rechargeable batteries and the 430EX

I have eight 2650 Mah Duracell rechargeables and a 15 minute charger. I have had no problems and the fast charger is VERY convenient.

any of you guys use sterlingtek batteries?

I use and love them in my 20D, but have never tried their standard rechargables.

I'm going to be getting the 580EX II soon, and I'm looking for the best NiMH or hybrid rechargeables, but I'm seeing people in this thread talking about "combos", getting two sets of different MAh ratings/voltages. Why is this?

What's the highest voltage NiMH rechargeable I should get (4 for the flash) without endangering the unit itself? I'm finding 2600, 2100, 2700, 2000, 1800, 2300. I also want to know if hybrid are more advantageous than NiMH or vice versa.

Thanks in advance, everyone!

-Lynne

I use Energizer rechargeable 2500NiMH batteries with no problems.

Duracell 2650 here too.

XLphotog wrote in post #5515184
What's the highest voltage NiMH rechargeable I should get (4 for the flash) without endangering the unit itself? I'm finding 2600, 2100, 2700, 2000, 1800, 2300. I also want to know if hybrid are more advantageous than NiMH or vice versa.

Lynne, Just to clarify, those numbers are current, not voltage. Also, that merely states how long the batteries will last. The larger the number the better.

The hybrid batteries are equivalent to the eneloops and will hold a charge better while not in use. I've not tried any of them, but plan to next time I buy batteries. I don't use my flash very often and always have to remember to charge my batteries before using it since I don't have the hybrids.

I got some Rayovac Hybrids from Target last week and I have to admit, they are great. They had a charger and 2 AA's and 2 AAA's for $10, then a $5 mail in rebate. You can mail in up to 2 of the rebates. So $10 for 2 chargers and 4AAA's and 4AA's, sounds good to me. The batteries seems to recycle faster than my plain 2600mAh ones, but that may be my imagination.

For the Canadian folks - Canadian tire sells Rayovac AA NiMH 2500 maH batteries (4 pack) for $8.99. US citizens may not be aware of how certain things are ridiculously more expensive in Canada. $8.99 is suprisingly dirt cheap.

I've been using Optex (campower) 2500maH AA's for my 580EXII and they seem to work fine. That pack of 4 costs $19.99. Now 8 rayovac's will cost almost the same as the Campower brand (4). Both are made in China.

I use energizer and duracells. Both rechargeable and work great.. A 15minute charger would be handy if you need a quick charge vs the slow charger