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

Impact 2700 mah nimh's from B&H.

Mix, mostly energizers and Lenmar "Power Ex" NIMH re-chargeables.

Poindexter wrote in post #2744805
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.

Energizer NiMH rechargeables (2500 mAH).

12x Energizer NiMH 2500mAh, 4x Energizer NiMH 2200mAh, 15 Minute Charger.

I dont ever use that many but its nice to have.

One thing I did learn to my cost is to charge the batteries the night before going on a shoot.
I didn't realise how quickly they lose their charge when left sitting around.

I would like a battery pack but I think the cost is ridiculous for what is essentially a holder for AA batteries. I used to think a battery pack was an external large battery but that isn't the case.

In the UK it is £150 for a case with a few electronics and a cable.

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #2748158
Energizer NiMH rechargeables (2500 mAH).

ugh - where can i get these energizer ones???? right now i'm stuck w/the "power2000" brand, and i *do not* care for them one bit.

BottomBracket wrote in post #2745900
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.

woah - good tip here, THANKS .

studiotime wrote in post #2748229
ugh - where can i get these energizer ones???? right now i'm stuck w/the "power2000" brand, and i *do not* care for them one bit.

Around here (Long Island, New York) I can get the Energizer or Duracell's at Best Buy or K-Mart.

studiotime wrote in post #2748229
ugh - where can i get these energizer ones???? right now i'm stuck w/the "power2000" brand, and i *do not* care for them one bit.

http://www.newegg.com …teries&Ntk=all&​srchInDesc=

This is a good list of where I almost got mine. I ended up getting from Walmart because I didn't want to wait for shipping.

I should look into the rechargeable stuff. I've been buying the 8-packs of Duracel's at the grocery store. Weak batteries suck, and the flash seems to suck batteries dry in a hurry.

Im using 2800mAh NiMh batteries in my Sigma flash, they last quite a while.

Remember NiMh lose 5-10% of their charge each day whether you use them or not though, so keep them topped up in the charger from time to time.

Nick

pepperoni wrote in post #2750080
I should look into the rechargeable stuff. I've been buying the 8-packs of Duracel's at the grocery store. Weak batteries suck, and the flash seems to suck batteries dry in a hurry.

YES!! DO!! you will save a load of cash & NimH batteries last a long time in my Sigma flash & thats near enough the same power as a 580EX.

Nick

studiotime wrote in post #2748236
woah - good tip here, THANKS .

Nimh batteries dont require discharging & have no memory effects, so ive heard where as NiCad rechargables do.

Nick

ACCUPOWER AA 2900mAh NiMH...tops in power AND they have a very low idle discharge rate...

http://www.thomas-distributing.com …echargeable-batteries.htm

Couple of things to note. Rechargeable NiMh are only 1.2 volts and the Canon flash manuals will tell you to stick with a 1.5 volt cell. I dont believe that there is risk of damage but your performance and mileage will likely vary. I have tried several differnt brands and still rely mostly on a Jack Rabbit or Quantum battery pack (both of which are real, large batteries--not AA holders). I have sometimes had sketchy results with rechargable AAs and I don't think it's worth taking the chance.

Granted, I have had some good results with Eveready and several other brands. But I have also seen some inconsistencies.