rechargeable batteries and the 430EX

I love my EOS 20D’s lithium ion battery. I can shoot and shoot with it without needing to recharge. I do have a backup one, which I always take with me, but have rarely used it. Great system. Love it.

With my 430 Ex flash, however, it’s a different story. I’m burning through double A’s like crazy. I’m therefore considering using rechargeables. Are the lithium-in rechargeables the ones to get? I figure maybe I could get 8 of them and a charger that charges all 8; then maybe I can stop going to the drug store all the time and depleting their alkaline double A supply.

It also wouldn’t hurt if the charger can charge triple A’s, but isn’t as critical because triple A’s are just for my MP3 player.

i didn't know there were such thing as lithium AA rechargeables . . . there are only NiCD or NiMH. There are lithium ion AA, but they are not rechargeable.

If you're going with a NiMH rechargeable, don't get those 15-minute chargers . .. I just recently found out that's why I've been burning through NiMH batteries. those "express" chargers heat up the batteries and shorten their lifespan. go with a 1 or 2-hour charger.

Definitely get some rechargables. I use duracell 2650? mah batteries. Some swear by the sanyo eneloop batteries, but they seem overpriced to me.

Take a look at these http://thomasdistribut​ing.com …7f9an2ing1u8s4q​k9cnqn7bi7

You could that combo with the Eneloops and be a happy camper. I just got the combo with the 2700 mah Maha Powerex batteries and then ran to Target and picked up some 2100 mah Rayovac Hybrids (same as the Eneloops) for $10.

I just bought a 808LCD + 4x2500mah + 4x2800mah from 7day shop... great charger, great batteries and it's pretty good value to post to the UK.

Even from places like Argos etc, you're looking at another 50% extra GBP.

I use the Duracell Ni-Mh batteries all the time without a problem. I have taken over 100 shots in the course of a couple of hours with the flash and camera on almost the whole time with power left in them. Trickle charging is the best way to go. I have an hour Ray-O-Vac charger from 2002 and charge them overnight. I always have a backup in my bag.

If there is a Costco near you, just stop by and get their set of AA/AAA enelope Nimh set. Great set and it will set you back about 20 bucks. It come with set of AA/AAA and a smart charger (point: one led light on the charger is 4 channel smart charger= you can charge any amount of cells 1 to 4, 2 led lights on the charger is 2 channel charger and you will have to charge them in pairs, but still smart charger.)
These are called enelope (low self discharge LSD, pre-charged cells). These are great and I will never go back to any other kinds of cells.
Reputable brands are Sanyo, Sony (apparently made by sanyo), Reyovac, but stay away from Duracell and Energizer brands. (They loses charge too quickly and some other problems.

In addition to the smart charger mentioned above, I would suggest getting a BC-900 (lacross brand) which you can get from amazon for about 30 - 40 bucks which go onsale often. This charge will discharge/condition/te​st and provide you with info on how much power your cells are providing.

Pair these up and you will not be out of power ever! Just plan it and charge them up the night before.

You can pickup a set of sanyo enelopes from wallyworld for cheap too. But I would not get any of their chargers.

Regards.
Victor

You have to be careful with Li-ion AA rechargables as they can often be incorrectly sized (bit longer, or a bit fatter than normal) and won't fit into some devices. The 430ex's battery compartment feels fairly roomy so your probably fine, but something to keep in mind.

Most rechargables you get from local stores (Duracell, energizer etc) are NiMH but are the proper sizes (though even these are often slightly fatter than their alkaline counterparts)

Ford vs. Chevy there my friend. I've been using the Energizer rechargeables for years now without a single problem. They hold a charge really well and the 3 sets I use have been recharged a great many times and they're still going (and going and going...sorry). Considering I'm also a musician and have lot of music gear as well, I have MANY rechargeable batteries of various sizes and styles and simply Energizers have worked the best for me. On the other hand, I won't use Rayovac anything...I've had Rayovac batteries leak and/or actually explode MANY times often leaving an unrepairable mess in their wake. Just my opinion but when it comes to Rayovac, "just say no".

The one thing I do suggest though is regardless of brand, always take a look at the mah rating...not all rechargeables are created equal. I've seen various brands at various stores sitting on the shelf with mixed power levels (usually the lower power ratings are pushed towards the front of the shelf since they're older stock so they'll sell first). In other words, if you have two sets of AA's and one set is rated at 1700mah and the other set is rated at 2500mah and they're both the same brand, same price, grab the 2500's. It always pays to take a close look at what's on the shelf .

Peace,
Jim

Use Ni-MH rechargable batteries. Read this for a few reasons why.
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2007/09/feed.ht​ml

Badger49456 wrote in post #5401024
Take a look at these http://thomasdistribut​ing.com …7f9an2ing1u8s4q​k9cnqn7bi7

You could that combo with the Eneloops and be a happy camper. I just got the combo with the 2700 mah Maha Powerex batteries and then ran to Target and picked up some 2100 mah Rayovac Hybrids (same as the Eneloops) for $10.

Eneloops all the way!

I use rechargable nimh batteries and they can go for about 150+ shots. Just keep in mind that when they run out of juice, they run out without warning.

ThomasOwenM wrote in post #5398885
I love my EOS 20D’s lithium ion battery. I can shoot and shoot with it without needing to recharge. I do have a backup one, which I always take with me, but have rarely used it. Great system. Love it.

With my 430 Ex flash, however, it’s a different story. I’m burning through double A’s like crazy. I’m therefore considering using rechargeables. Are the lithium-in rechargeables the ones to get? I figure maybe I could get 8 of them and a charger that charges all 8; then maybe I can stop going to the drug store all the time and depleting their alkaline double A supply.

It also wouldn’t hurt if the charger can charge triple A’s, but isn’t as critical because triple A’s are just for my MP3 player.

No matter what brand/type of rechargeable AAs you buy, get 4 more than your charger holds so you're never down for the count.

kniteshade wrote in post #5417997
You have to be careful with Li-ion AA rechargables as they can often be incorrectly sized (bit longer, or a bit fatter than normal) and won't fit into some devices. The 430ex's battery compartment feels fairly roomy so your probably fine, but something to keep in mind.

Li-ion AA rechargeable batteries are not the same voltage! Do not use. These are 3.6V and will fry your Flash or anything else you put them in if not designed for them. (ex: here) In addition, they use different types of chargers.

Walczak Photo wrote in post #5419376
Ford vs. Chevy there my friend. I've been using the Energizer rechargeables for years now without a single problem.

I understand your point of view. Your results may very.

The brand recommendation is based on my personal experience and by all means does not reflect industry wide issue. But someone did a long term testing of these cells and found them to be not reliable. I can't seem to find this test now however

As in my original post above, I'm recommending a eneloope batteries and charger set which is a great deal. Look at the pictures in this thread. HERE!

The costco pack comes with charger, 8 AA, 4 AAA, 2 C adapters and 2 D adapters for 20 bucks and its comes with a real nice case!

Enjoy and regards.
Victor

sadowsk2 wrote in post #5420663
Eneloops all the way!

i agree. Eneloop is the way to go. But I have also had good luck with the Sony brand. I use them in my 580 ex II and 430 ex