What AA batteries do you use for your flash?

[TCampbell]

I use the Sanyo Eneloops. I love the low-self discharge so I don't have to fear that the batteries will be low if they haven't been charged in the last week or two.

 

[frommrstomommy]

we use the eneloops too for everything usually. had em for about two years now and going strong!

 

[tecboy]

I found this. These batteries are rechargeable alkaline that can stays charge up to 7 years.4-Position Charger with 4 AA Batteries at iGo, Inc.

 

[Tinderbox (UK)]

You better off with NiMh battery`s i had rechargeable Alkaline years ago and they dont last many charges and they leak eventually.

Better of Buying some Eneloops.

John

I found this. These batteries are rechargeable alkaline that can stays charge up to 7 years.4-Position Charger with 4 AA Batteries at iGo, Inc.

 

[tecboy]

You better off with NiMh battery`s i had rechargeable Alkaline years ago and they dont last many charges and they leak eventually.

Better of Buying some Eneloops.

John

I found this. These batteries are rechargeable alkaline that can stays charge up to 7 years.4-Position Charger with 4 AA Batteries at iGo, Inc.

I have bought a lot of Eneloops. It is good to know. Thx.

 

[hamlet]

I don't see the hubbub? Just take a dozen batteries with you and just worry about getting your lighting right.

 

[manaheim]

I don't see the hubbub? Just take a dozen batteries with you and just worry about getting your lighting right.

irony!

This is a case where gear matters a lot.

Standard alkaline batteries have a MAJOR performance dropoff after a relatively small number of pictures, so you watch as your flash takes CRAZY long to recharge. Many people therefore choose lithiums because they perform REALLY well up until nearly the last shots- but they heat up BAD.

Of course, batteries are also expensive AND you're hucking bad stuff into the environment, so many people choose rechargables.

Finally, you get people like me who go the big ass rechargeable external pack route because all the other options have you constantly flipping batteries and I just won't do it. I get like 1000 shots out of my external battery before I need to recharge.

 

[Mach0]

irony! This is a case where gear matters a lot. Standard alkaline batteries have a MAJOR performance dropoff after a relatively small number of pictures, so you watch as your flash takes CRAZY long to recharge. Many people therefore choose lithiums because they perform REALLY well up until nearly the last shots- but they heat up BAD. Of course, batteries are also expensive AND you're hucking bad stuff into the environment, so many people choose rechargables. Finally, you get people like me who go the big ass rechargeable external pack route because all the other options have you constantly flipping batteries and I just won't do it. I get like 1000 shots out of my external battery before I need to recharge.

What battery pack do you have ?

 

[Braineack]

Hamlet speaks from experience.

 

[Overread]

I don't see the hubbub? Just take a dozen batteries with you and just worry about getting your lighting right.

We've all thought the same at one point.

The thing is when you're got new batteries this approach sounds good and seems to work. But as those batteries get older and drain out suddenly you're out shooting and BAM they die. Now you've got to spend money buying new ones or live without the flash till you can.

So one shifts to cheap rechargables with a cheap charging unit. That works great for a short while - but as flash batteries are drained fast by the flash you end up charging them all the more and those cheap charging units have an effect on the batteries. Suddenly those batteries are not lasting half as long as they used to.

Then you might also discover the problem with cheap rechargable batteries when you don't use the flash for a few days and then find that when you do use it; those fresh batteries you put in it just before you stopped using it, have drained out. You get a few flashes and then nothing.


This is why those low discharge batteries like the Eneloops and those good quality recharging units like the Maha/Powerex are so popular with many. The larger batteries packs are even more popular with shooters who might be doing studio shoots all day or macro all day and really need that extra capacity and charge so that they can keep shooting without pause or having to fiddle with things.


This is really a case where short term high investment pays off in the long term. Instead of new AA batteries at £5 a go you're now getting a set of rechargeable batteries that are just as good but recharge and keep their charge and thus let you get years of use out of them.

 

[Tailgunner]

So about how many shots is a standard set of alkaline batteries worth?

I understand and completely agree with using rechargeable batteries and battery packs, I just don't have time to mess with them before leaving for Thanksgiving vacation.

 

[Mach0]

So about how many shots is a standard set of alkaline batteries worth? I understand and completely agree with using rechargeable batteries and battery packs, I just don't have time to mess with them before leaving for Thanksgiving vacation.

It depends on how hard you're working the flash but I will say that drain fast and recycle slow.

 

[Overread]

So about how many shots is a standard set of alkaline batteries worth?

I understand and completely agree with using rechargeable batteries and battery packs, I just don't have time to mess with them before leaving for Thanksgiving vacation.

Honestly I'd say buy a set of two packs of 4 Eneloop rechargable batteries and use them. They'll drain down but should cover you for a while and then you can go around finding a good charger when you get back.

 

[tecboy]

So about how many shots is a standard set of alkaline batteries worth?

I understand and completely agree with using rechargeable batteries and battery packs, I just don't have time to mess with them before leaving for Thanksgiving vacation.

Honestly I'd say buy a set of two packs of 4 Eneloop rechargable batteries and use them. They'll drain down but should cover you for a while and then you can go around finding a good charger when you get back.

I have bought 32 Eneloop batteries. I also bought two Eneloop chargers, and these cut down the charging times in half. Still cheaper than the alkaline batteries.

 

[manaheim]

irony! This is a case where gear matters a lot. Standard alkaline batteries have a MAJOR performance dropoff after a relatively small number of pictures, so you watch as your flash takes CRAZY long to recharge. Many people therefore choose lithiums because they perform REALLY well up until nearly the last shots- but they heat up BAD. Of course, batteries are also expensive AND you're hucking bad stuff into the environment, so many people choose rechargables. Finally, you get people like me who go the big ass rechargeable external pack route because all the other options have you constantly flipping batteries and I just won't do it. I get like 1000 shots out of my external battery before I need to recharge.

What battery pack do you have ?

Quantum Turbo SC.

Quantum Instruments Turbo SC Battery Pack TSC B&H Photo Video