generic batteries for canon 50d

[britinozz]

does any one know if i can use generic batteries also how good are they there is loads on ebay
but it seems sense to buy 3 batteries instead of battery grip .

[mpot]

does any one know if i can use generic batteries also how good are they there is loads on ebay
but it seems sense to buy 3 batteries instead of battery grip .

Yes, you can certainly use generic batteries...but the quality can be rather variable.

Some people recommend the Inca brand of batteries (qualitycamera.com.au has the BP-511a for $49.95 (http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/inca-bp511a-battery-suit-canon-300d-p-4547.html), and I've had some Merkury-branded batteries in my 50D for the last couple of years, and they've been great, but no-one seems to sell them anymore (I got 4 for $80).
Alternatively, Phottix sells a BP-511a for $22.27 (http://www.phottixstore.com/phottix-bp-511a.html). I ordered a couple last week, and will need to see how they compare to the Merkuries and genuine Canon batteries when they turn up.

[MarkChap]

I got my BP-511a generic from Battery World $55.00 and is as good as the genuine.

Be careful with generics, some won't charge in the genuine canon charger

[joele]

I use a phottix battery with my 50d and it seems to work as well as my original battery, just at a fraction of the price.

Bought it for about $15 from these guys. (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Phottix-Battery-Canon-BP-511A-30D-40D-5D-BG-E2-/250664578327?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories&hash=item3a5cc5ed17)

EDIT: I charge it with the normal canon charger that came with my 50d..

[JM Tran]

I bought 4 aftermarket BP511As for my 5D, costing $11 and $14 bucks for 2 different brands via online battery sellers in Aus

shot well over 80k actuations on them, and lasts a bit longer than the Canon ones

[hus]

I have 2 batteries I got frm HK for my 30D and now they are seeing duty in my 50D without fault, I haven't had any problems with them charging up with the original canon charger I am certainly happy with the generics.

[etherial]

I have two genuine and one cheapie for my 7D, they perform pretty similar for me.

Here (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=49426)is a thread about the 7D batteries on the same topic, most of the info is relevant.

[mpot]

I use a phottix battery with my 50d and it seems to work as well as my original battery, just at a fraction of the price.

Bought it for about $15 from these guys. (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Phottix-Battery-Canon-BP-511A-30D-40D-5D-BG-E2-/250664578327?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories&hash=item3a5cc5ed17)

FWIW, hksupplies is a sister company to Phottix - so that's why hksupplies sells a lot of Phottix gear.

[yogestee]

I have been using 3rd party batteries along side Canon batteries for a few years now and honestly I can't tell the difference..

Inca, Phottix and Momax is what I'm using..

[PindanRose]

I have found "Battery World" excellent for all types of batteries. Service, quality, availability - all the boxes tick. ps I have a Canon 40-D and a Canon Mk 5D. I think they are Australia-wide.