Energizer Lithiums in my Sigma 530?

[namasste]

The manual mentions Nicd and Nimh (as well as alkalines) but no mention of Lithiums. Can I safely use these in my flash?

Also (and forgive my ignorance on this), If I run my flashes at 1/4 pwr can I assume my battery life to be linear? That is, if I get 200 pops at full, will I get 800 at 1/4? How do I know when the batteries really need to be swapped or do you guys just change them every 200 pops or so like oil changes in a car?

[inward/outward]

Yes. As far as additional flashes using less power, I don't think that battery power declines linearly, but could be close; however, you definitely get significantly more flashes using less flash power.

[Curtis N]

A set of Lithiums might be nice to carry as spares, but they tend to heat up when used hard. More expensive long-term than NiMH.

[inward/outward]

A set of Lithiums might be nice to carry as spares, but they tend to heat up when used hard.

I didn't know this. Good to keep in mind.

[mitchella68]

I am using them and find they work really good. I get them from Sam's club for $18 for 12. I find they are much faster than the alkaline Duracell's and so far seem to last longer too. I don't know much about the rechargable used in photography, But the ones I use in my high performance flashlights have a much shorter run time than disposable ones. Like I said though I have not looked at or tried the ones made for the camera market. Anyone here know that can chime in?