looks like I need to pick up about 50 AA batteries tomorrow I'm thinking Duracell but wanted to see what you guys use in your trail cameras
best batteries for the trail cameras
- Thread starter 416wbymag
- Start date
TheLBLman
Well-Known Member
What's best DEPENDS on a variety of factors, including time of year, cam locations, and what's best for one person may not be for another.
From mid-October on thru winter, I'm partial to lithium batteries, simply because they are THE most reliable (especially in cold weather), and I can count on them to last on thru winter. I don't want to spend any time changing trail cam batteries during deer season. They can last for years, although I don't want to use them past mid-October when they're approaching a year of use.
While lithiums are initially much more expensive at the point of purchase, they can sometimes save you money should they save you a tank or two of gas over the course of a year. They will save you time, sometimes valuable time during deer season.
That said, I use regular alkaline Duracell in many cams, as consider them a good value and good balance between cost & reliability.
But I also use rechargeable batteries the most during the summer months. Sometimes shelving those lithiums that haven't been out but 4 to 6 months, then using the rechargeables during the summer months when the most pics will be taken (over salt licks), put those lithiums back in in October.
IMO, an "investment" in rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run, and you can replace them in any cam when it's convenient for you, rather than trying to "time" when your batteries are almost used up, but not dead. With regular non-rechargeable Duracells, the dilemma is often, do I replace them now that I'm here when they still have a third their use showing, or do I replace them now to insure they're not dead before I come back?
One factor that should be considered is that non-working cams (due to depleted batteries) greatly increase the cost per day you paid for your batteries. Longer lasting, more reliable batteries often save you in ways not so obvious at the point of purchase price point. This is where the lithiums shine, especially if they save you a special trip or two over the year (gas & time saved).
From mid-October on thru winter, I'm partial to lithium batteries, simply because they are THE most reliable (especially in cold weather), and I can count on them to last on thru winter. I don't want to spend any time changing trail cam batteries during deer season. They can last for years, although I don't want to use them past mid-October when they're approaching a year of use.
While lithiums are initially much more expensive at the point of purchase, they can sometimes save you money should they save you a tank or two of gas over the course of a year. They will save you time, sometimes valuable time during deer season.
That said, I use regular alkaline Duracell in many cams, as consider them a good value and good balance between cost & reliability.
But I also use rechargeable batteries the most during the summer months. Sometimes shelving those lithiums that haven't been out but 4 to 6 months, then using the rechargeables during the summer months when the most pics will be taken (over salt licks), put those lithiums back in in October.
IMO, an "investment" in rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run, and you can replace them in any cam when it's convenient for you, rather than trying to "time" when your batteries are almost used up, but not dead. With regular non-rechargeable Duracells, the dilemma is often, do I replace them now that I'm here when they still have a third their use showing, or do I replace them now to insure they're not dead before I come back?
One factor that should be considered is that non-working cams (due to depleted batteries) greatly increase the cost per day you paid for your batteries. Longer lasting, more reliable batteries often save you in ways not so obvious at the point of purchase price point. This is where the lithiums shine, especially if they save you a special trip or two over the year (gas & time saved).
TheLBLman
Well-Known Member
While there are many good places to order batteries online, the best more local place I've found is Sam's (and I would assume Costco). Quite a bit cheaper than Walmart.
Thicketmaster
Well-Known Member
Copper tops are the best I think/ last the longest
ruthunter
Well-Known Member
Energizer AA lithium is what I use, but used to use duracell.
TheLBLman
Well-Known Member
I guess I should be more technical, too, in exactly which lithiums I'm using (and purchase at Sam's):
Energizer Ultimate Lithium.
On their packaging, they claim "Lasts up to 9x longer in digital cameras."
I don't believe you'll get 9x more life from them, but you should get at least 3x the life on these compared to most alkaline batteries such as Duracell copper tops. That substantial extra "life" makes them comparable in cost, but where they really can save you time and money is in not having to check the cams as often because of battery concerns/replacements.
With the trend of using more cellular cams (where a visit to the cam to see the pics is needed less often), I can see more of us switching over to exclusively using lithiums.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium.
On their packaging, they claim "Lasts up to 9x longer in digital cameras."
I don't believe you'll get 9x more life from them, but you should get at least 3x the life on these compared to most alkaline batteries such as Duracell copper tops. That substantial extra "life" makes them comparable in cost, but where they really can save you time and money is in not having to check the cams as often because of battery concerns/replacements.
With the trend of using more cellular cams (where a visit to the cam to see the pics is needed less often), I can see more of us switching over to exclusively using lithiums.
TheLBLman
Well-Known Member
Among the alkalines, they have long been my favorite. Just note that any battery can be or go bad. I've had brand new "Copper tops" that were bad. I use a Tenergy Model T333 battery checker (carry in my cam trap pack) to check all new batteries.Thicketmaster said:
Duracell also came out last year with an alkaline battery (has lots of red color on it) they call "QUANTUM" claimed to be better (and more expensive) than their Coppertops. I've loaded three cams with these and can't say I could tell any obvious difference in longevity, and don't believe they're worth the extra cost.
BSK
Well-Known Member
For AAs, I don't use anything but Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. Well worth the extra upfront cost in dependability and longevity.
FIREMANJIM
Well-Known Member
Sanyo Eneloops!!! PERIOD. Low self discharge rechargeable batteries. LASTS FOREVER!!!
Thanks so much for all the information guys. I have picked up some of the energizer ultimate lithium. Man those things are pricey...
I am going to put them up side by side the Ray-o-vac Pros for comparison.
I can get 48 of the Ray o vacs for the price of 8 of the lithiums.
I am going to put them up side by side the Ray-o-vac Pros for comparison.
I can get 48 of the Ray o vacs for the price of 8 of the lithiums.
I will only run Energizer Max or Duracell. All my cams use AA's. I can get 5-7k pics during the cold months and still have life left.
Vermin93
Well-Known Member
If you bought Energizer Ultimate Lithiums in the store, you probably paid too much. Buy them in bulk on Amazon.com to get the lowest price per battery.
CAW
Well-Known Member
Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. Worth the extra money for sure.
Don't just look at the price of the batteries. Look at all the other expenses involved in running cameras - your time, gas or maybe going to check a camera only to find out it died 2 weeks ago and you have no fresh data. That is the worst.
It's no different than the price of cameras. You get what you pay for.
Don't just look at the price of the batteries. Look at all the other expenses involved in running cameras - your time, gas or maybe going to check a camera only to find out it died 2 weeks ago and you have no fresh data. That is the worst.
It's no different than the price of cameras. You get what you pay for.
drrxnupe
Well-Known Member
me tooruthunter said:
BSK
Well-Known Member
Vermin93 said:
Thanks Vermin93. Good source.
BSK
Well-Known Member
416wbymag said:
They ARE expensive. But I get almost a year out of them in all my cameras that use AAs. I've seen most brands of standard AAs run dead in 2-4 weeks.
Vermin93
Well-Known Member
BSK said:
8-pack at Walmart = $16.84 or $2.11 each
Prices on Amazon change frequently. These are current prices.
8-pack with Amazon Prime = $15.50 or $1.94 each
8-pack without Amazon Prime = $13.52 or $1.69 each
12-pack with Amazon Prime = $21.99 or $1.83 each
12-pack without Amazon Prime = $19.88 or $1.66 each
20-pack with Amazon Prime = $34.89 or $1.75 each
20-pack without Amazon Prime = $34.35 or $1.72 each
24 pack with Amazon Prime = $42.91 or $1.78 each
24 pack without Amazon Prime = $40.96 or $1.71 each
36-pack with Amazon Prime = $59.55 or $1.65 each
36-pack without Amazon Prime = $56.85 or $1.58 each
TheLBLman
Well-Known Member
Thanks Vermin93.Vermin93 said:
And of you want them today and are close to a Sam's:
. . . .
12-pack from Sam's = $19.98 or $1.67 each
Vermin93
Well-Known Member
Turd Farmer said:
When is Duracell going to produce a Lithium AA to compete with Energizer? I don't understand what they are waiting for. Does Energizer have the technology patented or something? We sure could use some price competition.
Vermin93
Well-Known Member
Turd Farmer said:
Those Duracell Lithiums are like $8 per AA battery! That's nuts!
I just post it here.
I ask today at work and the plant that makes AA(Lancaster, SC) and the plant that makes AAA(Lagrange, GA) are converting lines to make rechargeable lithium batteries. May take a while but it is coming.
I ask today at work and the plant that makes AA(Lancaster, SC) and the plant that makes AAA(Lagrange, GA) are converting lines to make rechargeable lithium batteries. May take a while but it is coming.
Rick Dillard
Well-Known Member
Utilitech alkaline AA batteries from Lowe's are the best bang for the buck that I have found. When purchased online in bulk, it is hard to beat their prices. A pack of 100 AA alkaline batteries cost $22.97. These batteries work as well as Duracell or Energizers for a lot less cost.
drrxnupe
Well-Known Member
Vermin93 said:
For me that's a steal. I'm running 4 cellular cams on my farm which is 4.5 hours away. Lithiums are the way to go because regular alkalines last barely 3-4 weeks, maybe a month sometimes. That's cause the cell cams are snapping pics and texting/emailing them to 5 different people.
Vermin93
Well-Known Member
drrxnupe said:
$8 per AA battery is not a steal. It's nut.
I assume you are using Energizer Lithiums and not paying anywhere near $8 a battery for them.
drrxnupe
Well-Known Member
Vermin93 said:
Yeah you're right...i thought u wrote $8 per pack. $8 per battery is insane.
BSK said:
I BOUGHT AN m80 Moultrie a few years back and the first time I used it I placed rayovacs in it from Wal-Mart and when I turned it on I heard it make a funny sound and wondered why it made a sound at all but I went ahead and put the cam on the tree and waited for 30 days and returned to find it had only made 7 pics and quit!!!.......I opened it up, it took 8 AA's and to my surprise found the battery compartment contaminated with a blackish grey substance from at least one of the batteries....nothing looked ruined so I cleaned it as best as I could with a baking soda solution but it didn't matter.....it was fried. They made good on it but even the one they sent me only lasted just past the warranty period..........needless to say the M-80 was a total flop for Moultrie, as the girl in customer service said it wouldn't be worth my time for an attempted repair. They have been making cams for a long time but they flopped with that worthless piece and I noticed they change that model from m 80 to 880 after only a couple of years in production. I was never more disappointed in my life.....I wasn't sure it was the cams fault or the batteries, but I suspect the sound I heard the first time I turned it on was something failing in the electrical components...........just my opinion.
