Speedlite 580 EX Battery Issues

[lesvisages]

I seem to only get about 25 good flashes from my Speedlite 580 EX flash with certain batteries. I am using the Quantary (by Sunpack) 2500 NiMH batteries. After 25 flashes, the recycle time is about 10 seconds. When I remove them they are extremely hot to the touch. I have recently burned up a 580 EX flash unit that way. I do not want to repeat that again. I rotate between 50 bateries or so. They have been purchased in all in the last two months. I recharge them in the 90 min charger after I use them. I do a lot of work in nightclubs and frquently have to change batteries. Is this normal? Should I upgrade to the battery pack?

[cdifoto]

Try another brand of NiMH like Duracell. I have great results with those in my 580EX. You could also try some standard Alkalines and see how they do. My Duracell NiMH batteries get a little warm but certainly not hot...and they last much longer than 25 shots with good recycle times. I have 5 sets (20) of them and they last a good long time.

[Rumjungle]

I've been using the cheap-o Power2000's from B&H. 2700mah and they seem to last a good while.

Are you taking lots of shots in rapid succession? I can see that you would have a heat issue if that were the case.

[zirkonium]

Same unit, Energizer 2500mAh batteries, using Canon's battery charger and it takes a few hours to fully charge. But batteries last much longer. No complaints here.

[René Damkot]

You say 'certain' batteries. Do a test and mark these batteries. Then don't use 'em again, I'ld say they were faulty....
25 Flashes is not nearly enough, even at full power. I don't flash that much / hard, so I don't know much about it, but I would expect a flash tube to overheat before a battery. Maybe some bad connection in the batteries internal?

[SkipD]

Definitely sounds like high resistance inside the batteries.

I would never again buy anything with the Quantaray label on it except for something that I can totally inspect such as a camera bag. Most everything I have seen private-labelled as Quantaray has been essentially bottom-of-the-barrel junk.

[Harry Settle]

I use only the Energizer 2500's with no problem. If you are a battery-hog, like me, try these slow chargers. They take longer, but your batteries should last longer, and you can charge 10 batteries at the same time.

www.batteryspace.com

[lovelace415]

I use Energizer 2500's as well with no problems whatsoever. I have the 15 minute charger which I know is not good for them but I get A LOT of shots off of a set before I have to recharge. Seems like something is wrong with your batteries or possibly the flash itself?

[cdifoto]

My money's on the batteries being bad. I mean...come on...Quantaray? heh.

[Dan GSR]

yup, throw the batteries away

get some quality batteries....energizer or sanyo......etc

[vjack]

I found this helpful: http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

[snibbetsj]

Definitely get rid of those batteries. I use the Duracell NiMH (I get 'em at Wal-Mart) in my 580 and 420. Typically I'll get 120-150 flashes before having to change batteries. Batteries are cheap, the 580 isn't.

[Amorous]

Here's another Energizer 2500 mAh user. No complaint.

[tim]

Try the energisers. The problem could be with your charger, I had the same problems recently.

[Kostyanych]

Another vote for Energizer 2500's.

[fstop212]

I use the enegizer and Monster. I get about 140 out of the Monster easily and the Enegizer about the same. I do however find them extreamly hot when I take them out.

[lesvisages]

I contacted Canon regarding the problem and was told to use good quality AA's and use the battery pack CP-E2 with the rechargeables. I do alot of performing art events and concerts. I pop off several shots is a consecutive manner - 3 or 4 at times. I now use regular Energizer AA's with the battery pack of 8 2500 mah Nimh batteries. I have set the 580 EX flash function # 7 to recycle from the external battery pack. I seem to get about 400 flash with immediate recycle time and no heat from the batteries inside the flash body, just a little warmth from the battery pack. Many thanks for your help & input...BTW the Quantaray batteries were properly disposed of!!!!