K-50 Extra Battery Options?

bertwert · 06-12-2016, 09:40 AM

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I'm thinking of getting another battery for my K-50.
I was thinking maybe a third party battery.
But then I also thought about a set of rechargeable AA batteries.
What options for AA exist and how would battery life compare to using a D-Li109 or third party battery?

Thanks!

photolady95 · 06-12-2016, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

What options for AA exist and how would battery life compare to using a D-Li109 or third party battery?

In my experience the D-Li109 lasts longer than my rechargeable Eneloops (best of the best rechargeables and highly recommended here). So, if I were you, I'd buy another D-Li109. I've heard that Wasabi batteries are good to use and less expensive than the original Pentax brand. I don't know about those batteries except the only one I had swelled up after a few years use and I disposed of it.

Aaron28 · 06-12-2016, 09:55 AM

I ferget the 3rd party ones I got but they have been working well with both my K-50 & K-r......got similar 3rd party for my K-3ii and they work well too! in both cases I ordered 2 batteries & charger......they recharge fairly quickly as well 2X D LI90 Batteries Charger for Pentax 645D 645Z K 01 K 3 K 5 K 5 II K 5 IIS | eBay
the link is for the DLI-90 (K-3ii)......the K-50 requires the DL-109 (109)........I ordered the wrong kind for the K-50 so be mindful of battery model!!!!
I aslo use rayovac rehargeables 2500mah with the AA adapter they work terrific as well with K-50 & K-r

**UncleVanya** · 06-12-2016, 09:59 AM - **1 Like**

Wasabi works for me. And I tried the aa holder. It is worth having along with a set of non rechargeable lithium aa batteries for emergencies. I got reasonable life out of a rechargeable batteries but I preferred the lifespan of the wasabi batteries.

**pepperberry farm** · 06-12-2016, 10:10 AM

Watson replacements that I have purchased from B&H work for me, both in my K-50 and K-3...

I cannot tell the difference when I swap from OEM to the Watsons and back; same number of shots per charge......

**Quartermaster James** · 06-12-2016, 10:54 AM - **1 Like**

The aftermarket batteries are fine. I use both Wasabi and DSTE.

However, the fast chargers that come with them are to be avoided. Fast charging deteriorates battery life. I think this is the cause of most unfavorable reports about third party batteries. Get yourself a couple of extras batteries, and charge them with your OEM charger. Use the fast charger/car adapter only when absolutely necessary.

bschriver11 · 06-12-2016, 11:18 AM

I use Amazon basics with a AA battery adapter and they last three times as long as the D-LI109 from Pentax.I'm not sure how a the D-Li109 could last longer than the eneloops,a 1050 mah battery Vs. 2500 mah AA batteries?I had a Wasabi and it only had about half the capacity although they claimed it had more capacity than the Pentax and after about a year it no longer fits in the camera,well it fits in but doesn't want to come back out.The battery has obviously swelled or distorted in some way since it wasn't that way from new,it is really tight fitting.

bertwert · 06-12-2016, 01:16 PM

Anyone used DEK ones?
Seem to be the most common on eBay.

bertwert · 06-12-2016, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by bschriver11

I use Amazon basics with a AA battery adapter and they last three times as long as the D-LI109 from Pentax.

I'll have a look at rechargeable NiMH batteries.
And maybe do a test if I get some.

**UncleVanya** · 06-12-2016, 01:34 PM

Dispose of swollen rechargeable batteries!!!!

bertwert · 06-12-2016, 02:02 PM

I found a set of four 2300mA Ni-MH batteries at home and stuck them in a charger.
I'll do a test between those and the D-Li109 soon and report whichever lasts longer.
What would be the best way to test which lasts longer?
Put camera in LV with no auto power off and see how long before it turns off?

**UncleVanya** · 06-12-2016, 02:11 PM

I recall getting less life from the rechargeable aa batteries, the wasabi have more but less than the original.

**Quartermaster James** · 06-12-2016, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

I found a set of four 2300mA Ni-MH batteries at home and stuck them in a charger.
I'll do a test between those and the D-Li109 soon and report whichever lasts longer.
What would be the best way to test which lasts longer?
Put camera in LV with no auto power off and see how long before it turns off?

Theoretically, and assuming that all parts are functioning fully at maximum spec, you are testing a battery of four 2300mAh 1.2V(max) batteries against one 2100mAh 8.4v(max) battery.
On paper, the 2300mAh battery should win. In a test such as you suggest, the 2300mAh battery should win.
Neither, however, is real world testing and actual battery usage is not as simple as drain under constant load.
The best test would be to use your camera as you normally do and to see which pack gives you more shots.
And yes, this includes down time when you might not shoot for a day or two.

If you just want to know whether the four AA batteries are rated for more mAh than a D-Li109, then yes, they are.

bertwert · 06-12-2016, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by Quartermaster James

2100mAh 8.4v

1050mA 7.4V

Originally posted by Quartermaster James

On paper, the 2300mAh battery should win. In a test such as you suggest, the 2300mAh battery should win.
Neither, however, is real world testing and actual battery usage is not as simple as drain under constant load.
The best test would be to use your camera as you normally do and to see which pack gives you more shots.
And yes, this includes down time when you might not shoot for a day or tw

You are correct, I should test like that

In paper the AAs will last 1.4x as long, but I guess I should do a real world test:
7.8Wh - 1 x 1050mA 7.4V (D-Li109)
11Wh - 4 x 2300mA 1.2V (AA Ni-MH)

**Quartermaster James** · 06-12-2016, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

1050mA 7.4V

You are correct, I should test like that

In paper the AAs will last 1.4x as long, but I guess I should do a real world test:
7.8Wh - 1 x 1050mA 7.4V (D-Li109)
11Wh - 4 x 2300mA 1.2V (AA Ni-MH)

Sorry. I got the:
Battery Capacity : 15.5Wh/2100mAh
Output Voltage : DC 8.4V (max)/ DC 7.2V (mean)
from the DSTE battery and not the OEM. My bad.

06-12-2016, 09:40 AM	#1
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	K-50 Extra Battery Options? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I'm thinking of getting another battery for my K-50. I was thinking maybe a third party battery. But then I also thought about a set of rechargeable AA batteries. What options for AA exist and how would battery life compare to using a D-Li109 or third party battery? Thanks!

06-12-2016, 09:54 AM	#2
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Originally posted by bertwert What options for AA exist and how would battery life compare to using a D-Li109 or third party battery? In my experience the D-Li109 lasts longer than my rechargeable Eneloops (best of the best rechargeables and highly recommended here). So, if I were you, I'd buy another D-Li109. I've heard that Wasabi batteries are good to use and less expensive than the original Pentax brand. I don't know about those batteries except the only one I had swelled up after a few years use and I disposed of it. Last edited by photolady95; 06-12-2016 at 10:54 AM. Reason: added left out word.

06-12-2016, 10:54 AM - 1 Like	#6
Quartermaster James Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 653	The aftermarket batteries are fine. I use both Wasabi and DSTE. However, the fast chargers that come with them are to be avoided. Fast charging deteriorates battery life. I think this is the cause of most unfavorable reports about third party batteries. Get yourself a couple of extras batteries, and charge them with your OEM charger. Use the fast charger/car adapter only when absolutely necessary. Last edited by Quartermaster James; 06-12-2016 at 10:56 AM. Reason: korrekted speeling

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06-12-2016, 09:55 AM	#3
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	I ferget the 3rd party ones I got but they have been working well with both my K-50 & K-r......got similar 3rd party for my K-3ii and they work well too! in both cases I ordered 2 batteries & charger......they recharge fairly quickly as well 2X D LI90 Batteries Charger for Pentax 645D 645Z K 01 K 3 K 5 K 5 II K 5 IIS \| eBay the link is for the DLI-90 (K-3ii)......the K-50 requires the DL-109 (109)........I ordered the wrong kind for the K-50 so be mindful of battery model!!!! I aslo use rayovac rehargeables 2500mah with the AA adapter they work terrific as well with K-50 & K-r

06-12-2016, 09:59 AM - 1 Like	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Wasabi works for me. And I tried the aa holder. It is worth having along with a set of non rechargeable lithium aa batteries for emergencies. I got reasonable life out of a rechargeable batteries but I preferred the lifespan of the wasabi batteries.

06-12-2016, 10:10 AM	#5
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,678	Watson replacements that I have purchased from B&H work for me, both in my K-50 and K-3... I cannot tell the difference when I swap from OEM to the Watsons and back; same number of shots per charge......

06-12-2016, 11:18 AM	#7
bschriver11 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 558	I use Amazon basics with a AA battery adapter and they last three times as long as the D-LI109 from Pentax.I'm not sure how a the D-Li109 could last longer than the eneloops,a 1050 mah battery Vs. 2500 mah AA batteries?I had a Wasabi and it only had about half the capacity although they claimed it had more capacity than the Pentax and after about a year it no longer fits in the camera,well it fits in but doesn't want to come back out.The battery has obviously swelled or distorted in some way since it wasn't that way from new,it is really tight fitting.

06-12-2016, 01:16 PM	#8
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Anyone used DEK ones? Seem to be the most common on eBay.

06-12-2016, 01:18 PM	#9
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Originally posted by bschriver11 I use Amazon basics with a AA battery adapter and they last three times as long as the D-LI109 from Pentax. I'll have a look at rechargeable NiMH batteries. And maybe do a test if I get some.

06-12-2016, 01:34 PM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Dispose of swollen rechargeable batteries!!!!

06-12-2016, 02:02 PM	#11
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	I found a set of four 2300mA Ni-MH batteries at home and stuck them in a charger. I'll do a test between those and the D-Li109 soon and report whichever lasts longer. What would be the best way to test which lasts longer? Put camera in LV with no auto power off and see how long before it turns off?

06-12-2016, 02:11 PM	#12
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	I recall getting less life from the rechargeable aa batteries, the wasabi have more but less than the original.

06-12-2016, 02:12 PM	#13
Quartermaster James Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 653	Originally posted by bertwert I found a set of four 2300mA Ni-MH batteries at home and stuck them in a charger. I'll do a test between those and the D-Li109 soon and report whichever lasts longer. What would be the best way to test which lasts longer? Put camera in LV with no auto power off and see how long before it turns off? Theoretically, and assuming that all parts are functioning fully at maximum spec, you are testing a battery of four 2300mAh 1.2V(max) batteries against one 2100mAh 8.4v(max) battery. On paper, the 2300mAh battery should win. In a test such as you suggest, the 2300mAh battery should win. Neither, however, is real world testing and actual battery usage is not as simple as drain under constant load. The best test would be to use your camera as you normally do and to see which pack gives you more shots. And yes, this includes down time when you might not shoot for a day or two. If you just want to know whether the four AA batteries are rated for more mAh than a D-Li109, then yes, they are.

06-12-2016, 02:19 PM	#14
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Originally posted by Quartermaster James 2100mAh 8.4v 1050mA 7.4V Originally posted by Quartermaster James On paper, the 2300mAh battery should win. In a test such as you suggest, the 2300mAh battery should win. Neither, however, is real world testing and actual battery usage is not as simple as drain under constant load. The best test would be to use your camera as you normally do and to see which pack gives you more shots. And yes, this includes down time when you might not shoot for a day or tw You are correct, I should test like that In paper the AAs will last 1.4x as long, but I guess I should do a real world test: 7.8Wh - 1 x 1050mA 7.4V (D-Li109) 11Wh - 4 x 2300mA 1.2V (AA Ni-MH)

06-12-2016, 02:28 PM	#15
Quartermaster James Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 653	Originally posted by bertwert 1050mA 7.4V You are correct, I should test like that In paper the AAs will last 1.4x as long, but I guess I should do a real world test: 7.8Wh - 1 x 1050mA 7.4V (D-Li109) 11Wh - 4 x 2300mA 1.2V (AA Ni-MH) Sorry. I got the: Battery Capacity : 15.5Wh/2100mAh Output Voltage : DC 8.4V (max)/ DC 7.2V (mean) from the DSTE battery and not the OEM. My bad.