420EX and ReChargeble Batteries

[andrewaaa5]

Has anyone had any experience with 420EX and ReChargeble Batteries?

I am currently buying my 4 pack of normal non-rechargable AAs from shops but am tempted to try rechargables. I would like to know if anyone else has tried rechargables and if they are worth it.

Andrew

[EZRider]

I have and they work well :) I have a Sunpack rapid charger for NI-MH and NI-CD batteries and i have two set's of batteries. They charge very fast, couple of hours! And last a long time.

I use recharger for all sorts of things around here now, cordless keyboards, mouse, kids toys, you name it! :mrgreen:

[darrylr]

I have a 2 sets of Maha Powerex 2200 mAh batteries that I use in my 420ex. I also have a Maha charger. They work great and seem to last forever. They seem to keep their charge pretty well evening when sitting unused for a few weeks at a time.

http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/Index.asp

-Darryl

[andrewaaa5]

thanks a lot, i'll be going shopping this saturday it seems.
andrew

[JOKI]

Sure!,I've de 420x and SANYO 2200mH + ANSMANN charger.
I think THE best combination on town.
Good Luck!

[uberG]

I use RayOVac rechargeable batteries (NiMH) in my 420EX...works better than I would have guessed.

[ejwebb]

I use RayOVac rechargeable batteries (NiMH) in my 420EX...works better than I would have guessed.

Same here. Last quite a while, even sitting unused, recycle the flash fast and charge in about an hour.

[ejwebb]

I use RayOVac rechargeable batteries (NiMH) in my 420EX...works better than I would have guessed.

Same here. Last quite a while, even sitting unused, recycle the flash fast and charge in about an hour.

[crowne]

I have a 2 sets of Maha Powerex 2200 mAh batteries that I use in my 420ex. I also have a Maha charger. They work great and seem to last forever. They seem to keep their charge pretty well evening when sitting unused for a few weeks at a time.

http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/Index.asp

-Darryl

I"ll second that. :) HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[s00pcan]

I have powerex batteries and they work great. It does make the flash noiser when you start it up though.

[flowe]

In Dec 03, I wrote in http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21552&highlight=
the following, and I think it wortwhile to repeat it here:

A very viable alternative are the *non-rechargeable* Energizer Lithium L91 batteries:
- multiple power content as alkaline
- high current capability
- maintaining voltage
- shelf life 10 years
- performing -40...+60°C (-40...+140°F)
- weight 14g each (.5oz) as compared to alkaline 23g
- non leakable
- price about 4 times as alkaline
- available in AA size only

For more details go to
http://www.cliffshade.com/dpfwiw/batteries.htm
and there search for "Still Need Convincing?"

Rechargeable batteries make sense only if the charge is consumed within weeks, because of self discharge.

In the 420EX, alcalines should produce about 800 shots, while with the L91 2000 can be expected - take any time, years if you like. With the L91 and as an amateur, you can for a very long time just forget that the unit contains batteries. And if ever spares seem advisable, they weigh only 56g/2oz.

In the meantime, I use the 420EX not often, but regularily - with still the same set of Energizer Lithium L91 batteries - I never ever think that there are batteries inside! After 10 months I can say: a *very* viable alternative!

[Claytonian]

flowe makes a very good point and I totally agree. My previous post in this particular thread was applauding the rechargeable Rayovacs, which I still stand by, but I also have to agree that the Energizer Lithiums that flowe mentions are just awesome in the 420EX.

I have them in the 420EX right now and they have been in there for quite a while. I'm not sure how many flashes have been fired with them, but it has to be over 300 by now. The flash is ready to go almost instantly and it recharges *very* quickly (a little slower when fired at full strength). Just this weekend I took some continuous shots with the 10D (which is no slouch for multiple shots!) and the flash fired for four of the shots in a row before it had to take a second to catch up.

So this little thread has made me think about it and instead of only using my rechargeables in the flash when the Energizers die, I think I will keep a set of new Energizers handy to keep in the flash (since they do not discharge) and use the rechargeables if I know I will be using the flash a lot (since they do discharge when sitting idle).

So all that text up there I wrote simply to applaud the Energizer Lithiums (but I still stick by the Rayovacs as well!). Forgive all the hot air! :D

[thefly]

Yes. Works great for me.

Lee

http://www.flyfamily.org