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05/04/2008 06:13:38 PM · #1 |
| I've recently bought a Nikon SB-26 speedlight. According to the manual, either 1.5V alkaline or 1.2V NiCad batteries can be used. I was wondering if I could also use 1.2V, 2600 mAh rechargable NiMh batteries, which I already have and use with my much newer Metz flash, with this unit. |
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05/04/2008 08:11:57 PM · #2 |
You can use NiMH batteries in a flash but they cannot handle the high rate charges and discharges that NiCAD batteries can. One thing to keep in mind is that NiMH batteries does not perform as well in high rate discharge applications such as flash. NiMH batteries don't hold a charge as long as a NiCAD battery. Even with your flash off the NiMH will discharge itself and you will have to make sure you charge it before use or you could find yourself without a operational flash when you need it. So when it comes to what batteries to use in a flash the most reliable is you standard AA alkaline batteries (out of the flash) till you need to use it. If you want to go with rechargeable batteries the best is NiCAD because the hold their charge better. NiMH, you can use but make sure you take them out of the flash when not in use because of discharge and make sure you charge them before using the flash. Charge times vary but typically 2-hours is standard for fast chargers.
Hope this helps.
Scott
Message edited by author 2008-05-04 20:12:45. |
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05/04/2008 10:03:27 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by SDW:
You can use NiMH batteries in a flash but they cannot handle the high rate charges and discharges that NiCAD batteries can. One thing to keep in mind is that NiMH batteries does not perform as well in high rate discharge applications such as flash. NiMH batteries don't hold a charge as long as a NiCAD battery. Even with your flash off the NiMH will discharge itself and you will have to make sure you charge it before use or you could find yourself without a operational flash when you need it. So when it comes to what batteries to use in a flash the most reliable is you standard AA alkaline batteries (out of the flash) till you need to use it. If you want to go with rechargeable batteries the best is NiCAD because the hold their charge better. NiMH, you can use but make sure you take them out of the flash when not in use because of discharge and make sure you charge them before using the flash. Charge times vary but typically 2-hours is standard for fast chargers.
Hope this helps.
Scott |
Thanks Scott. I appreciate your taking the time to respond. For now, I use the flash only occasionally. So, I don't really need high level of reliability and performance. If that changes later, I guess I'll have to follow your advice and switch to NiCads. I was more concerned about whether or not the NiMHs would cause the flash circuitry any harm. |
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05/05/2008 02:12:54 AM · #4 |
| Ever ready makes a AA rechargeable called "renewal" You can buy them for 10 bux US for a package of 4 at Walmart. All rechargeable batteries lose charge over time to internal resistance. The renewal battery is a hybrid that holds it's charge when in storage extremely well. They're rated to have 80 percent of their charge after 6 months of storage. NiCads and some NiMH batteries can have a self-discharge rate as high as 2 percent a day in storage. I'm a infrequent shooter with my 4 SB28 flashes. I bought the first set of renewal batteries almost six months ago and have only done a second charge on one set. I love em. |
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05/05/2008 04:59:50 AM · #5 |
The next question has to be, where do Lithium Ion batteries fall into this scheme?
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