially the ones made in China. I now bit the bullet and buy only Nikon Batteries.

Keep in mind Nikon changed something about the EN-EL15 batteries. The D500 uses a lot of battery power especially with Wifi and its touch screen. So Nikon updated the EN-EL15 battery that is now designated as an EN-EL15c. It lasts longer than the original version as well as the 'b' version.

If you are going to get an aftermarket brand, be sure to compare specs and match the 'c' version. Info copied from B&H website.

Nikon EN-EL15c Specs
Battery Capacity - 2280 mAh / 16 Wh

Nikon EN-EL15b Specs
Battery Capacity -1900 mAh / 14 Wh

Until recently, I had not had any issues with off brands batteries. I typically use Wasabi batteries for my spares.

The exception was for my Z 50. Nikon gets nearly $70 for the EL-EN25 battery (I have 2 now). Until a few months ago, there were no alternatives. I thought I'd nab the Wasabi version but it was sold out so I got another brand. After charging it and a single use in the field, it died.

I have 3 aftermarket Wasabi branded EN-EL15 that meet the "B" spec and they have worked fine over the years in a D7000, D750, and D600. But my new Z5 detects that they are not authentic Nikon and rejects them. Same Z5 is happy with my old EN-EL15A batteries, although with shorter power cycle.

So lesson there is stick to Nikon if you plan on picking up a Z mount body in the future.

i always buy Nikon batteries, i even traded up when Nikon offered it. While charging my new Z6ii battery last night i used my D500 battery, 100 shots and fiddling about with it and its at 50%. I have a new one coming for the Z6.

Roy1961 said:

i always buy Nikon batteries, i even traded up when Nikon offered it. While charging my new Z6ii battery last night i used my D500 battery, 100 shots and fiddling about with it and its at 50%. I have a new one coming for the Z6.

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Roy, is the one for your D500 an EN-ELc or an EN-ELb?

hark said:

Roy, is the one for your D500 an EN-ELc or an EN-ELb?

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3 b's for the D500, 2 c's for the Z6

I did use the B in the Z6 until the C charged. C is in now and the spare C is charging.