What rechargeable batteries for shortest recycle times in 430EX II

[dima1109]

I recently got a 430EX II flash, and after using up all the AA batteries in the house, I am ready for rechargeables :) One question though - which type of battery would provide shortest recycle times? Lithium-ion, Ni-Mh, etc.

[Mike R]

I had used the Eveready Lithium batteries and had a problem, I went to change them they were too hot to touch and one was close to splitting. I now use Ni-Mh, Just stay with a name brand and go with a high mAh rating. I use EverReady 2450mAh. I would avoid the rapid chargers since they lower the overall life of the battery. Depending on what you're shooting, you might want to go with an external battery pack.

[RoryOD]

I use Eneloops rechargeables . they are made by sanyo. and are very good at holding a charge and recycling. look at getting the canon battery pack so you will have 8 in the pack and 4 in the flash. gets me through a full day of a wedding with fast recycle times. i also have pearstone 2900mah.

Get a good charger too like the Maha Powerex MH-C9000
Or the Maha PowerEx MH-C801D

if you have the cash you could look into getting a quantium turbo pack?

best of luck.

rory

[ben_r_]

Sanyo Eneloops all the way!

[donaldjl]

I've also been quite satisfied by Eneloops. They may not be the highest mAH rated buggers around, but they're solid and have a fairly flat discharge curve.

I also use an older 4 hour charger, rather than a rapid-charger or overnight charger. It tends to charge them quickly enough without hammering them with a high input current.

[dima1109]

Got the Enveloops :) Will see how they work out.

Any particular recommendations on the charger? I prefer to stay around ~$10, $20 if it is REALLY worth it.

[Andrushka]

+1 for Eneloops - they are rockin' both my 430ex's!

[JohnnyG]

I'm all for the Eneloops too! I love them.

I have the LaCrosse BC900. They're selling the Bc700 which is supposed to be a newer model, on Amazon for $32.99. Excellent charger! I love mine.

[dima1109]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions :)
I may go with the LaCrosse BC900/BC700 or Maha Powerex MH-C9000. I am hesitant to drop $35 on a battery charger, but this is not a cheap hobby overall :)

[Aerton]

I am hesitant to drop $35 on a battery charger, but this is not a cheap hobby overall :)
Yes this and every hobby I'm involved in is expensive I think that is the definition of the word hobby. In my other hobby, R/C Cars/Helicopters we use the PowerEX MH-C808M AA/AAA/C/D NiMH/Nicd battery charger, its $89 on ebay but that's all the charger you will need.

[bohdank]

I bought the MH-C401FS... cheaper and travels better due to it's smaller size.

[cdifoto]

I recently got a 430EX II flash, and after using up all the AA batteries in the house, I am ready for rechargeables :) One question though - which type of battery would provide shortest recycle times? Lithium-ion, Ni-Mh, etc.
Eneloops and other brands of the same chemistry are fast on recycling. Faster than standard NiMH, at least in my experience.

EDIT: Didn't notice how old the thread was.