If you’re a photographer or videographer, you know how important it is to have reliable batteries for your camera, especially if you’re shooting on the go or for long hours. When I first got my OM-D E-M1 Mark II, I knew that having an extra set of batteries was crucial. The stock batteries that came with the camera were great, but I needed more power to ensure I wouldn’t run out of juice in the middle of a shoot. That’s when I started considering third-party options like Kastar batteries. But the question remains: are Kastar batteries a good choice for your OM-D E-M1 Mark II? Let’s dive into my experience and break down everything you need to know before making the purchase.
1. Why Third-Party Batteries Like Kastar Can Be Tempting
We all know how expensive official camera accessories can be, especially when it comes to batteries. Olympus batteries are known for their reliability, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. As a photographer on a budget, I started looking for alternatives that wouldn’t break the bank. Kastar batteries seemed like an affordable and convenient choice, and they were widely recommended by other OM-D E-M1 Mark II users online. After all, they promised to offer similar performance for a fraction of the price. So, I decided to take the plunge.
2. The Kastar Battery Experience: How Did It Perform?
I purchased two Kastar batteries to use alongside my original Olympus battery. Upon first use, I was impressed by how well the Kastar batteries fit into my OM-D E-M1 Mark II. The size and weight felt almost identical to the Olympus original, so I didn’t have any issues with handling or fitting. During my first shoot with the Kastar batteries, I noticed that they lasted quite a bit longer than I had anticipated. In fact, I managed to get through a whole day of shooting with just one Kastar battery, which was a huge relief. I didn’t have to worry about constantly swapping batteries or running out of power in the middle of a session.
However, I did notice one small issue. When the batteries were near their end, the performance started to dip a little. The camera seemed to shut off earlier than I expected, and the battery life indicator on the camera wasn’t always accurate. It wasn’t a huge problem, but it did leave me questioning the consistency of the Kastar batteries in the long term.
3. Pros of Kastar Batteries for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II
- Affordability: The biggest advantage of Kastar batteries is their price. You can buy a couple of them for the cost of just one official Olympus battery. For someone like me who’s shooting long events or on extended trips, this is a massive plus.
- Good Battery Life: While I did have some minor issues towards the end of their life, the Kastar batteries performed surprisingly well overall. I was able to shoot for hours without worrying about running out of power.
- Compatibility: The Kastar batteries fit perfectly into the OM-D E-M1 Mark II without any issues. I didn’t experience any problems with connectivity, and they charged just like the original Olympus ones.
4. Cons of Kastar Batteries for OM-D E-M1 Mark II
- Inconsistent Performance: As I mentioned earlier, the battery life indicator was sometimes inaccurate, and the batteries seemed to lose power a little quicker than I would have liked. While I could rely on them for a good chunk of the day, I always kept an eye on the remaining charge, just in case.
- Potential for Shorter Lifespan: Some other users have reported that third-party batteries like Kastar tend to lose their capacity over time faster than the original ones. I haven’t had them long enough to confirm this, but it’s something to keep in mind.
5. Should You Buy Kastar Batteries for Your OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
If you’re on a budget and need extra power to get through long shooting days, Kastar batteries are definitely worth considering. In my experience, they provided reliable power for an affordable price, and I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing too much quality. However, if you’re a professional photographer who needs absolute consistency and longevity, you might want to stick with the official Olympus batteries. Kastar batteries are a great backup option, but for important shoots or demanding work, I still trust the originals more.
Conclusion:
whether or not you should buy Kastar batteries for your OM-D E-M1 Mark II depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable backup option and don’t mind a slight dip in performance towards the end of the battery life, then Kastar batteries can be a great choice. However, if you’re after perfect consistency and long-lasting power for professional work, I’d recommend sticking to the original Olympus batteries. For me, they’ve been a lifesaver during long shoots, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others looking for a budget-friendly solution.
FAQ:
Q: How long do Kastar batteries last for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
A: In my experience, Kastar batteries last for several hours of continuous shooting. They won’t last as long as the original Olympus batteries, but they can get you through a full day with moderate use. Be aware that battery life tends to dip faster as they age.
Q: Can I use Kastar batteries as my main power source?
A: Yes, you can use Kastar batteries as your primary source of power, but I’d recommend carrying a couple of extras, especially for longer shooting sessions. They are great for backup, but you may want to keep an original Olympus battery on hand just in case.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with using Kastar batteries?
A: Generally, Kastar batteries are safe to use, but third-party batteries do carry a slight risk of not being as rigorously tested as official ones. Just make sure you buy them from a reputable seller to reduce the risk of purchasing counterfeit or poor-quality products.
