Favorite batteries for 580EX II

[pjtemplin]

New camera, new flash. I used three sets of Radio Scrap NiMH batteries in my old Minolta flash, but since I'm "starting over" I'm looking for pointers. What are you using that you like, both battery and charger, and what have you used that was less than stellar?

FWIW, I'm not ready for an external power unit. Someday, not now.

[cosworth]

I use energizer 2500s. Cheap, everyone carries them. If one goes south I can replace it easy in field.

[NickSimcheck]

For single use, the Energizer E2's seem to be pretty good.

As far as rechargables, I haven't noticed much of a difference between brands only mAh ratings.

[emtp563]

I use Duracell 2650mAh Rechargeable's. I get them from Wal-Mart. Seem to work well. I use the Duracell 15-minute charger to charge them back up.

[leitch]

For single use, the Energizer E2's seem to be pretty good.

As far as rechargables, I haven't noticed much of a difference between brands only mAh ratings.
how many flashes (flashes? shots? you know what i mean..) do you get out of 4 Energizer E2s? i've got a pack sitting here waiting for my 580ex to arrive, and can't decide whether to stick with them or go and get some rechargables or a battery pack...?

[jim_escalante]

I went thru several different brands and chargers. This is what I finlly settled on. Not what you asked but it serves my work much better.
http://aljacobs.com/Batterycables.htm
and more info http://aljacobs.com/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.htm

[cowpix]

I use Impact 2700mAh rechargeable. Never a problem, no idea how many flashes, as I rotate before it becomes an issue.

[tiha]

Check Sanyo Eneloop batteries too. Capacity is slightly lower (2000 mAh) but self discharge is very low - neat if you do not use flash very often.

[emtp563]

Talking about self-discharge, now that you mentioned it, I think I've seen it. If I charge the batteries but don't use them until a week or two later- I notice they die very fast. Self-discharge never even occured to me. I have to start charging them right before my shoot. Thanks for mentioning that.

[grumpyhaggis]

For general interest/info about batteries, I have found this very useful:

http://batteryuniversity.com/

[Gliderparentntn]

It would be nice if we could get Lipo batteries for our systems They don't need to discharge down to .01 volts and they don't set a memory from charging slightly used cells. However downside to them are you have to use a dedicated charger or you will blow them up. MH on these Lipos can double ore sometimes triple over the high Mh rechargable Nicad batteries

[gdl357]

Check Sanyo Eneloop batteries too. Capacity is slightly lower (2000 mAh) but self discharge is very low - neat if you do not use flash very often.

not that great of a battery. After reading this review, I changed my mind.

http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html

[martinsmith]

I've got over 200 flashes on my ex ii out of my Fujicell 2700s and they're still going.

[Moppie]

I use energizer 2500s. Cheap, everyone carries them. If one goes south I can replace it easy in field.


Ditto.
Iv taken over 500 shots on a set, that were still going reasonably well when I put them in the charger.

They are not the cheapest, but they are consistent.

[Franko515]

not that great of a battery. After reading this review, I changed my mind.

http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html

You changed your mind based on that review :confused: The review seems good to me, maybe I missed something :confused:

[canonpink]

Energizer lithium. I get free homedepot gift cards through AMEX points and buy all my batteries from them. So far, I am ahead, but if I get too busy, I may have to switch someday to rechargeables. I believe there is quite a discussion on the best rechargeables somewhere in the forum via search, but I may be wrong.

CP

[Dchemist]

I second Canonpink's suggestion on the Energizer Lithium batteries. Their life time is excellent. They are more expensive. You can now find them routinely at the box stores at more reasonable prices. Dennis

[pcunite]

I have used Energizer, MAHA POWEREX, Kodak low discharge, and Wal-Mart "digital" brand. Take your pick. But do get a good charger:

I highly recommend this charger:
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/maha-mh-c801d-battery-charger.htm

[tiha]

You changed your mind based on that review :confused: The review seems good to me, maybe I missed something :confused:
I also find the review affirmative :confused::
"In short, the Eneloops may be even better than my tests show. Without more testing, I can't confirm this, but my results show they are already far better (http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html#compare) than traditional NiMH rechargeables. "

[sirsloop]

I enjoy using the Jacobs Black Box http://www.aljacobs.com/

http://www.jdhaesloop.com/reverse/IMG_1108.JPG

[Franko515]

I also find the review affirmative :confused::
"In short, the Eneloops may be even better than my tests show. Without more testing, I can't confirm this, but my results show they are already far better (http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html#compare) than traditional NiMH rechargeables. "

Thats the way I read it also. I just got 24 of the eneloops (http://www.amazon.com/SANYO-eneloop-Ready-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B000LNI5VC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1337804-8850329?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1188318476&sr=8-1) and this charger (http://thomas-distributing.com/la_crosse_bc-900_battery_charger.php)

Haven't used the charger or batteries yet but I will post my results when I do.

[gdl357]

You changed your mind based on that review :confused: The review seems good to me, maybe I missed something :confused:

You are totally correct. After reading it twice I have understood that these batteries are worth the money spent on, the only thing that has to be purcahsed is a good charger because the one that comes with the batteries is not a smart charger.

I just purchased 4 packs of 8bats from our radio shack here in Canada (The Source). Reg. price was $45.00 on sale for $30.00

I will be getting the MAHA MH-C800S charger which can charge from 1-8 batteries at a time.
VERY important note from the charger specs:
Charges any combination of 1 to 8 rechargeable batteries. Mix and charge AA / AAA rechargeable batteries all at the same time
The MH-C800S will also charge the new ENELOOP rechargeable batteries from SANYO with absolute precision and safety.
Capable of charging all NEW Slow Discharge NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
Normal Charge time of about 2 hrs regardless of the number of AA or AAA batteries with the Maha MH-C800S charger.
Soft charge mode recharges in about 4hrs regardless of the number of AA or AAA batteries.



Now I should be set in terms of batteries. $200.00 later...

I also purchased 4 of these boxes to lug them around.

[Franko515]

You are totally correct. After reading it twice I have understood that these batteries are worth the money spent on, the only thing that has to be purcahsed is a good charger because the one that comes with the batteries is not a smart charger.

I just purchased 4 packs of 8bats from our radio shack here in Canada (The Source). Reg. price was $45.00 on sale for $30.00

I will be getting the MAHA MH-C800S charger which can charge from 1-8 batteries at a time.
VERY important note from the charger specs:



Now I should be set in terms of batteries. $200.00 later...

I also purchased 4 of these boxes to lug them around.

;):cool:

[Mr. Clean]

I use Duracell 2650mAh Rechargeable's. I get them from Wal-Mart. Seem to work well. I use the Duracell 15-minute charger to charge them back up.
I second these. VERY good batteries, love 'em and they work perfectly in my 580EX.

[gdl357]

I use Duracell 2650mAh Rechargeable's. I get them from Wal-Mart. Seem to work well. I use the Duracell 15-minute charger to charge them back up.


There is no way I would spend $135 like I have only to end up killing my batteries with a 15Min quick charger.

15Min fast charger is like eating McDonalds fast food everyday. It will kill you.

If you care for your investment, NEVER use a 15Min charger. Its only for EMERGENCY purpose.

[say_cheese]

Sanyo Enenloop rechargeables. Great product.

[form]

I'm having excellent luck with energizer 2500mah and a duracell 15-minute charger.

[flipteg]

i use Sanyo 2700mAh... the most flash shots i did in one day is during a wedding ceremony and reception... i shot 533 (most indoor bounced) shots in 3 hours... i didn't have to replace the batteries...

[Az2Africa]

Another Sanyo Eneloop fan here. All the others can't sit for weeks or even months and still fire a flash. Of coarse you should charge regularly, but if you forget, the Eneloops in the bottom of your bag that you charged a couple of months ago are still good to go.

[resqd1]

Duracell 2650 or 2700's you can get them in a 8 pack fro pretty cheap. Then mark your batteries in groups of four so you keep them together, and then get a maha powerex charger like shown above. I have also heard the Maha batteries are really good to.