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12/15/2006 09:50:36 PM · #1 |
We have two on camera flashes here...a 580ex and a 420ex. Lately we just don't seem to be getting any long life out of our batteries. We have switched between 2600mHa NiMH and Alkaline Duracell's and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Upon doing a recent test with the 420ex, it ran fine one shot after another until I cranked the FE 1 stop and then it slowed big time in terms of recycle time. Even putting the FE back to 0 didn't make it recover. It just would not fire and recycle fast anymore. Upon shooting a wedding last week I found I was only getting about 20 shots for a set of batteries and recycle times were very slow. I did have the FE up +1 at the time. The 580EX seems to do the same thing when the FE is cranked up slightly.
So I guess the question is what sort of batteries are people using and recommend! Many thanks!
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12/15/2006 09:55:21 PM · #2 |
Generally I use two sets of Everready 2600mAH NIHM batts whic hare pretty good.
I bought some Energizer E2 alki batts two weeks ago for a wedding. I was impressed! +2 FE all day, 3 sets got me 450 shots!
Message edited by author 2006-12-15 23:09:08.
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12/15/2006 10:03:48 PM · #3 |
Wow... I haven't run across 2800's yet. My newest set of batteries are 2600's. I use mainly 2300's and even they work fine for me.
The few suggestions I have are:
1) Rotate the batteries ... i.e. don't use the same "set" over and over, switch them out so that each set gets a little more even usage.
2) Don't mix the batteries. When you buy a new set, either get ones that have different markings from your existing set (that's what I do), or mark them somehow so that you know which ones belong together. Then keep them together because:
3) You want to throw them away after awhile. They DO wear out. After awhile they just won't hold the charge the way they used to. And if you've kept the set together, all four of them will wear out at about the same time. If you mixed and matched, then you could have one bad one and three good ones together in a set, and yet all four will "act" old because of the one bad battery.
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12/15/2006 11:04:49 PM · #4 |
Best battery would be something like a Quantum Instruments Turbo battery pack, but that gets a bit pricey.
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12/15/2006 11:08:01 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by dwterry:
Wow... I haven't run across 2800's yet. My newest set of batteries are 2600's. |
Me either, me too ... I fixed my post :-)
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12/15/2006 11:39:19 PM · #6 |
I am a big fan of the Energizer Lithium AAs. In my experience they last about 3-4 times longer than alkaline AAs. They supply more current than regular alkalines and work in low temps way better. Normal prices are about $2-$2.50 US each and they are worth every penny. Oh and if you have a Sams Club membership, you can get a 12-pack for $20.
Message edited by author 2006-12-15 23:40:02. |
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