What batteries for flash (430 EX II)

[mdr]

Just triggered the order for a 430 EX II and was wondering what batteries are best to use.

What do you use, cheap and chearful, Duracells or rechargeable?

Is there a difference between batteries, particularly in view of weight if travelling light?

Cheers.

[rabidcow]

I buy cheap NiMH batteries, and keep 8 sets in my rig. Each one is a different brand so that there is no confusion when I change batteries in a hurry. Cheap ones work just fine, I toss them after 18 months or so and get new ones. Expensive or cheap, they all degrade over time.

[Andrushka]

Samsung Eneloops - my 430ex lasts forever with these and recycles very very quickly - noticeably faster than other rechargeables i have and a about a day and a half faster then regular alkalines :-)

[rabidcow]

and a about a day and a half faster then regular alkalines :-)


Almost fell out of my chair laughing......so true, alkalines suck!:lol:

[John E]

Eneloops!!!

[mitchella68]

I use the Energizer lithium E3. It may not be the best and have been told most use rechargbles. If I were to start shooting weddings or use the flash heavy I would go with rechargbles but for now I am happy with the Energizer and they last longer than the others I have used.

[egordon99]

ENELOOPS! Just ordered my fourth set so I always have them around for my 580EXII.

[Twitch1977]

Eneloops or PowerEX for me too. (I find PowerEX to be overall better.)

Kurt

[mdr]

Samsung or Sanyo? When searching the web for eneloops, they all seem to be Sanyo...

[egordon99]

Eneloops are made by Sanyo.

[Manticorp]

I Use Vapex 2900mAh rechargables, I've tried eneloops but I can't swallow the extra expense! A set of 4 Vapex 2900's (they come in higher capacities aswell) is about £4 here in England, and they've never failed me.

Flashes charge in an instant and the batteries last forever.

Vapex may be a small-ish brand, local to England I believe(?) but they don't half pack a punch!

As I say from a full discharge I can be shooting again in an instant; I've never not been able to get a shot because my flash didn't recycle fast enough with these babies.

edit:

They also come with a neat little carrying case so you can know which ones are and aren't charged :)

[Andrushka]

Eneloops are made by Sanyo.
woops my bad... haha - Samsung is everywhere here in Ukraine and it was just on my mind! :lol:

[tim]

Don't buy cheap NiMH cells. Powerex cells have a capacity that's about the same as rated. CTAdigital from B&H have about half the capacity they're meant to have. Energiser, Sanyo, Enloop etc will be fine.