What batteries are you using in your ***ex flashes?

I'm curious as to what people are using because I'm thinking about investing in some rechargeable batteries. I've been using Energizers forever, but as my flash usage increases that is getting to be a tad costly.

I use Energizer E2 Rechargeables. So much faster than Alkalines! I can't imagine how much nicer having the battery packs would be though.

There are many many threads covering this same topic. Everyone seems to love whichever batteries they are using. As long as you are using NiMH batteries that are 2000 mAh or better then you're in great shape. Don't waste your time or money on standard alkalines. There are tests and charts that show some with slightly better performance than others but I wouldn't drive yourself crazy or lose sleep over it. Get Energizers or Duracells. There are tons to choose from. I use Duracell 2650mAh and I get very good life from them. I have 2 sets and a 15 minute charger.

energizer nimh 2500

Rechargables are the way to go!

TMR Design wrote in post #2744877
There are many many threads covering this same topic.

I'm sure there are, and this would be the first time I didn't use the search feature before starting a thread in years (I'm a newb here, but not to forums). What keeps a forum alive is repetition and various opinions, so having the same thread pop up over and over again (monotonous as it may be) is actually a good thing

TMR Design wrote in post #2744877
Everyone seems to love whichever batteries they are using. As long as you are using NiMH batteries that are 2000 mAh or better then you're in great shape. Don't waste your time or money on standard alkalines. There are tests and charts that show some with slightly better performance than others but I wouldn't drive yourself crazy or lose sleep over it. Get Energizers or Duracells. There are tons to choose from. I use Duracell 2650mAh and I get very good life from them. I have 2 sets and a 15 minute charger.

Thanks for your suggestion. I think it is time to head to Best Buy or Circuit City. Can you (or anyone else) give a simple guesstimate as to how long a charged set of these batteries lasts in your flash? Or, maybe a better indication, how long before your recycle time slows?......just a guess. Call it powered-on time or shots fired.

I use duracells and a 15 minute charger as well, just got my charger at Costco for 29.99 with 8 batteries. Before I had the overnight charger and it was a pain in the tush.

I agree with andy on the Energizer 2500mah nimh's. Fantastic batteries. I've been using the same few sets for just about 2 years now, and still going strong. (I don't mean the same four in my flash, obviously)

They're silver, with lime green banding and markings, and they're perfect. Best I've found.

How long of a recycle? You won't notice to start. I don't know exactly, but it's far more than 100 shots before I start noticing any amount of recycle time; even a little bit.

Poindexter wrote in post #2745132
I'm sure there are, and this would be the first time I didn't use the search feature before starting a thread in years (I'm a newb here, but not to forums). What keeps a forum alive is repetition and various opinions, so having the same thread pop up over and over again (monotonous as it may be) is actually a good thing

Absolutely Poindexter. I was not trying to give one of those attitudinal answers about searching before posting. I was simply pointing out that this is one of those topics that will yield a great number of threads and posts on this topic. Personally I don't mind the repeat questions, and I know I am guilty of it myself.

Poindexter wrote in post #2745132
Thanks for your suggestion. I think it is time to head to Best Buy or Circuit City. Can you (or anyone else) give a simple guesstimate as to how long a charged set of these batteries lasts in your flash? Or, maybe a better indication, how long before your recycle time slows?......just a guess. Call it powered-on time or shots fired.

Well, it does depend on the power levels you are using but I know that when I have it mounted on the camera and use it in E-TTL mode I get about 300 shots. If I'm really pushing the power and it's working hard it goes down to around 200 but I honestly don't know for sure.

I know many of the people here that use their EX flashes in the field and on jobs carry 4, 5 and 6 sets of batteries so they're never caught short.

I actually have 2 sets (4 AA's each for 8 total) of unopened Energizer 2500mah nimh's. For a fellow POTN member I'll give you a good price..or give me an offer if you want them. No charger though. I bought a charger and 4 sets...I don't need 4 sets.

Vermin87 wrote in post #2745191
I actually have 2 sets (4 AA's each for 8 total) of unopened Energizer 2500mah nimh's. For a fellow POTN member I'll give you a good price..or give me an offer if you want them. No charger though. I bought a charger and 4 sets...I don't need 4 sets.

I appreciate the offer, but for less than $15 per 4 I might as well just run to a local store.

TMR Design wrote in post #2745178
Well, it does depend on the power levels you are using but I know that when I have it mounted on the camera and use it in E-TTL mode I get about 300 shots. If I'm really pushing the power and it's working hard it goes down to around 200 but I honestly don't know for sure.

That's plenty!


Thanks to everyone who has posted

I use these...they work great

http://www.mahaenergy.​com …iewitem.asp?idp​roduct=415

Batteries are only half the equation. Get a smart charger that charges your batteries properly. I have the La Crosse BC-900U Battery charger that can test, charge, discharge and refresh your rechargeables. This charger pays for itself through the years by refreshing batteries damaged by quick chargers, and by maintaining your good ones. If you have an arsenal of three+ sets of batteries you would do well to invest in one of these.

I went ahead and purchased the Energizer batteries off Amazon when I saw they were less than $5 for a 4 pack. 12 batteries and the 15 minute charger came out to just over $40 shipped.

Thanks again for all the advice - I'm sure it will help more than just me.

2500mah nimh's - all you need.