Rechargeable Batteries in a flash?

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

07/21/2007 12:50:21 PM · #1

What do you guys think about rechargeable batteries in flashes. I was looking at the 2300 m/a rechargeable batteries for my Canon 420EX flash. Will the recycle time be better with normal (1800 m/a) Duracells? What about how many shots they will last for, in comparison.

Thanks!

md8speed

Nikon D200

07/21/2007 12:58:31 PM · #2

With the Nikon SB800, the recycle time is significantly faster with rechareable batteries. As for the total number of shots, I don't really have a comparison for that one.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

07/21/2007 01:33:25 PM · #3

I've been told that the number of shots you get out of non-rechargeables is less than what you get out of rechargeables. Regardless, I would hate to keep buying new batteries all the time.

One thing to keep in mind is that rechargeables do wear out over time. So it's best to always use all four of them "together" and always recharge all four "together". That way when the "set" begins to fail, you'll know to throw them out. If you separate them, a single battery with problems could make the other three (in the flash) appear bad as well.

To that end, I really like these batteries which I recently purchased. For one thing, they are 2700's which is the highest rated batteries I have so far. For another, they are only $7.99 for a set! And the best thing, in my opinion, was that they came with a plastic hold that keeps all four of them together.

In the past, I always bought different batteries so that I could keep the "sets" separate from each other according to the color scheme of the battery. But with the case, I bought several sets of these and don't have to worry about them accidentally getting mixed up.

Bugzeye

07/21/2007 01:50:42 PM · #4

I use them in my SB-600s Would never use anything else. They are stronger and last longer and you don't have to throw them away when they go dead. I got a 20 pack of 2650 mAh Duracells and a 15 minute quick charger for around 40 bucks. I hate to even think what I would have spent on regular batteries over the past 2 years.

Edit, in Ref to Terrys comment on keeping them seperate. I used a silver sharpie marker and numbered each set. I wrote the number on each batt in several places incase part of it rubs off, this way I know which ones go together.

Message edited by author 2007-07-21 14:02:55.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

07/21/2007 02:07:46 PM · #5

Just throwing this image in so you can see what I'm talking about:

The thing is, when I'm in a hurry at a reception and I have 16 or 20 batteries in my backpack, it takes time to find all of the "like" batteries from the set. It helps if they are color coded. But in the dark, even that can be hard to see.

So that's why I like this case. It lets me pull out a "set" of batteries all at once and away I go.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/21/2007 02:21:46 PM · #6

Can I use any NiMh charger with those batteries? Can you recommend a charger for these batteries? Thanks so much for the advice. I will more then likely be getting me a set of those.

jemison

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/21/2007 02:55:35 PM · #7

Originally posted by dwterry:

Just throwing this image in so you can see what I'm talking about:

The thing is, when I'm in a hurry at a reception and I have 16 or 20 batteries in my backpack, it takes time to find all of the "like" batteries from the set. It helps if they are color coded. But in the dark, even that can be hard to see.

So that's why I like this case. It lets me pull out a "set" of batteries all at once and away I go.

I just use rubber bands!

Prof_Fate

07/21/2007 02:58:09 PM · #8

I've always used rechargeable NiMH batts in my flashes - i started with a fuji S602 that took AA's so I had a bunch to start with. Used them in Canon 580, Metz 54 and Sigma 500DG.
Several photogs I know prefer disposables in their flashes claiming faster recycle time - I don't know, never tried it (i'm cheap LOL)

I get a good long time on a set of batts -most are the older 1600Mah ones that are now pushing 4 or 5 years old. No probs with several brands. I do keep them as matched sets. //www.greenbatteries.com/batteryholders1.html for lots of ways to keep batts 'together'

How long? I can shoot a wedding - 1000 shots, on 2 sets of batts. One set will get me through the reception - 400 +/- all with flash.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

07/21/2007 03:03:00 PM · #9

Costco has a Duracell 15 minute charger with a 10 AA's and a couple AAA's for $29. The AA's are 2400, so a little less capacity, but works for me because I use a Turbo Battery with the flash and the AA's are only used for the "brains" of the flash which doesn't use that much power. The 15 minutes charge time is very nice. I like being able to charge the batteries as I'm getting ready, not having to plan out my day before an event around charging a couple sets of batteries.

07/21/2007 03:20:34 PM · #10

I am looking at a 2 hour charger with a set of 2000mah then a set of 2700mah to go with it. The same charger will do both. I will use the 2700 for my main batteries because they have lots of power and I will use the 2000 as backups and in my P&S. I like the charger because it is reasonably fast and you can use a wall plug or a car outlet. The whole thing should cost about 40.00 Can. shipped.

soup

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/21/2007 03:43:07 PM · #11

i've found potatoes work well, and you know when they are almost done because they are crispy on the outside, but spongy in the middle... ;}

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

07/21/2007 04:01:00 PM · #12

Originally posted by soup:

i've found potatoes work well, and you know when they are almost done because they are crispy on the outside, but spongy in the middle... ;}

Yep, but they are disposable - try recharging them and they go all soggy and mash up. If that happens you have had your chips and will need to buy new potatoes.

Skyarcher

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

07/21/2007 04:56:55 PM · #13

I use the PowerEx 2700mAh Rechargeable AA Batteries, along with the PowerEx MH-C801D Eight Cell 1-Hour Charger. (Charger will charge either AA's or AAA's!) (I have 8 batteries & 1 charger, on order is another set of 8 batteries!)

Naturescapes - Charger

Naturescapes - Rechargeable Batteries

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soup

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/21/2007 05:37:13 PM · #14

they recycle - so i don't mind tossing them. on top of that they are dirt cheap... i am keeping a log of which variety holds out the longest, and will update when my study is more complete ;}

Originally posted by formerlee:

Originally posted by soup:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i've found potatoes work well, and you know when they are almost done because they are crispy on the outside, but spongy in the middle... ;}

Yep, but they are disposable - try recharging them and they go all soggy and mash up. If that happens you have had your chips and will need to buy new potatoes.

Monique64

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

07/21/2007 05:58:52 PM · #15

I always use rechargables as well in my flash. They charge the flash ready for the next shot a lot quicker that normal batteries. I keep my spare sets in a small zip-lock bag, the type you get coins in from the bank. This keeps the set of four together. I also take the charger with me and charge the first set as I am using the seconds set (if there is power that is).

07/22/2007 03:46:09 PM · #16

Originally posted by soup:

they recycle - so i don't mind tossing them. on top of that they are dirt cheap... i am keeping a log of which variety holds out the longest, and will update when my study is more complete ;}

Originally posted by formerlee:
Originally posted by soup:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i've found potatoes work well, and you know when they are almost done because they are crispy on the outside, but spongy in the middle... ;}

Yep, but they are disposable - try recharging them and they go all soggy and mash up. If that happens you have had your chips and will need to buy new potatoes.

Potatoes would work good for me...Since I live in PEI (the potato capital of Canada) LOL

07/22/2007 03:47:30 PM · #17

Originally posted by Skyarcher:

I think that charger is a little out of my budget LOL. Sounds like a good charger though.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III