Rechargeable batteries for speedlight

[hamlet]

What type of rechargeable AA batteries in your opinion give you the least heartache when using it with your speedlight?

 

[astroNikon]

I think alot of people use Eneloop

I use the all silver Energizer rechargeables. They have a higher voltage than the green top ones which come with the packages with chargers.

 

[snerd]

I use Nuon 2500ma 1.2v with my Canon 430EX II and never had a problem. I've heard the good and bad about them, but they've worked for me so far.

 

[Dao]

I think it depends on whether you prefer more charge per cell or it can hold charge for longer period of time when not being used.

I like Eneloop since I do not use it everyday. Some people who need to use it everyday for photo shoots prefer higher mAh rechargeable so that they do not need to change batteries as frequent.

 

[hombredelmar]

Eneloop

 

[hamlet]

So two votes for eneloops, 1 for energizer and 1 for brand x. Has anyone tried amazonbasics aa?

 

[Overread19 7]

I use Eneloop batteries. They were the first on the market with batteries that retain charge inbetween uses so you can leave the batteries in the flash for months and they won't drain down whilst kept there. AT the time I bought them Sanyo were the only ones making them - now most brands have their own equivalents so you've more market choice.

Also a BIG thing is a good charging unit. Batteries in flash are recycled fast so they gain a lot of wear and tear so you've got to have good charging unit that lets you slow charge the batteries (think overnight). If you use the quick half hour or one hour charging units you'll kill the lifespan and capacity of your batteries very quickly.

Maha/Powerrex make a very solid series of charging units; sure they cost a fair bit, but they pay for it in quality and in how they keep your batteries in good condition. You save money because when you're using smart batteries that retain charge and a good slow recharging unit you don't have to suddenly put down £5 here and there because you were out and your batteries died and you've got to go to the corner shop to pick up some more quickly to keep shooting.

It also means that your flash is ready when you are; you don't have to worry that "Oh I'll get a handful and then its dead".

 

[lambertpix]

So two votes for eneloops, 1 for energizer and 1 for brand x. Has anyone tried amazonbasics aa?

I picked up a set of those not too long ago. So far, no worries. I also got cases to keep the same set of 4 together all the time.

 

[hamlet]

Then amazonbasics it is.

 

[feeds_78]

Here is a link to some good information as when to use the different types of batteries. Thomas Distributing usually has some really good deals on the batteries and chargers as well. If you have not checked them out do so. Some of the battery chargers they sell can also rejuvenate and extend the life of some older batteries.

http://www.thomasdistributing.com/AA-Batteries_c_661.html

 

[Pejacre]

I got one of these - no AA's needed. The NEEWER® TT850 Is A Hot Shoe Strobe That Does Not Use AA Batteries - Packs More Pops - DIY Photography

 

[WayneF]

So two votes for eneloops, 1 for energizer and 1 for brand x. Has anyone tried amazonbasics aa?

There are millions of votes for Eneloops. But not sold at Walmart for unknown reason?

The Amazon Basics are probably Eneloops too, at least Eneloop class.
Says: AmazonBasics AA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries (8-Pack) - 1000 Cycle (Typical 2000mAh, Minimum 1900mAh

Precharged means low self discharge which Eneloop pioneered, and leases rights to many others to make them now.

Regular NiMH are not precharged, and don't say precharged. They won't hold a charge long enough to reach the buyer. Eneloops will. You want the precharged type. They are not fully charged at factory, maybe 70%, so you will want to recharge them soon, but they will work straight from the package.

 

[hamlet]

Yeah, i just don't think it really matters if the recommendations are this varied in the photographic community. I just went with the cheapest one.

 

[KmH]

NiMH batteries generally deliver the shortest flash unit recycle times.

Get the highest mAh rating you can.

I use the Maha Powerex batteries that lose a charge fairly quickly. They have a higher mAh rating than the Eneloops.
I charge them the night before I'm going to use them so the charge loss rate when not being used is immaterial.
Powerex AA 2700mAh NiMH Rechargeable Batteries with holder- 4 Batteries Per Pack

Also. I do not leave batteries in hot shoe flash units at the end of a shooting day. In just a week or so depending on storage conditions batteries can starte to corrode in the flash unit. Cleaning he corrosion out is a pain.

Maha Imedion NiMH batteries are slow discharge NiMH like the Eneloops.
Imedion AA 2400mAh NiMH Rechargeable Batteries, 4-Pack



I also think Maha makes some of the best AA/AAA battery chargers we can get.

 

[WayneF]

NiMH batteries generally deliver the shortest recharge times.

I think you may mean shortest recycle times, in the flash.