What kind of batteries for 580 ex ii

What kind of batteries do you guys use for your speedlites?

I'd rather not throw away anything, and if i can just charge something when i get home alongside my camera, that'd be great... but i also don't want performance to be impacted (too much).

I wish they would make a Lithium Ion kind of battery that i could recharge just like the camera...

I use 2500 mAh NiMH Eveready's. Fully charged, one set lasts a full day at a wedding. I use the charger that came with them. It takes about 8 hours for a full charge. I've heard not to use the quick chargers unless you have to, but don't know for sure.

Eneloops

Sanyo Eneloops for me too.

or Rayovac Hybrid...whichever cheaper

I want an Al Jacobs Black Box....I like the specs, the price, and they guy's web site....unfortunately I can't afford it right now.

funk1196 wrote in post #5886384
What kind of batteries do you guys use for your speedlites?

Four AA batteries (rechargeable) -- or like Titus mentioned, the Al Jacobs Black Box (or Tuxedo)

Titus213 wrote in post #5887270
I want an Al Jacobs Black Box....I like the specs, the price, and they guy's web site....unfortunately I can't afford it right now.

I have two of these and swear by them. Al's a great guy to deal with too!

Eneloops, Imedions and Powerex 2700mah rechargeables. Don't forget a good charger, not one of those crap 8-hr ones.

Pop Photo recently evaluated different batteries and their choice was the EverReady Rechargeable (2500mAh) with the rapid 15 minute charger. I use these batteries and agree with Popular Photography. The batteries are very dependable and the 15 minute charger works miracles. There is no way you can run out of juice when you have fresh, fully charged batteries in only 15 minutes.

Jim G wrote in post #5887383
Don't forget a good charger, not one of those crap 8-hr ones.

The slower the better -- so not sure I'd call them crap. The rapid-chargers may work fast, but they are heating your batteries big time which is shortening their lifespan.

Only use rapid chargers when you absolutely have too.

Sanyo Eneloops.

okay i bought the sanyo eneloops w/charger.

should i buy another 4 pack of batteries to cycle between them... so that i can run them down to nothing every time?

Gatorboy wrote in post #5891229
The slower the better -- so not sure I'd call them crap. The rapid-chargers may work fast, but they are heating your batteries big time which is shortening their lifespan.

Only use rapid chargers when you absolutely have too.

I found the slower cheaper ones never charged the batteries up evenly.

I use the high end MAHA MH-C801D. (I think.)

I always charge in the slower mode.
I never fast charge unless I have to.

I find the MAHA gives me a nice full charge.
Expensive at $60-80 depending on the model.
(The model I have is more because it's capable of fast charging.)

What I do is start charing 8 batteries in the MAHA.
While that's going on, I use the cheaper slow chargers I have to start charging the other batteries as not to waste time.
When the MAHA is finished with one set, I take the batteries out of the cheaper ones and transfer them to the MAHA.
Lather, Rinse and repeat...

-Mario

This place has a great selection of batteries, chargers and accessories.