580ex battery info

i was wondering how to check the battery juice left for 580ex. just a thought, isn't it be nice if there is a way to check it?

Yeah, it would be nice.

I'm not sure why they don't have battery level indicators. Possibly because they can be used with different kinds of batteries, and different capacities. NiMH batteries are only about 1.2v so they might seem like nearly dead alkalines to the flash unit if measured on voltage alone. But NiMH recycle the flash faster, so new alkalines might seem like nearly dead NiMH on that basis.

I just charge them up beforehand if I have a chance, and carry a spare set.

battery indicator in my opinion is a must. the 5D has a battery indicator, but it uses multiple types of batteries if used with a grip. why is it that canon can designed it with the body but not with the flash. i bought my gears just before new year. 580ex is my first canon speedlight, i am curious if older flash models has battery indicators.

anyways, how can you tell if the battery needs to be replaced?

sgamuk wrote in post #2727657
how can you tell if the battery needs to be replaced?

The recycle time on the flash will get pretty slow.

The bodies can use different battery combinations, but at least they're all lithiums with the same voltage. The battery condition indicator on the bodies is a general guide at best.

hmmm.. now i'm thinking, does nikon flash has battery indicator?

you know what, i still can't believe canon's overall design with their flash expecially with the 580ex. its battery's cover design is so lousy that it feels like it's gonna break everytime i try to open it. oh well... just gonna live with it. curtis thanks much for the input.

sgamuk wrote in post #2733866
hmmm.. now i'm thinking, does nikon flash has battery indicator?

you know what, i still can't believe canon's overall design with their flash expecially with the 580ex. its battery's cover design is so lousy that it feels like it's gonna break everytime i try to open it. oh well... just gonna live with it. curtis thanks much for the input.

Same with the 550EX it feels like its gonna snap of.

Manual mode stops working for me when it gets low. Ettl keeps going though.

sgamuk wrote in post #2733866
hmmm.. now i'm thinking, does nikon flash has battery indicator?

well now that is something I'm curious about... has there been any flash made that had a battery indicator irregardless of manufacturer or camera system? I haven't seen one but I have only seen a handful of flashes from different manufacturers so I'm not a good judge..