What AA batteries do you use for your flash?

[tecboy]

I use a lot of Eneloop, because it seems popular and the most trusted brand. I also use duracell with 15 minutes quick charger. Just curious, how about you guys?

 

[Overread]

Throw the charger out!
I'm serious - the problem with rechargeable batteries is that the faster you recharge them the worse their performance becomes, so those quick 15 or 30 min chargers sound good, but they damage the batteries and thus you quickly find they give less and less performance; especially for flash units where you can drain a whole set in a day quiet easily (and thus they are on a large number of recycled charges).

Powerex makes a good series of quality charging units which can also vary the charge flow. This means that whilst they cost you more they can be set to slowly recharge the batteries over a day or so or you can (if needed) set them to charge up very quickly. The MH-C9000 also has the ability to discharge and recondition rechargable batteries so that you can get new life out of those which have lost some performance. Other units they have offer up more docking ports so you can charge more at the same time (although each battery is charged on its own as opposed to just a constant rate like in the cheaper units).


I use Sanyo Eneloop batteries as they were some of the first to retain charge whilst in a unit; I think most of the manufacturers now have their own batteries of this kind so I'd go for any good brand with a good capacity and this feature. It makes a night and day difference to be able to leave the flash for days at a time and pick it up and be able to use it without the batteries having drained down to nothing.

 

[Tinderbox (UK)]

15min chargers are battery killers and should only really be used in an emergency, i have over 50 chargers and i use an Accumanger 10 for AA and AAA and Accumanger 20 if i need to charge C, D, 9V as well.

John.

 

[runnah]

Whatever is on sale at the bulk shopping center.

 

[Juga]

Energizer rechargables.

 

[tecboy]

There have been a lot of bad reviews about Duracell and Energizer rechargeable batteries.

 

[D-B-J]

I love my Sanyo Eneloops. I use them for my flashes, and my pocketwizards. Haven't had a problem yet.

Jake

 

[Tinderbox (UK)]

I will not touch Energizer rechargeable battery`s i have had too many go faulty, Energizer replaced them for free to their credit, Duracell AA with white tops/positive end are re-branded Eneloops.

John.

Energizer rechargables.

 

[astroNikon]

I use the Energizer power plus batteries mostly but some universals too.
I use their Smart charger which takes 3 hours for a full charge. They have other chargers too that go from 15 minutes to 8 hours.
I use these batteries for the kids toys and remotes too.

I am looking for rechargeable cr123s. For my su800.

 

[Tinderbox (UK)]

Try the website below, they are used in Flashlights just ask.

CandlePowerForums

john.

I use the Energizer power plus batteries mostly but some universals too.
I use their Smart charger which takes 3 hours for a full charge. They have other chargers too that go from 15 minutes to 8 hours.
I use these batteries for the kids toys and remotes too.

I am looking for rechargeable cr123s. For my su800.

 

[TheFantasticG]

Sanyo XX Powered by Eneloop 'AA' Batteries 4HR-3UWX B&H Photo

I also use a charger that has individual circuits for each battery and it charges upto 8 at a time. Also not a 15 min charger.

Watson 8-Bay Rapid Charger for AA / AAA NiMH or NiCd AA-8LCD B&H

I have the Pearstone charger. I guess Watson bought out Pearstone or Pearstone changed their name.

 

[Derrel]

I use a quantum Battery 1 if I need a LOT of flash shots in a short time frame, worn on a belt pack. It's old...but it works great, and the recycle speeds are pretty fast. Otherwise, I use Ansmann 2200 Mah rechargeablkes, which I recharge using two very sloooow chargers that take about 10 hours to recharge.

I realllllllly LOVE the newer Nikon speedlights liike the SB 800 (and newer) which offer the option of using the "fifth battery compartment" instead of the plain battery compartment door and just 4 AA's. Adding that fifth AA battery makes battery-powered speelight use just soooo much better!

 

[runnah]

+1 for the 5th wheel battery. Fast cycle times and long life.

 

[vimwiz]

Ive got an old Speedlite 277T and it just takes AAs, same as the camera. I keep one of those strips of 24 Kodak ones, from the £1 shop, and get good+economical results, never had either die on me while ive been out shoting a few rolls.

 

[DougGrigg]

energizer rechargeable ( I think they are around 5 years old and still going strong lol! )