580 EX batteries

[Phil Hall]

What kind of experiences have people had with different batteries, i.e. endurance, recycle times?

Phil Hall

[dr.bear]

I've been using energizer NiMH AA batteries. NiMH allows for quick recharge, but drains pretty fast. There's different rating for these batteries in units of MAH. Make sure you get at least 2100 MAH or more. This gives you a higher capacity. Alkaline batteries do give you faster charge time and capacity, but who wants to spend $3.00 for batteries after a couple hundred flashes.

[pcasciola]

Alkaline batteries do give you faster charge time and capacity, but who wants to spend $3.00 for batteries after a couple hundred flashes.Couple of hundred? I wish. I've been using Duracell alkalines because I like the lightning fast recharge time, but I've been changing them about every 70-80 flashes so far.

[drisley]

I use rechargable alkaline batteries.
It's the best of both worlds.

[tim]

I use NiMH, and they work fine. The recharge time from a full power flash is around 5-6 seconds I guess. I must try alkaline some time.

[robertwgross]

Okay... alkaline batteries are NOT rechargeable. May cause death, fire, explosion, etc.


I don't know where this came from, but it is somewhat misleading.

Normal alkaline batteries are one thing, and there are rechargeable alkaline batteries also (but they are not that common).

"May cause death..."

That is just pure b.s.

Why don't you come back when you are informed on the subject?

---Bob Gross---

[Redbird_xo]

How are rechargeable alkaline batteries compared to the NiMH counterparts in terms of recycle times and number of flashes?

[mvonditter]

Have you considered an external battery setup? If you are truely doing more than 70 flash shots in a setting.

[WestFalcon]

I've used NiMH and quantum packs...I'm leaning to use the NiMH all the time. I don't like a battery pack and the cord even though it lasts longer. It doesn't take long to change batteries and the 5 second recycle time is fast enough for me.

[pcasciola]

With regular disposable alkalines, the recycle times I am getting are 2-3 seconds (full recharge), and in rapid fire mode (5 fps) the flash will fire on 9 out of 10 shots. I tested with NiMh and the performance was nowhere near as good, but my NiMh's are old an may not be at 100% anymore.

[drisley]

Alkalines ARE rechargable if you buy RECHARGABLE ALKALINES.
Here are the ones I use:
http://www.pureenergybattery.com/

They are relatively inexpensive, and you can get around 100 charges with them. Plus, they are ready to use when you buy them!
They recycle as fast as regular alkalines, and you can buy them at almost any wal-mart, superstore, zellers, etc in Canada.

[photofinish]

I've had good luck with these http://store.yahoo.com/greenbatteries-store/sa23mahaanib.html . I also have the 580EX and haven't had any issues with Sanyo 2300 mAh AA NiMH Batteries...

---jerry

[Kamra]

Tell me: Give me your opinions on the Quantum Turbo Compact and Quantum Turbo. Is there anyone out there using them? I see that the recycle time is 1.4 for the Turbo Compact and 1.0 for the Turbo. The full power flash capacity is 400 and 500 respectively. I'm going with Canon 580 ex's and I shoot with at least two lights, inside and out. Weddings are my business so if there is anyone who can tell me how these systems work for them I'd appreciate it.

[Big WIll]

Would also be interested to find out more about the Quantum Turbo Compact and Quantum Turbo. They seem to retail at "Quantum Turbo Battery Compact & CCZ Lead for 580ex" - £375.60

[Sledhed]

I've used a Quamtum Battery II with with my Sunpack 544 for years, excellent battery. I own a 580 but I haven't bought the QB for it yet.

[gkas]

Alkaline batteries ARE NOT faster recycling than NiMH. This is based on the speed at which energy can be transferred from the battery to the flash. Nicad is actually fastest, but has a whole lot of other problems. Then NiMH, with alkaline a distant third. That is why NiMH is suggested in units that require a large, fast draw of energy. Alkalines can't take that pounding.

[GovtLawyer]

With regular disposable alkalines, the recycle times I am getting are 2-3 seconds (full recharge), and in rapid fire mode (5 fps) the flash will fire on 9 out of 10 shots. I tested with NiMh and the performance was nowhere near as good, but my NiMh's are old an may not be at 100% anymore.

What kind of settings are you using that you could shoot off 9 to 10 flash photos in a few seconds? What mode are you in; AV, TV or M? Are you using high speed sync? What ISO?

[Kamra]

BigWill ans Sledhed; Thanks for the comeback. I used the Quantum on my Sunpacback handlebar in the early 80's for a while. I later changed to cusom made batteries for my Vivitar. I'm sure the technology has changed and was wondering how many re-charges I can expect to get. The Turbo and Compact Turbo are about the same price which is about the same price as the 580 EX and that includes the cord.

[Zepher]

we use the Energizer 2500mAh NiMH batteries and we got approx. 1000 shots with 16 batteries this past weekend.