Wasabi Power EN-EL18 Battery and BL-5 Cover - Longer Run Time

In this review the Wasabi Power EN-EL18 battery and BL-5 battery chamber cover are evaluated for photographers who need reliable, extended power for Nikon pro bodies. The bottom line: this pack is for D810/D800/D500/D850 users who use battery grips or external supplies and want a cost-effective replacement that works with original Nikon chargers and delivers longer run-time. The included chamber cover is a practical extra for tethered or studio use, and the 3-year manufacturer warranty provides useful peace of mind for working professionals.

Key Features

• Compatibility: Works with Nikon D810A, D810, D800E, D800 (with MB-D12 grip) and D500, D850 with their respective grips, so shooters can use a single battery across multiple bodies with adapters.
• Battery Capacity: The 10.8V, 2800mAh cells provide noticeably longer run-time than many older packs, helping to reduce interruptions on long shoots.
• Premium Cells: Built from Grade-A cells to maximize battery life and maintain consistent performance over repeated charge cycles.
• Chamber Cover Included: The BL-5 battery chamber cover protects the camera interior when an external power source is attached, making studio and tethered setups cleaner and safer.
• Nikon Charger Compatible: Designed to be used with Nikon original chargers and battery grips MB-D12, MB-D17, MB-D18, avoiding the need for proprietary or extra charging hardware.
• Warranty and Support: Includes a 3-year Wasabi Power manufacturer warranty and US-based customer support located in Pomona, California, for service and replacement needs.

Who It's For

The Wasabi Power EN-EL18 and BL-5 cover are aimed at DSLR shooters who use Nikon pro and pro-sumer bodies with battery grips or external power setups, including wedding, event, landscape, and studio photographers who require long sessions without frequent battery swaps. It is also a sensible backup or travel spare for shooters who already own Nikon EN-EL18 batteries and want interchangeability with original chargers.

Photographers who need the absolute longest possible capacity per charge or who demand OEM branding for warranty reasons may prefer original Nikon packs, but for most working photographers this Wasabi Power option offers a practical balance of runtime, compatibility, and cost, backed by a multi-year warranty.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good run-time from 2800mAh Grade-A cells, reducing the need to swap batteries mid-shoot.
• Works with Nikon original chargers and camera grips, maintaining workflow simplicity.
• Includes BL-5 battery chamber cover for safe use of external power or tethered setups.
• Three-year manufacturer warranty and US-based customer support for added confidence.

Cons

• Not an OEM Nikon battery, so some buyers may prefer an original for brand assurance despite comparable compatibility.

Specifications

Battery Voltage	10.8V
Capacity	2800mAh
Cells	Premium Grade-A cells
Includes	1 battery and BL-5 battery chamber cover
Compatibility	Nikon D810A, D810, D800E, D800 (MB-D12), D500 (MB-D17), D850 (MB-D18)
Charger	Compatible with Nikon original chargers
Warranty	3-year manufacturer warranty (US support)

Our Verdict

The Wasabi Power EN-EL18 with BL-5 cover is a strong value for Nikon photographers who need reliable, longer run-time and the convenience of compatibility with Nikon chargers and grips. It is particularly good as a backup or daily work battery for D810, D800, D500, and D850 users, and the three-year warranty makes it an economical and practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this battery work in my Nikon charger?
Yes, the Wasabi Power EN-EL18 is designed to be compatible with Nikon original chargers used for EN-EL18 family batteries.

What is the BL-5 cover for?
The BL-5 battery chamber cover protects the camera battery cavity when an external power supply or dummy adapter is used, keeping dust out during tethered or studio use.

Is there support if the battery fails?
Wasabi Power provides a 3-year manufacturer warranty and US-based customer support in Pomona, California for replacements or service.