Power solutions for 430EX II ?

No external battery packs for the 430EX II like the 580EX II ?


Is there any solution out there to speed recycle times and length of power like a power pack ?

There are power packs that use adapters in the battery compartment. Check out packs like the Quantum's or Jack Rabbit.

PS: Here is a thread from 2008: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=452157

I looked into that, and for now I think I'll just deal with using 4 AA batteries.

Whatst he best solution out there for AA size Batteries? Lithium? Sanyo Eneloops ?

Looking for fast recycle times mostly. I'm finding standard alkalines are causing me to loose momentum during a shoot.

I've been using Eneloops for a while now. I have found that they keep a fairly consistent recycle time through a larger portion of their charge cycle (using standard AA's as a reference), but it does start to wane a bit toward the end of their charge. I imagine any battery will do that though.

alabama1980 wrote in post #12309629
I've been using Eneloops for a while now. I have found that they keep a fairly consistent recycle time through a larger portion of their charge cycle (using standard AA's as a reference), but it does start to wane a bit toward the end of their charge. I imagine any battery will do that though.

have you ever compared to lithium non-rechargeables?

i hear they are the best, but non-rechargeable and expensive....

This is why I prefer even older 550ex over 430exII.

Seriously a pocket full of spare AA's for the 430exii. Consider higher Mah NimH like powerex 2700 and change them the night before a shoot. Sanyo's are lower in MaH but they are consistent little buggers.

I like the Imedions (LSD). Use them in the 580 and CP-E. 2400 MaH

Eneloops! Higher discharge rate (can refill the flash capacitor more quickly), and hold their charge for around 2 years. In most tests they hold their own against "higher" mAh batteries in the 2400 to 2500 range due to the differences in how they discharge. They are also good for 1,000 cycles, most others are 250-500 range.

m.shalaby wrote in post #12309584
I looked into that, and for now I think I'll just deal with using 4 AA batteries.

Whatst he best solution out there for AA size Batteries? Lithium? Sanyo Eneloops ?

Looking for fast recycle times mostly. I'm finding standard alkalines are causing me to loose momentum during a shoot.

Definitely stop wasting your money on alkalines. You can get a set of Imedions and charger for $23 on sale right now, with $7 or so for shipping: View Product and never look back.

^ alkalines are out the window.

My main concern is recycle times during a shoot. I can't stand loosing momentum during a shoot. Thats # 1 to me - and thats what lead me to lithium. I don't mind spending the bucks on lithium if they are indeed the best.

Here's what I got from my research, but pls correct me if I'm wrong.

Lithium - best. Fastest recycle times, most amount of pops before they go dead, but must discard, one time use.
NimH like powerex 2700 2nd best in recycle times- better then alkalines but must recharge right before a shoot.
Eneloops - 3rd best in recycle times - better then alkaline, hold charge longer and don't have to recharge right before a shoot.

^ Is that correct?

Also, i'm not sure what these "Imedions" are, and how they hold in the mix....

The Imedions are LSD like Eneloops, but at 2400 Mah vs. 2000 for Eneloops. The LSD will be 1.2 volts with low internal resistance and provide quick recycle.

One more thing, If recycle is that critical, then maybe time to consider a 580 II, a used 580 or 550 and CP-E4 or a knockoff.

dbdors wrote in post #12310337
One more thing, If recycle is that critical, then maybe time to consider a 580 II, a used 580 or 550 and CP-E4 or a knockoff.

This. It is like buying a tayota and then want it to drive fast like a vette.

^ Right now, I'm going to have to stick with my 430EXII for a little while...

Please bear with me because this whole mAH thing is new to me.

So we have:

Powerex 2700 mAH
Imedion 2400 mAH
Eneloop 2000 mAH

What are the basic differences in terms of recycle time? None?
And its all about shelf life?

Sorry, this is all very new to me. I always just purchased alkalines