Batteries For Speedlights

[MikeC]

Wich batteries do you guys/gals use for your speedlights?
1. alkanines
2. NiNh
3. NiCad
4. Lipo/lithium
5. NiZh

Right now I'm using 2400Mah NiNh but considering NiZh or just a higher Mah NiNh. Also I'm not interested in packs or turbo just AA sizes. ;)

[TheDr9669]

Originally Posted by MikeC

Wich batteries do you guys/gals use for your speedlights?
1. alkanines
2. NiNh
3. NiCad
4. Lipo/lithium
5. NiZh

Right now I'm using 2400Mah NiNh but considering NiZh or just a higher Mah NiNh. Also I'm not interested in packs or turbo just AA sizes. ;)

I personally use some Lenmar NiMH rechargeables. I use the 2700mAh ones in my 580EX. They work awesome and even after a month in my camera bag still go strong.

[KenJulio]

I use the sanyo eneloops 2000mah nimh which are rechargeable and thy have been rock solid for the last 3 years.

[jstevensphoto]

I've been using some cheap Energizer 2300 mAH. Fast recycle time and they seem to hold a charge pretty well. I have gotten my batteries and chargers mixed up and a few times and probably cooked some of my batteries. You really do have to be careful to charge the same batteries that come with the cheap chargers. Other than that, they seem to work fine.

[photosteve]

I use a Quatum Turbo 2x2 battery pack. Great recycle time. Has 2 plugs on the battery pack......so either power the camera and flash or if you have 2 flashes can power both.



Steve

[arich]

+1 for Eneloops, Costco has them in a big multi-pack for a good price (

Amazon.com: Sanyo Eneloop Ni-MH Charger and 8 Rechargeable AA and 4 Rechargeable AAA Batteries: Electronics

Amazon.com: Sanyo Eneloop Ni-MH Charger and 8 Rechargeable AA and 4 Rechargeable AAA Batteries: Electronics

) $10 cheaper than Amazon. Also you should invest in a good smart charger, I've heard really good things about this Powerex one

Amazon.com: Maha PowerEx MH-C801D Eight Cell 1-Hr Charger - Battery charger - 1-2 hr - 8xAA/AAA: Electronics

Amazon.com: Maha PowerEx MH-C801D Eight Cell 1-Hr Charger - Battery charger - 1-2 hr - 8xAA/AAA: Electronics

I actually need to invest in one of these myself lol.

[LightLinguist]

Whatever you use, don't use PowerGenix. Yes they have fantastic recycling times and are 1.6v but they are only good for a few re-charges. One out of the 4 will poop out and you will get poor recycling. When you pull them out, the one that's hotter than the rest is the bad one. I've bought a bunch from Big Lots when they were dumped around xmas. Bought about 10 sets for 4 and most of them are junk now.

I use Imedion and they are really good. Recylcing times aren't that much different from PowerGenix.

Newegg.com - POWEREX MH-4AAI-BH 2400mAh 4-pack AA IMEDION Pre-Charged and Ready-to-use Rechargeable Batteries


Eventhough you don't want powerpacks, I started using Quantum Turbos on my speedlights and they are pretty awesome.
No need to keep track of all those batteries and you shoot for hours on end without worrying about the batteries.
Just found out about Godox PB820 powerpacks. LightenUpandShoot.com guys use them.
Wondering how well they compare to the Quantums. They seem to use the same cables.

[crbeveri]

This really all comes down to do you want power or do you want recycle time. For me as a sports shooter I need recycle time so when choosing batteries it's all based on that.

There is a great blog on the strobist on batteries for flashes. Strobist: Choices: External Power Sources

[Arcusmedia]

I prefer my Wired Rechargeable Lantern Batteries... Last's me longer then any battery ever would!

[Dobick]

for the amount of times that I shoot with my flash (which is maybe twice a month - the rest is with the studio strobes) I find that my best value of time and hassle comes from buying the 48 packs of sam's branded alkaline batteries. Comes out to about $.25 per battery, and I don't have to worry about recharging.

[PEC]

Interesting, I am deciding on rechargables as I type this.

I am probably leaning to eneloops... cost runs about .04 per charge per battery. I like the higher power of the XX but they are too expensive. Sanyo is coming out with a Pro line as well, but haven't seen pricing yet.

Anyone using another brand of charger with the eneloops? I would like an 8 charger rather than 4 at a time.

[cajunautoxer]

Good info in this link. I use the Maha 801D to charge my Enloops

For owners of Canon 580exII flash