Review: RAVPower EN-EL15 2100mAh Rechargeable Camera Battery and Charger Set for Nikon

A Review of the RAVPower EN-EL15 2100mAh Rechargeable Camera Battery and Charger Set for Nikon (Model: RP_PB057).

A versatile, affordable, and necessary aftermarket accessory for your Nikon camera.

For the sake of clarity, this is an independent review of the RAVPower 2100mAh rechargeable camera batteries and charger set (model: RP-PB057), intended for a variety of Nikon cameras including  the Nikon 1 V1,  D600, D610, D750, D800, D800a, D800e, D810, D7000, D7100 and D7200.

The product reviewed in this article was purchased from Amazon with hard-earned cash and the batteries tested extensively in a Nikon D7200.

Check the link below to obtain the latest price of this RAVPower charger set.

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EN-EL15 RAVPower 2100mAh Rechargeable Camera Battery and Charger Set for Nikon (2x Replacement Batteries, 2.1A USB Input, 100% Compatible with Original) – Black

Good to know: This battery and recharger set comes complete with a free 12 months extended warranty when you register your purchase online.

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REVIEW: RAVPower RP-PB057 Battery and Charger Set for Nikon Cameras

Product Description

RAVPower RP-PB057 Rechargeable Battery and Charger Kit

The RAVPower EN-EL15 2100mAh rechargeable camera battery and charger set is an affordable aftermarket camera accessory that offers a tonne of features and benefits over the Nikon MH-25 battery charger.

This RAVPower battery and charger set aims to provide a complete backup power solution for your camera. With an extra two replacement batteries and a dual charger to keep empty batteries charging on the go, you will always be prepared for those unexpected moments when your camera battery runs out of juice.

With this kit, you will have the potential to triple your camera’s run time with the two extra batteries alone. And, with the charger being able to connect to any micro-USB power source,  this makes charging extremely versatile, as batteries could even be charged in remote locations with a portable battery, such as the RAVPower 26800mAh Power Bank.

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RAVPower 26800mAh Power Bank Portable Charger 3-Port 5.5A iSmart Output External Battery Pack for Mobile Phones, Tablets and More

Good to know: This power bank is capable of recharging one EN-EL15 2100mAh battery approximately 12 times from a full charge.

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Package Contents:

• 2 x Replacement Batteries for Nikon EN-EL15 2100mAh
• 1 x DC Dual Battery Charger
• 1 x micro-USB Cable
• Warranty Card

Package Contents | RAVPower RP-PB057 Rechargeable Battery and Charger Kit

EN-EL15 RAVPower 2100mAh Rechargeable Camera Battery and Charger Set for Nikon (2x Replacement Batteries, 2.1A USB Input, 100% Compatible with Original) – Black

Batteries:

RAVPower claim that their replacement batteries (RP-PB057 Savior Series) are made to the exact specifications of the Nikon EN-EL15 battery but with a slightly larger capacity of 2100mAh/14.7W compared with the 1900mAh/14W of the Nikon EN-EL15. This equates to a 10.5% increase in battery capacity over the original.

RAVPower RP-PB057 SAVIOR Series Nikon EN-El15 Battery Pack V Nikon EN-EL15 Battery

In my own tests, where I used these batteries continuously for 3 days in a Nikon D7200, I found no discernible difference in battery performance when compared with the original Nikon EN-EL15 battery. The RAVPower batteries charged just as quickly as the Nikon original; shooting duration and number of shots obtained were also on par with the Nikon.

RAVPower RP-PB057 batteries will charge inside camera if your camera model supports this feature. However, note that some models, like the Nikon D7200 do not support inside camera charging.

Charger:

The RAVPower battery charger is light weight, but well made from a relatively strong, fire resistant plastic. It features two battery compartments and a pair of LEDs labelled CH1 and CH2.

RAVPower Charger for EN-EL15 Batteries

The LEDs indicate charging status and glow red when a battery is charging. The LEDs glow green when a battery if fully charged or when a battery bay is empty.

CH1 No Battery (Green) | CH2 Battery Charging (Red)

The RAVPower charger is capable of charging the original Nikon EN-EL15 battery alongside a RAVPower equivalent.

CH1 Nikon EN-EL15 Battery Charging (Red) | CH2 RAVPower Battery Charged (Green)

The RAVPower battery charger needs to be connected to a power source via the USB to micro USB cable provided.

RAVPower recommend that you connect to a charger capable of delivering at least 2.1 Amps to maximise charging efficiency. However, connecting to any USB power source will still charge the batteries. It will just take longer.

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Raspberry Pi 3 Power Adapter

 

Raspberry Pi 3 Power Adapters 2.5 Amps +

Good to know: A power adapter for the Raspberry Pi 3 is an ideal companion for this battery charger as they are rated at 2.5 Amps minimum.

 

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A Recommended Buy

The RAVPower 2100mAh rechargeable camera batteries and charger set (model: RP-PB057) is an affordable, quality made, aftermarket accessory for your Nikon camera. It is less expensive than the Nikon MH-25 charger; portable and offers a wealth of charging versatility with the two replacement batteries and the USB charging station.

With no detectable difference in battery performance from the original EN-EL15 Nikon battery, this kit represents excellent value for money and provides a total power solution for your camera.

Often promoted on Amazon with a substantial price discount, you should grab one of these today. Check the link below to obtain the latest price.

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Buy the RAVPower 2100mAh Rechargeable Camera Battery and Charger Set for Nikon

 

 

 

EN-EL15 RAVPower 2100mAh Rechargeable Camera Battery and Charger Set for Nikon (2x Replacement Batteries, 2.1A USB Input, 100% Compatible with Original) – Black

 

 

 

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How To Repair A Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger

This is a fault finding and repair guide for the Nikon MH-25 battery charger.

Nikon charger not working | Nikon battery charger MH-25 not working | Nikon battery charger no light | Nikon battery charger not blinking | How to open charger MH-25?

The Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger

The Nikon MH-25 is a mains operated battery charger for the EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery, which is specific to a variety of Nikon cameras including the D800, D600, D7000, D7100 and D7200.

This article is a general repair guide for the Nikon MH-25 battery charger and shows:-

• How to fault find the Nikon MH-25 battery charger when the LED light fails to blink to indicate a charging state.
• How to dismantle / take apart the Nikon MH-25 battery charger.
• How to inspect the Nikon MH-25 printed circuit board (pcb) for common electrical faults.
• How to repair the Nikon MH-25 battery charger pcb.
• How to reassemble the Nikon MH-25 battery charger.

Step 1 – Conduct Simple Tests

• Make sure the power cable is pushed firmly into the Nikon H-25 battery charger.
• Try a different power outlet.
• Try a different figure of eight cable from another device.
• If you have a UK model, change the plug fuse and re-try the Nikon MH-25 battery charger. The fuse rating is 3 Amps.

If your Nikon MH-25 battery charger is still non functional after these tests and you want to attempt a repair yourself, then jump to step 2.

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Alternatively, find a replacement MH-25 battery charger here:

Nikon MH-25 UK Battery Charger for EN-EL15

Nikon 1900 mAh Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery for D800/D600/D7100/D7000

MH-25 battery charger variants

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Step 2 – What You Will Need

To take apart the Nikon MH-25 battery charger you will need the following items:

• A precision Torx screwdriver set.
• A flat blade screwdriver with a long shank to assist with leverage.

Tools Required to Dismantle the Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger Case

For any electrical repair on the circuit board, you will need:

• A soldering iron with a fine tip.
• Solder.
• Sheathed wire.
• Wire cutters or scissors.
• Long nosed pliers.
• A knife.

Work in a well lit area and consider having the means to magnify the pcb board if your eye sight is poor.

Step 3 – How To Take the Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger Apart

The Nikon MH-25 battery charger is held together with one small Torx screw and lots of glue.

The Single Torx Screw on the Rear of the Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger

The head of the Torx screw can be seen at the rear of the charger, next to the power connector. Unscrew it and store it safely at one side of your work area.

Using the flat bladed screwdriver, start to work your away around the unit, applying gently pressure to prise the two halves of the case apart. The glue is strong and this part of the procedure may take some time. You can see in the image above, the small amount of damage that is inevitable in prising the case apart.

When the back of the case is removed, the circuit board, rotary power connector and spring battery clip can be taken out easily.

The Rear of the Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger Case Removed

WARNING:

The rear of the Nikon MH-25 circuit board has two areas clearly labelled Primary and Secondary.

The Primary circuit deals with transforming incoming voltage to the lower voltage requirements of the Secondary charging circuit. It is possible to receive an electric shock by touching any of the points in the Primary circuit even when mains power is disconnected. The capacitors will hold charge for a significant period after mains power has been removed. The capacitors should dissipate their charge to reasonable levels a few minutes after the removal of mains power.

Components of the Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger

Step 4 – Inspect the Nikon MH-25 Printed Circuit Board

More than likely, most faults will be on the underside of the circuit board; the side with the printed tracks.

An examination of the printed circuit board from my Nikon MH-25 battery charger shows the track-side to be peppered with indentations and other mechanical induced marks. In my case, there are clear pot-marks on the incoming power rail, which have caused my unit to fail.

This youtube video shows an example where solder joints have not been completed properly during the manufacturing process and a small knock can be enough to dislodge components from the electrical circuit.

However, it is worth taking a look at the electronic components too while the board is out of the case.

Top side / component side of MH-25 pcb

Check the condition of the capacitors. Look for capacitors that may have blown and replace them if necessary.

Bottom side / pcb side of MH-25

Look carefully at the tracks and solder points all over the board. Look for poorly soldered / loose joints and tracks that appear to be damaged or broken.

Re-solder loose/dry joints. Patch broken pcb tracks with solder and wire.

In order to solder to a broken rail, use a knife to scrape away the green insulation to reveal the copper surface beneath.

Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger Printed Circuit Boared

The image above shows two breaks on the same pcb track for incoming mains power. The larger red circle shows a repair that I made to the pcb track with wire and solder. The smaller red circle shows another potential break on the same pcb track

Nikon MH-25 Battery Charger PCB Track Break

Scratching away the discolouration on the pcb track with a knife clearly shows that this part of the track is broken too.

Broken tracks can be bridged with wire and solder. In this instance though, I decided to bypass the pcb track all together and run a sheathed wire between the two solder points rather than make another fiddly repair on the same track.

PCB Track Bypassed With Sheathed Wire

Step 5 – Reassemble the Nikon MH-25  Battery Charger

Reassembly of the Nikon MH-25 battery charger is relatively easy to do provided you follow these steps.

• Take the rear part of the MH-25 battery charger case and lay it flat on your work surface.
• Slot the circuit board on to the charger case.
• Put this assembly to one side.

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• Lay the front part of the MH-25 battery charger case on your work surface.
• Insert the rotary power connector so that it latches in the slide lock mechanism.
• Insert the spring battery clip as shown.

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Carefully bring the two assemblies together until they snap shut. Take care not to damage the LED.

Insert the Torx screw and tighten.

Connect the power cable and test.

Obtaining a Replacement Nikon MH-15 Battery Charger

If your repairs have been unsuccessful then consider the following options:-

I have written a Review of the RAVPower 2100mAh Rechargeable Camera Battery and Charger Set for Nikon cameras, a product which I have purchased and use on a daily basis. This kit consists of two replacement EN-EL15 batteries and a dual USB charger. It is less expensive than purchasing a replacement Nikon MH-25 charger and is a total power solution for your camera. Check the latest prices out in my review.

However, if you want to purchase another Nikon MH-25 battery charger then check out the prices on Amazon:

Nikon MH-25 UK Battery Charger for EN-EL15

Spare battery:
Nikon 1900 mAh Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery for D800/D600/D7100/D7000

Dual MH-25 battery chargers, USB MH-25 battery chargers and non Nikon MH-25 battery chargers:
Search Amazon for MH-25 battery charger variants

Review: Hoya 52mm Circular Polarizing Filter on a Nikon D5100 Digital SLR with a 18mm-55mm VR Lens

A forthcoming holiday in Belgium was the kindling behind my purchase of the Hoya 52mm Circular Polarizing Filter (CIR-PL); a new companion for my trusty Nikon D5100 Digital SLR. Being an avid photographer, I had used a polarizing filter before on my older Olympus SLR (1972 model) and loved the deep blue skies that it could deliver on film. Over the years, I’ve taken some impressive photographs. And when I look back at them, I’m pleased I had a polarizing filter screwed onto the end of the lens. It can make a photograph so much better. And for very little cost.

What it does

Polarizing filters on modern cameras filter light that is linearly polarized, then circularly polarize the light entering the camera so as not to affect the camera’s sensors.

 

A Circular Polarizing Filter can increase contrast, darken skies and reduce reflections. The same effects are achievable in colour and black and white photography.

Hoya 52mm CIR-PL

The Hoya 52mm CIR-PL is a mid-ranged product in terms of price. It receives very good reviews at Amazon UK and the consensus there is that it’s a great product and good value for money.

 

It is well known that it is not suitable for wide angle lenses due to the physical depth of the polarizing ring. It can cast a shadow on the corners of photographs when at a high wide angle. As long as you don’t intend to use it in conjunction with such a lens, that won’t be a problem.

Purchased From CameraKing via Amazon UK

Delivery was very quick despite choosing the Super Saver Delivery option in Amazon.

The filter was posted well packaged and protected in a jiffy bag, small enough to be posted through the letter-box. The filter is packaged in a sealed, protective, plastic carry-case.

Nikon D5100 Digital SLR with 18mm-55mm VR Lens

I’ve had this camera and lens for a few years now. I love it and have taken some great photographs with it. Dare I say? Photographs bordering on professional quality.

Attaching the Filter

Making sure I didn’t cross-thread, the Hoya 52mm CIR-PL screwed onto the 18mm-55mm VR lens beautifully. The inner filter ring is knurled and allows sufficient grip to tighten the filter securely onto the lens despite its shallow depth.

Care does have to be taken here, not only to avoid the mistake of cross-threading the filter. The focus ring of this lens is on the very end of the lens, which the filter screws onto. So you must take care not to apply excessive torque to the focus ring when making the final tightening nip.

 

The original Nikon lens cap attaches to the filter to protect it.

In Use – Suppressing Reflections

CIR-PL: No Filtration

CIR-PL: Full Filtration

Sunlight falling on the black ceramic tiles in my kitchen was a good starting point to test the Hoya 52mm CIR-PL. The two photographs are taken with the same camera settings. The only difference between shots is the amount of polarizing filtration; in this case, either fully off or fully on.

CIR-PL: No Filtration

CIR-PL: Full Filtration

The same comparison again. This time with light reflections from water, courtesy of my son’s toy dumper truck.

CIR-PL: No Filtration

CIR-PL: Full Filtration

 And this really shows what it can do; suppressing reflections from glass. 

In Use – Increased Contrast & Darkened Skies

CIR-PL: No Filtration

CIR-PL: Full Filtration

Not only does contrast improve and skies darken but clarity seems to improve. More detail can be seen in the clouds as the washed-out appearance of the sky diminishes.

CIR-PL: No Filtration

CIR-PL: Full Filtration

 

The contrast in vegetation is fleshed out too making the whole scene look and feel much more vibrant.

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Buy a Hoya Circular Polarizing Filter from Amazon

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SUMMARY

• Fast delivery
• Great value product.
• Excellent build quality and ergonomics. The knurled ring to enable tightening is a well thought out feature. The filter screwed onto the lens with precision. Operation is smooth and almost effortless. The original Nikon lens cap fits the filter.
• Filter operation does not interfere with the focus ring when the lens is set to automatic focus.
• The filter performs well; suppressing reflections from glass, water and other objects such as tiles and leather. It improves contrast of skies and vegetation, removes the washed-out appearance of skies, darkens them and improves clarity.
• Score: 5/5

I’ve only demonstrated the filtration fully on or off in these comparisons. Remember, various degrees of  filter effect can be gained by turning the filter ring accordingly.

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Buy a Hoya Circular Polarizing Filter from Amazon

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