Quick answer
Choose a battery holder based on the battery type you carry most (camera or AA/AAA), the number of spares you need, and how you prefer to carry them—pocket, belt, or bag.
Capacity vs. Portability
A larger holder holds more batteries but takes up more space. If you shoot all day with a mirrorless camera, a two-battery carrier keeps your kit slim. If you power flashes, triggers, or accessories, an eight-AA holder may be more practical even though it is bulkier.
Organized vs. Loose Storage
Loose batteries in a bag risk shorting out against keys or metal objects. A holder with individual slots prevents contact and makes it easy to see which batteries are charged. Soft cases add padding but less protection than hard shells.
How to choose your battery holder
- Identify your primary battery type: If you use proprietary camera batteries (e.g., for a DSLR or mirrorless body), look for a holder sized for those specific cells. If you rely on AA or AAA batteries for flashes, triggers, or accessories, choose a holder designed for cylindrical cells.
- Decide how many spares you need: One or two spare camera batteries cover most day trips. For all-day event or studio work, consider carrying four. For AA-powered gear, eight batteries is a practical minimum for a full shoot. Buy a holder that matches your typical carry, not the maximum you could stuff in.
- Choose a carry style: Pocket-friendly holders (like the thinkTANK Battery Holder 2) are best for minimalists. Belt-loop or clip-on models keep batteries accessible without taking up pocket space. Soft cases (like the thinkTANK AA Battery Holder V2) pack flat in a bag when empty. If you often wear a belt or carry a camera bag, a holder with a belt loop or attachment point is more convenient.
Product facts
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thinkTANK Battery Holder 2: Compact carrier for up to two standard DSLR or Mirrorless batteries. Fits easily in your pocket or attaches to your belt or bags. You can keep two spare camera batteries within reach without adding noticeable bulk to your daily carry.
thinkTANK Battery Holder 2
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thinkTANK AA Battery Holder V2: Soft, compact case that holds 8 AA batteries or 16 AAA batteries. Part of the thinkTANK lineup of battery holders. If you run multiple flash units or remote triggers, this holder keeps a day's worth of AA power organized and protected.
thinkTANK AA Battery Holder V2
Who should buy which
Best for
- Photographers who carry one or two spare camera batteries and want a slim, pocketable solution
- Event or studio shooters who need eight AA batteries organized and protected for flashes or triggers
Not ideal for
- Users who need to carry more than two camera batteries—look for a larger multi-slot case
- Those who prefer a hard-shell case for maximum impact protection—soft holders offer less drop protection
