Batteries DO make a difference - test results

[BobsYourUncle]

After recently picking up a used 380EX off Craigslist, My new set of standard Duracells did not take very long before the recovery time was getting excessive.

During a big family gathering today, I missed a few good shots waiting for the flash to recharge. It was getting up around 15 seconds, and the batteries have only been in there for a few days and maybe a hundred pictures or so.

So I have spent a few hours in here, searching, reading posts about batteries and studying what all of you have found.

Based on what I read here, I decided to go buy a set of Duracell rechargeable 2000mah precharged NiMH batteries.

I plugged them in tonight and all I can say is WOW!!! What a difference.

I got a timer out and ran a test on full power. With a fresh set of Duracell alkaline batteries, it took about 5.9 seconds to recycle. I pulled those out and tried my new Duracell rechargeables. Under exactly the same conditions, the recovery time was about 4.3 seconds, or about one and a half seconds less. I'm impressed!

It was really hard to resist my own feelings and get the older style 2690 mah rechargeables as opposed to the 2000 mah ones I bought, but I listened to you guys and did what was recommended.

What puzzles me is that these batteries are only 1.2 volts instead of 1.5 to 1.6 the standard Duracells are.

Just thought I would share my findings and verify that the tests done here by others are very accurate.


Thanks, guys!! :D

[Analog6]

Interesting, isn't it. You'd assume (there's that word!) the stronger ones would be better. Maybe they are too much power and it takes longer adjusting or processing or something.

[DocFrankenstein]

Yes.

I tried using duracells once, on a job when I didn't have anything else. It's a waste of money and NiMH work much better.

I save duracells for different applications, where you need low current and you don't want them to go bad fast. I have one in my lightmeter and it works fine.

[steveathome]

What puzzles me is that these batteries are only 1.2 volts instead of 1.5 to 1.6 the standard Duracells are.


I understand rechargeables have a lower internal resistance, and so can produce more current when needed.

[Col_M]

I understand rechargeables have a lower internal resistance, and so can produce more current when needed.

Yes, rechargeables perform much better than alkalines in high drain situations.

Some info on it here http://www.greenbatteries.com/batterymyths.html

[SolidxSnake]

Internal resistance is the answer. The lower internal resistance, the faster the recharge. The higher the mAh, the longer the batteries last before they are dead/need to be recharged.

[keegsmeister]

Hmm I've said that I will go down to the local shops to get me some Energizer NiMH rechargable batteries...but they go down for $20 for 4 AA batteries...I can get 8 of them on eBay for that price!

Still bargain hunting on eBay for a good set of Energizers...maybe I should look at Duracell instead :)

[Shooting]

Or spend your money on a power pack and you are good for over 1,000 flashes, at least I am and I only recharge it about once a month..it is good for all my shooting all month long.

[BobsYourUncle]

Hmm I've said that I will go down to the local shops to get me some Energizer NiMH rechargable batteries...but they go down for $20 for 4 AA batteries...I can get 8 of them on eBay for that price!

Still bargain hunting on eBay for a good set of Energizers...maybe I should look at Duracell instead :)

The information I read from other threads here indicated that the Duracells out-performed the Energizers. I didn't try it myself, I just read it here from others who did.

[PhotosGuy]

I've had good luck with the Powerex 2500 mAh niMH ones, but they're a tiny bit fatter than the other batteries. I just peeled off the label.
http://thomas-distributing.com/maha_2700_rechargeable_batteries.php
http://thomas-distributing.com/maha-powerex-mh-c204w-nimh-battery-charger.htm

[SolidxSnake]

I just got in 8 Eneloops along with a BC-900 charger, grand total $63.something with shipping from www.thomasdistributing.com.