Speedlite 420EX batteries...?

[KBMphotography.com]

Just acquired a new flash - but what do people do for batteries?

I know it depends on your useage, but is it best to simply by disposable AA's - or go for rechargeables..?

Is there a specific rechargeable that is best? How long do they take to recharge?

Cheers

[Nolz]

cant say i know whats best or most cost efficient but i just wanted to tell you that ive been getting ALOT of use out of my 1600mAh Nimh batteries....i also have a fast charger which makes them a winner to me...great life and fast charging.... ~1 hr

there are batteries that are rated at over 2100mAh 's now so i dont think you cant go far wrong...ive found the 420EX to be suprisngly efficient in terms of consumption!

i favour the rechargables. with 3 or so sets it should have you snapping for a good long while!

[KBMphotography.com]

Thanks for that - I think 8 rechargeables should do me!

[chris.bailey]

Thanks for that - I think 8 rechargeables should do me!

I have 8 2100 mah nmh batteries for my 550EX and they do last pretty well, though the re-cycle time does seem to increase after 25 shots or so that is not all that much different to a new set of Duracells. Mine must have been through 100 or so re-charge cycles and so far so good.

[defordphoto]

Right now I use a handful of rechargables, but will be getting a Quantum or Digital Camera Battery pack sometime soon.

[scottbergerphoto]

I use these in all my flashes when not using a Turbo battery.
http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/item.asp?idproduct=206
Scott

[JABACo]

Just acquired a new flash - but what do people do for batteries?

I know it depends on your useage, but is it best to simply by disposable AA's - or go for rechargeables..?

Is there a specific rechargeable that is best? How long do they take to recharge?

Cheers

I use the cheapest disposables I can find. I go to the Dollar General Store and buy a package of 8 for $2.50. These will last me about 500 shots. I keep some extras in my bag.

In saying this, I don't know if the 420ex is very efficent or that the Dollar General Store batteries are much better than Duracel and the others.

[wolverine]

I use Energizer Rechargeables. They are rated at 2100. I find them to be excellent. I use them in my 550 and both of my 420s. The last wedding I shot, I didn't even have to change them. Over 350 shots, almost all with flash.

[Jim_T]

I use the cheapest disposables I can find. I go to the Dollar General Store and buy a package of 8 for $2.50. These will last me about 500 shots. I keep some extras in my bag.


Yes.. I to go for cheapies too.. I buy the little bulk packs of Radio Shack gold alkalines. I keep spares in my camera bag.

I think it all depends on how much one uses the flash. I don't use my flash much. (I don't even use the built in flash). My main photographic passtime is nature and wildlife photography. I rarely shoot indoors. Since last June, I've only used one set of batteries. The second set is still going strong.

One problem with rechargeables is that they are prone to losing charge over time. In other words, they can go dead just sitting there. They can lose a lot of capacity after sitting for a couple of months. My flash does sit for months without being used. In my case, alkalines make more sense..

But.. If I did use the flash a lot, then I'd definitely use NiMH rechargeables..

[GenEOS]

I have been really impressed with the Energizer rechargables. I have both 1850 and 2100 versions. They recycle the flash a lot faster than disposable batts.