Best rechargeable batteries for flash?

[Toogy]

Wondering what your guys opinions on the best rechargeable batteries are for use in a 580EX flash?
I am going throught batteries like crazy and would prefer to try some rechargeables.
I tried some a year ago or so and wasn't impressed, but they could have been bad batteries.

I would like batteries that last at least as long as brand new duracells.

Thanks

[COKE CAN]

Wondering what your guys opinions on the best rechargeable batteries are for use in a 580EX flash?
I am going throught batteries like crazy and would prefer to try some rechargeables.
I tried some a year ago or so and wasn't impressed, but they could have been bad batteries.

I would like batteries that last at least as long as brand new duracells.

Thanks

I use Duracell rechargeables in my A95.

[robertwgross]

There are dozens of brands now of NiMH batteries with capacities far in excess of 2000 mAH.

---Bob Gross---

[PhotoDude25]

I use the Powerex 2300 mah's with the Maha MH-C204F charger and have had excellent luck with that set up. I found mine as a package deal on Ebay for $35.00, so check there or go to the Thomas Distributing website and you will find what ya need there.

[primoz]

For flash I still have few packs of old Varta NiCd 700mAh rechargables. For everything else I go with Sanyo 2100-2500mAh NiMH batteries but flash gets charged much much faster with NiCd batteries then with NiMH batteries. Yeah they don't last long since they are only 700mAh but for me it's worth having few packs and changing them to get a bit more speed then I would with NiMH.

[robertwgross]

NiCd actually has pretty good output for high current, but this does not last for very many shots. NiMH is almost as good for high current, but the capacities are much higher than NiCd.

So, if you only had to shoot five flash shots in a hurry, the NiCd might give you an edge. However, if you want to shoot 100 or 200, then NiMH is the way to go. Also, there are serious environmental concerns about heavy metals such as Cadmium, and that is one big reason why people are moving away from NiCd for so many applications.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

Look for NiMH batteries at 2400mah or higher, thomas distributing has a good reputation.

[NyLookin]

I too use the Powerex 2300 mah's with the Maha MH-C204F charger, I still have 2 sets of the 1550 Maha that serve as backups to the new ones.

[Claytonian]

I use the Rayovac 15 minute rechargeables in my 420EX and they work great. I got mine for a pretty good deal. About $20 for the charger and 2 AAs and about $13 for a pack of 4 more AAs. They last a *long* time in the flash and I have noticed the flash recycle time is so much quicker than with disposable AAs. Plus, they really do recharge in 15 minutes so even if you don't have a bunch of spares, you won't have to wait long.

The charger also does AAAs so I have recently bought some of those as well to go in some of my son's toys and our MP3 player. I also have extra AAs to use in our pocket digital camera and whatever other devices we need them for. They are awesome batteries that I am definitely glad I purchased. The 420EX was eating up those disposables pretty quick!

Good luck with your search.

[johnlo]

i got Powerex 1800mAh w/ Maha MH-C204F charger. I got them for free from my previous job. got about 8 sets. I do use them for the flash mainly.

[cactusclay]

I got the energizer with a 15 minute charger for the NIHM 2200 MAH. I can easily get two small weddings with one charge, using fill flash for about every shot. I got them at Wally world.

[HJMinard]

I picked up some Energizer NiMH (2500 mAH) ... I've been amazed by the longevity of a charge (using them in my Sigma 500 Super). I haven't kept track of the number of flashes per charge, but I know it has been much higher than I expected.

[Salleke]

I picked up some Energizer NiMH (2500 mAH) ... I've been amazed by the longevity of a charge (using them in my Sigma 500 Super). I haven't kept track of the number of flashes per charge, but I know it has been much higher than I expected.

I also use 2 sets of Energizer NiMH 2500 mAH In my 580 EZ flashunit and they are almost good for 400-450 "normal indoor" shots. Depending on the charger you buy you can charge them as fast as one hour or less. Be aware that they can become very hot during fast charging. I personally don't recommend and like fast charging battery's due to the heat that is produced. If you have 2 or better 3 sets of Energizer NiMH 2500 mAH you have the time to let the battery charge in a normal time. Forget using Alkaline battery's as they are much to expensive in use and they can't give much power. Please visit the link here and you will find a lot of info on battery's and theyre power.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

Hope this helps you.

[Hellashot]

Energizer 2.5 aH AA's from Walmart. 4 for $10 or 8 for $18.

[robertwgross]

I also use 2 sets of Energizer NiMH 2500 mAH In my 580 EZ flashunit and they are almost good for 400-450 "normal indoor" shots.

Canon has never produced any flash unit with a model number of 580EZ.

The -EZ flash units were for film cameras.

---Bob Gross---

[kawter2]

make sure you get this charger!!!!!!

It makes life SOOOOOOOO much easier

http://images.tigerdirect.com/itemDetails/T157-4005/T157-4005-out2-hl.jpg

[Salleke]

Canon has never produced any flash unit with a model number of 580EZ.

The -EZ flash units were for film cameras.

---Bob Gross---

You're right, my mistake. I mean a 580 EX.
Thanks for correcting me.

[BottomBracket]

One more vote here for the Energizer NiMH batteries. They are relatively cheap, and a downright steal if you compare it to the costs (financial and environmental) of using alkalines. I have 3 sets of four, and I use them for everything that need batteries; flash, flashlights, GPS, portable music players, etc...

[Thenethiel]

I have the charger that kawter2 linked a picture of, along with some Energizer 2500's, the charger charges any NiMH batteries in 15 minutes, so I can use it with my older ones too. It also has a built-in cooling fan that keeps it and the batteries from overheating too much.

[Mike_H]

NiMH cells work great for long shoots, I’m not much of a flash user though. Lenmar makes a charger called “Mach1 Speed Charger”. It takes 15-30 min to peak charge your cells. It is AC/DC, charges 4 AA or 4 AAA. It is also a four-channel charger, every cell is independently charged. To top it all off it has a built in cooling fan. I have used mine for over a year with my camera and r/c’s and it is by far the best little charger I have ever had.

[lostdoggy]

I'm poor so I only use the NiMH 2000+ AA that cost $5 for 4. I Just carry alot of them with me. And if I know I'm going take alot of picture I'll charge them the night before to ensure that they are fully charged. It is also A good Idea to check your batteries occassionally to make sure they are charged. There cheap inexpesive tester out there or a DC volt meter will also do.

[piku]

I picked up some Energizer NiMH (2500 mAH) ... I've been amazed by the longevity of a charge (using them in my Sigma 500 Super). I haven't kept track of the number of flashes per charge, but I know it has been much higher than I expected.

hey jay, which charger are you using for these? 15-30 or the compact? ...just wondering, cause i almost have the same setup (when my sigma comes in today)

[HJMinard]

hey jay, which charger are you using for these? 15-30 or the compact? ...just wondering, cause i almost have the same setup (when my sigma comes in today)

Actually, I've been using this Radio Shack (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&catalog_name=CTLG&category_name=CTLG_009_012_000_000&product_id=23-345) charger ... it's not rapid by any means but it works well and is very compact when folded.

[piku]

• This handy charger recharges standard Ni-Cd batteries within two hours and standard Ni-MH batteries within five hours

better than 8+ hours from energizer

Actually, I've been using this Radio Shack (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&catalog_name=CTLG&category_name=CTLG_009_012_000_000&product_id=23-345) charger ... it's not rapid by any means but it works well and is very compact when folded.

[BrianEE93]

Energizer 2500mah, a quantity of 8 with wall charger at Sam's Club for $19.88. The only bad thing is they take something like 10 hours to charge.

[syee]

Here's a link to a forum discussing NiMh's:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=925634&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=365&fpart=1

And, here's a link for NiMh chargers discussion:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=818782&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=365&fpart=1

[lostdoggy]

15 minute chargers don't charge the batteries in 15 Minute. It only charges about 80% and then it would trickle charge the rest of the way. Most fast charger Takes about 90 minute to fully charge. If you are looking for name brands then go with Energizer, Duracell, or Monster, but it really doesn't matter all that much except the mHA rating. Buy the highest mHA rated batteries you can find and buy three set. One in the Flash and two as spare. Remember over time rechargable batteries leaks its charge. So what you charged two week ago might only have half or less charge left. So your two spare is worth about one good spare.

[astroltina]

Energizer rechargeables are definitely the best imo.
Check out Choice magasine's comparative study of rechargeable batteries... they tell you which are the best ones.
http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104531&catId=100285&tid=100008&p=1