CR123 - rechargeable or throwaway for my night vision device?

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
1

I recently bought a new night vision monocular that operates on a single CR123 battery. This is my only device that uses CR123. I am not sure how fast a battery will last because I haven’t used it yet, but I see myself using it for an hour or two per hunting trip and will want 2 batteries on me when using it so I have a spare.

Do you think I should buy rechargeables or consumables? I sometimes see these batteries sold in larger quantities so it has me wondering if their is a benefit to the consumables over the rechargeables? I have this charger if it matters. Do you have a specific recommendation for where to get them? I’ll probably buy one new one today at the drug store so I can play with the device tonight.

2

I’d make absolutely sure it can handle the high voltage of the rechargeable cell first - what model is the night vision device? You don’t want to fry it with 4.2v RCR123’s if it only works with 3v CR123.

3

primary batteries will last a lot longer than rechargeable. also some devices will not handle the added voltage of rechargeable.
primaries are 3v, rechargeable lifepo4 are 3.2v, 3.5v+ charged. lithium rechargeable are 4.2v fully charged.

im sure the night vision device is not cheap, and i would check to make sure what its voltage range is before you even try. also, if its not used too often, primaries might be a better choice

4

Night Owl noxm42

5

says 1-3 volt type. so id say, i wouldnt use rechargeable in it. but you could contact them to ask specifically what the input voltage range is

6

Since battery life on CR123 is 45-100 hours, I’d definitely stick to primaries.

7

Is there a recommended source to buy a small quantity of them? Today I am sure I will be paying $5 to $7 for a name brand like Duracell.

8

i remember someone here saying they buy 20 for $22 i think… i cant remember where but im sure someone here will
locally here they are $10-12 for a pair… hate it when i forget my spare set of rcrs and have to buy a pair for my ecig

9

I get Panasonic CR123’s in Europe from Amazon, but in the US Battery Junction sell these Titanium Innovations for $1 each, but I don’t know how much shipping is (nor how good the cells are).

Lighthound have Energizer for $1.50.

Some US members should have a better idea of where to buy CR123’s, I should think.

10

I have used the Titanium Innovations 1400 mAh from Battery Junction for about two years now with no complaints.

Battery Junction also has Panasonic 1550 mAh CR123 for $1.50. Higher capacity but not 50% higher to justify the cost.