12/03/2026 10:41 pm
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RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
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Can I use those cheaper third-party batteries in a Canon EOS R8 or is that a bad idea? Sorry if this is a really basic question but I literally just got this camera last week and I'm still trying to figure out how to even turn all the settings on right. I'm planning a big trip to Zion National Park in three weeks and I realized the battery that came in the box barely lasts a few hours when I'm playing around with it in the backyard.
When I looked up extra batteries I saw the Canon ones are really expensive and I'm kind of on a tight budget after buying the lens too. I saw some brands on Amazon like Neewer and BM Premium that are way cheaper but I'm scared they might explode or ruin the electronics inside the camera since I don't really know how these things work. Someone mentioned something about coded batteries and that the camera might give me an error message or not show how much power is left if I use a knockoff? I just want to make sure I don't waste my money on something that doesn't fit or makes the camera act weird. Has anyone here used them before and did they actually work okay? I really don't want to spend 60 bucks on one single battery if I don't have to...
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12/03/2026 11:15 pm
Quick reply while I have a sec because I went through this exact mess. The R8 only has a 1040mAh capacity which is tiny for a full frame sensor. I once tried some off-brand ones and the camera wouldnt even show the battery icon... it just shut off right as I was about to get a shot. It was a nightmare. You definitely want to be careful and look for 'fully decoded' versions so the camera doesn't throw a fit. Here is what I would suggest for your budget:
- Grab the Wasabi Power LP-E17 Battery 2-Pack since they usually include a USB charger which is great for Zion.
- Make sure they are rated for 7.2V so they match the internal requirements of the camera.
- The BM Premium LP-E17 High Capacity Battery is another solid choice that usually shows the power level correctly. You'll save a ton of money compared to the official ones.
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12/03/2026 11:45 pm
OMG congrats on the R8! You are gonna have such a blast in Zion with that thing, it is an absolute beast for hiking because it is so light! The battery life is definitely the one catch tho. Honestly, dont even worry about the exploding stuff, most of these brands are super reliable now. I swear by the BM Premium LP-E17 Battery 2-Pack with USB Dual Charger and they have never let me down. They might not show the exact percentage on the screen like the official ones, but they last almost as long for a fraction of the price!! Pro tip for your trip: since the R8 supports USB-C charging, definitely grab Anker 325 Power Bank PowerCore 20K too. You can literally charge the camera in your backpack while you're walking to the next trailhead. It makes a huge difference when you're shooting all day!
