Does anyone used eneloop? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/29/2007 03:02:00 AM · #1

Does anyone use the eneloop rechargeable batteries? (a United States-specific eneloop site also exists)

I currently use the Energizer 2500mAh (NiMH) rechargeables and they are starting to wear down, so I'm looking around for other solutions.

What are the advantages of eneloop? How about disadvantages?

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Message edited by author 2007-05-29 03:02:29.

m2iw

Nikon D2Xs

05/29/2007 04:29:35 AM · #2

I probably have somewhere near 50 AA size 2000mAh Eneloop batteries that I rotate through my Speedlight SB-800's. They seem to hold up very well in my strobes and they are affordable - even on the Japanese market.

Perhaps the only thing that I absolutely hate about them is the very slow charge time. The only way I can keep up with my shooting schedule is that I have 3 chargers. I think that the theory is that a slow trickle charge is better for the batteries longetivity. Whatever... I just know it takes a damn long time to charge em.

I decided to try em out as they are probably the most popular brand of rechargable batteries here in Japan and I wanted to go with something that was easy to find. I wish that I could find a higher rated (mAh) version, but as far as I have researched, they are not easy to find here.

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/29/2007 08:08:06 AM · #3

I've been using them for almost a year and they're the best! My other rechargeables would be dead before my next shoot. These babies last forever!

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

05/29/2007 08:10:53 AM · #4

The main difference and the reason their made is they can be used off the shelf. Normal NiMH batteries lsoe their charge about 5% a day they say. Which means shipping ready to use batteries is impossible. A few companies have been working on this for years.

shalrath

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

05/29/2007 08:53:31 AM · #5

Eneloops do the trick... you'll get a load of shots from your flashes using them and they don't tend to lose their charge, as stated. You can't go wrong!

05/29/2007 01:23:06 PM · #6

Thanks for all the replies so far.

How long do they take to charge?

I read that they work in most chargers? Can I charge them with my Energizer NiMH 360mAh charger?

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05/29/2007 06:25:51 PM · #7

Alright, I found a great bargain on Amazon for these batteries. They are selling 8-Packs of the eneloop NiMH rechargeable batteries for only US$19.99. I just placed my order :-)

Here's an independent review of the eneloops.

It appears that I can use my existing 4-battery Energizer charger to charge these.

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FireBird

05/29/2007 07:02:50 PM · #8

Originally posted by lesgainous:

Does anyone use the eneloop rechargeable batteries? (a United States-specific eneloop site also exists)

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I'm using the Ray-o-Vac version available at Target, WalMart, Sams, etc. Called Ray-o-Vac Hybrid They aren't exactly the same but pretty close. I've just got them a month ago. I use 4 sets in my 4 SB-28 remote flashes. I've only charged one set yet as I'm not a pro and I don't use them a great deal. Oh, I forgot, they come charged. That's why I got them. They are supposed to retain at least 80 percent of their charge after 6 months. So far, so good. About 10bucks US per 4 where I live. Ask me a year from now, how they're doing.