- Top Pick: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries (24 Pack), AA Lithium Batteries | Double A Batteries, Long-Lasting Power, for Flashlights, Remote Controls, Electronics, Cameras, Toys, Reliable Performance
- Best Value: Energizer CR2 Lithium Batteries (2 Pack), 3V Photo Batteries | Replaces DLCR2 and cr15h270 3v lithium battery models; suitable for digital SLR cameras, calculators, and tablet PCs
- Premium Choice: Amazon Basics 48-Pack AA Alkaline High-Performance Batteries, 1.5 Volt, 10-Year Shelf Life, Long-lasting, No Leakage
A dead battery ends a shoot faster than any lens or sensor limitation, yet “camera batteries” is a surprisingly slippery shopping term. Some cameras run on a single proprietary rechargeable pack. Others take a pair of CR2 or CR123 lithium cells, and plenty of flashes, wireless triggers, and older bodies still feed on AA cells. The first job is to match the cell type your gear actually uses; the second is to decide between disposable convenience and rechargeable economy.
This guide is for photographers who carry spares in a bag, keep backups for a flash or trigger, or want to stock a drawer before a trip in 2026. Nine battery options are compared using only what the listing titles state. A rechargeable pack made for a video doorbell also appeared in the results, but it is for a different product category and is left out of the reviews. Before buying anything here, check your camera or accessory manual for the exact battery type and chemistry it expects.
Quick Picks
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| Product | Best for | Key spec from the title |
|---|---|---|
| Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA, 24-pack | Heavy flash and accessory users | AA lithium, long-lasting power |
| Energizer CR2 lithium, 2-pack | CR2-powered compact and SLR gear | 3V photo battery, replaces DLCR2 |
| House-brand AA alkaline, 48-pack | Bulk stocking for low-drain gear | 1.5V, 10-year shelf life |
| Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA, 8-pack | A single bag refill | 1.5V lithium AA |
| House-brand AA alkaline, 20-pack | Mid-size household supply | 1.5V, 10-year leak-free shelf life |
| Sony NP-FZ100 | Alpha A7 III, A7R III, A9 bodies | Z-series rechargeable pack |
| Energizer 123 lithium, 2-pack | Small CR123-class camera needs | 3V photo battery |
| Energizer 123 lithium, 6-pack | Spares for 123-based cameras | 3V photo battery, six cells |
| Energizer AA alkaline, 32-count | General-purpose AA spares | Alkaline power, 32 count |
How to Choose
Start with the cell format
CR2, 123, AA, and Sony’s Z-series pack are not interchangeable. The CR2 title mentions digital SLR cameras and lists the DLCR2 and cr15h270 replacement codes. The Sony NP-FZ100 title names the Alpha A7 III, A7R III, and A9. Match the label printed on your current battery or inside the battery door rather than trusting a general search term. A pack that physically fits but delivers the wrong voltage can damage gear. Note that the 3V photo cells in this list and the 1.5V AA cells are different systems, so a device built for one will not run on the other.
Lithium versus alkaline
Lithium AA cells are generally lighter, tolerate temperature extremes better, and hold their charge for years in storage. Alkaline cells cost less per piece and suit low-drain gear such as remotes and basic accessories. Flashes recycle power quickly and strain alkalines, so photographers who use a speedlight often move to lithium or rechargeable cells. Use the listing’s wording as a guide, but confirm with your flash manual.
Pack size and shelf life
Larger packs reduce the per-cell cost and keep a drawer stocked for months. The 10-year shelf life statement on the 48-pack and 20-pack alkalines matters if you rarely shoot. Lithium photo cells in 123 and CR2 formats are often chosen for emergency spares because they are not prone to the slow self-discharge of cheaper chemistries.
Where to avoid shortcuts
Never mix old and new cells in the same device, and do not mix brands or chemistries. For proprietary rechargeable packs, third-party versions sometimes underdeliver on capacity or fit loosely, so a genuine manufacturer pack is the safer spare for expensive bodies. Ignore marketing for household devices when your gear has specific power needs; a flashlight-oriented headline does not guarantee strong flash performance. For travel, count how many spares a full day of shooting would need, then add one more set so a surprise cold morning or a long video clip does not leave you stranded.
The 9 Best Options
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA, 24-Pack
This is the large-volume lithium option, described as AA lithium with long-lasting power. It suits photographers who run external flashes, wireless triggers, and handheld lights and want a stock that lasts through multiple events. A wedding or sports shooter with several accessories on the bag would appreciate the quantity.
- Strength: lithium chemistry is the usual choice for demanding accessories.
- Strength: the 24-pack quantity reduces the number of trips to restock.
- Trade-off: it costs more per cell than alkaline and is overkill for a basic remote.
Skip it if your gear uses a proprietary rechargeable pack or if you shoot only a few times per year. In that case the cells may sit in a drawer, and a smaller pack makes more sense than a bulk purchase.
Energizer CR2 Lithium, 2-Pack
This 3V photo battery lists replacement for DLCR2 and cr15h270 models and says it suits digital SLR cameras. It is a spare for compact bodies, rangefinder-style cameras, and some accessories that use CR2 cells.
- Strength: the title provides replacement codes, so matching is simple.
- Strength: 3V lithium chemistry is typical for photo-focused cells.
- Trade-off: only two cells, so frequent users need more.
Skip it if your device uses AA or a proprietary pack. Also skip it if you cannot find the CR2 marking in your manual, since guessing the cell type is how mismatched purchases happen.
House-Brand AA Alkaline, 48-Pack
This bulk box of 1.5V AA alkalines claims a 10-year shelf life and no leakage. It fits households and studios that need a large supply for remotes, lights, and low-demand accessories at a budget tier.
- Strength: 48 cells cover many devices without frequent reordering.
- Strength: the 10-year shelf life statement suits backup stock.
- Trade-off: alkaline cells fade faster in high-drain flashes and in the cold.
Skip it if you use a speedlight heavily or shoot in freezing conditions. Those situations reward lithium cells, and a bulk alkaline box is better kept for remotes, small lamps, and the household.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA, 8-Pack
The smaller lithium AA pack gives the same chemistry as the 24-pack in a bag-sized quantity. It suits someone with one flash who wants a fresh set plus a spare.
- Strength: lithium AA at a manageable quantity.
- Strength: 1.5V rating matches standard AA devices.
- Trade-off: runs out quickly if you use several accessories.
Skip it if you need a bulk supply for a team or studio. Photographers who run several flashes at once will burn through eight cells in a single busy event, so consider the larger pack instead.
House-Brand AA Alkaline, 20-Pack
A mid-size alkaline option with a stated 10-year leak-free shelf life, aimed at everyday and household devices. It is a sensible choice for a drawer of spares at a modest tier.
- Strength: leak-free shelf life statement supports long storage.
- Strength: 20 cells is enough for several devices.
- Trade-off: the title leans toward household devices rather than photo use.
Skip it if you need peak performance for a pro flash. Buyers should also read the full listing to see which devices the maker actually has in mind before putting these cells into expensive gear.
Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery Pack
The only proprietary pack here, it is described as a Z-series rechargeable pack for Alpha A7 III, A7R III, and A9 cameras. It is a spare for owners of those bodies who do not want to risk running out during a long day.
- Strength: explicit compatibility with named Alpha models.
- Strength: rechargeable design avoids disposable waste.
- Trade-off: only useful with compatible Sony bodies.
Skip it if your camera uses a different battery type. Confirm the model name on your body, because Sony uses several pack styles across its Alpha line and they do not interchange.
Energizer 123 Lithium, 2-Pack
A pair of 3V photo batteries in the 123 format. It fits small cameras and accessories that call for CR123-class cells and suits someone who needs a single replacement set.
- Strength: a compact two-cell pack for a glove box or camera bag.
- Strength: 3V lithium chemistry matches photo needs.
- Trade-off: low quantity for heavy users.
Skip it if you need many spares or use AA devices. Buyers who also own a smart doorbell or sensor that takes 123 cells may find the larger pack a better fit.
Energizer 123 Lithium, 6-Pack
The same 3V photo battery in a six-cell pack, with the title noting readiness for smart home devices as well as cameras and flashlights. It suits owners of several 123-powered devices.
- Strength: six cells provide spare capacity across devices.
- Strength: versatile across cameras and flashlights.
- Trade-off: you pay for more cells than a single camera needs.
Skip it if one pair is enough. Lithium cells keep for a long time on a shelf, but there is little point owning six when only one device uses them.
Energizer AA Alkaline, 32-Count
A 32-cell pack of alkaline double-A batteries, positioned for general use. It suits low-drain accessories and mixed household supply.
- Strength: big count for the money tier.
- Strength: familiar AA format fits many devices.
- Trade-off: not ideal for fast-recycling flashes.
Skip it if you shoot with a flash or cold weather often. Alkaline chemistry is better suited to low-drain items such as wireless remotes, clocks, and small accessories.
Which One Fits Your Situation
Shooting with a speedlight at events
Take the Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA 24-pack or the 8-pack, depending on how many flashes you carry. Swap sets before they reach empty, and keep the used ones in a labeled pouch so they do not get mixed with fresh cells.
Owning a Sony Alpha body
The Sony NP-FZ100 is the straightforward spare, since the title names compatible models. Carry it in a pocket for a day of video or travel, and rotate it with the pack in the body.
Stocking a drawer on a tight tier
The house-brand 48-pack or the Energizer 32-count alkaline covers low-drain gear.
Using a CR2 or 123 camera
Match the format with the Energizer CR2 two-pack or the 123 two-pack or six-pack.
Common Mistakes
- Buying a battery type without checking the manual.
- Using alkaline cells in a flash that recycles heavily.
- Mixing brands or old and new cells.
- Forgetting a spare rechargeable pack on a long shoot.
- Treating a household-battery headline as proof of photo performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are lithium AA cells worth it for flashes?
Many photographers prefer them for quick recycling and cold tolerance. Check your flash manual first, because a few older units are not designed for lithium AA cells.
What is the difference between CR2 and 123 cells?
They are different sizes and are not interchangeable. Read the label in your device.
Should I buy a third-party camera pack?
Genuine packs are the safer spare for expensive bodies. Third-party versions can vary in capacity and fit, and a loose pack mid-shoot costs more than any savings.
How should I store spare batteries?
Keep them in a cool, dry place in their packaging, away from loose metal objects, and avoid leaving spares in a hot car where heat shortens the life of any cell.
