Speedlight question.

[MrsLittle]

I have an SB700 and when I am photographing, sometimes it will fire off and sometimes it won't. Is there a reason it is not firing off half my shots?
I never take it above 1/200 sec and am using ITTL mode. Any help is appreciated.

 

[MLeeK]

Usually it's from recycle time. If you are using it full power it will suck batteries dry and as it does the recycle time gets slower and slower.

 

[Big Mike]

That would be my guess as well.

 

[MLeeK]

I seem to be having a load of after thoughts after I have answered a question today...


Eneloop rechargable batteries are the best I have found for use in a speedlight. Far better than any rechargeable or disposable on the market. They are made for the camera/flash and have an ultra low discharge so they last much better!

 

[MrsLittle]

I seem to be having a load of after thoughts after I have answered a question today...


Eneloop rechargable batteries are the best I have found for use in a speedlight. Far better than any rechargeable or disposable on the market. They are made for the camera/flash and have an ultra low discharge so they last much better!

Thanks MLEEk for the suggestion, I will check them out. As of now, I was only using cheepo Energizer batteries. I was wondering if it was recycle time, but I was waiting 4 sec once till that darn beeping stopped. I think my batteries might have made the recycle time even slower.

 

[MLeeK]

yeah, batteries won't last very long. If I use disposables I am going through at least 2 sets per session in order to keep the recycle time up there.

 

[analog.universe]

I've got these duracell rechargeables that have served me pretty well. AA's that are 2450mAh. They charge in like 20 minutes, and get me at least 250 pops at full power. (although I probably would change them out before that if I was concerned about cycle time). I have 3 sets of batteries for 2 speedlights though. They charge fast enough that with 1 set on the charger and the other 2 in use, I never run out.

 

[Buckster]

Won't help the OP because the SB700 doesn't sport a port to connect an external power pack (to my knowledge), but I use these with my Canon and Yongnuo flashes and my recycle time is nearly instantaneous all day long without changing batteries:

Amazon.com: Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack: Camera & Photo

I also use Eneloops for all my AA and AAA battery needs.

 

[kundalini]

I have Impact (B&H), Eneloops, Energizer (and something else) rechargeables. Eneloops will stay fresher longer in your gear, but do not have as much punch as some of the higher rated batteries for flash photography. My suggestion is to always have at least one extra set on hand. I usually have three extras.

And don't believe your at an advantage with quick recharge time of 20 minutes. Quick charges will kill the battery life.

 

[MrsLittle]

That's right, the SB700 does not have a port for battery packs. I will definitely be picking up the Eneloops.

 

[Big Mike]

Eneloop rechargable batteries are the best I have found for use in a speedlight. Far better than any rechargeable or disposable on the market. They are made for the camera/flash and have an ultra low discharge so they last much better!

I have to disagree with that. They only 'last much better' over a long period of time (weeks, months) because they don't self-discharge (as much) over time, like 'regular' NiMH batteries do...but that's only a convenience...it doesn't make them better. If we are talking about how long with will last during a photo shoot, that has to do with the capacity.

The capacity of AA Eneloops is only 2000 mAh. The Energizers and Duracells that I use, are all 2500 mAh or more.
And when I use my flash(s), I will almost always charge the batteries up fresh before the shoot. I would likely do that even with Eneloops, because I don't want to start a shoot with half drained batteries.

I think that a better application for Eneloops would be something that you wouldn't drain or need to charge regularly. So they would be perfect in flash triggers, remote controls, light meters etc. But for my flashes, I'd rather have a higher capacity (last longer).