Flash Batteries

I use AA batteries for my flash, problem is I don't get any life out of them. What do you guys buy or use?

What kind and brand? Not all batteries are created equal. For my purposes, alkalines do very well. If I'm going to be shooting a lot with a single flash, I'll use NiMH or Eneloops, but in my experience wireless E-TTL doesn't work too well with them.

I have NiMH rechargeable batteries, 2680 mAh Energizers. Alkalines are heavier and don't hold enough charge to make them worthwhile, but they're convenient for emergencies.

I use rechargeable Duracell NiMH (2650 mAh) and have never drained a set on either a Speedlite 430 or Sigma 530 DG Super. I usually around do around 50-60 pops per use, most on full power.

bdohockey wrote in post #6524851
I have NiMH rechargeable batteries, 2680 mAh Energizers

Every set of Energizers I've ever had have been rubbish (rechargeables) compared to things like Eneloops, Imedions or Powerex 2700mahs. I ended up giving my Energizers away.

Having a good charger helps a LOT, too... check out a LaCrosse BC-9000 (I think that's the American model number... mine's a Maha C9000 or such)... I've not yet had issues using any of the Eneloops/Imedions/Powe​rex batteries with heavy flash usage, off-camera or wireless usage. Yet, anyway

I always heard Eneloops mentioned here so after I bought my flash I picked up a pack of 8 AAs and a charger for $20. Works great for me, no issues thus far. They take a long time to charge, but it's not a problem as I just use the other set.

bishop13 wrote in post #6524860
I use rechargeable Duracell NiMH (2650 mAh) and have never drained a set on either a Speedlite 430 or Sigma 530 DG Super. I usually around do around 50-60 pops per use, most on full power.

..+ 1

Sanyo Eneloops here.

Quantum Turbo 2x2 for me 3hr full charge and output of 700 full power shots,on my 550EX, can even power my 1DmK11 from it at same time

i made a little writeup on the subj, hopefully you'll find it useful

http://alexgorbatchev.​com …8/19/powering-your-flash/

This might help.

http://www.popphoto.co​m …t-test-results-page2.html

I use a Quantum QB1+ battery.

MClassPhotography wrote in post #6537770
This might help.

http://www.popphoto.co​m …t-test-results-page2.html

i wouldnt place much stock in this article... their top pick is 15 minute energizer charger set... and they only reviewed photo-stand batteries from walmart, no premium bats like powerex or eneloops.

The Eneloops are fantastic... they're also rebadged under the Sony Cycle brand.

Here's a review of the Eneloops, and it shows that mAh doesn't mean everything:

http://www.stefanv.com …ronics/sanyo_en​eloop.html

I recently bought 6/pack of Ultra Pro 2500ma for $15 in Montreal. The Eneloops are $18 + taxes for 4.... I'll stick to the UP, for now.

The slower discharge rate of the Eneloops really means very little to me since I make sure I have fully charged batteries before I know I will be using the flash.

I've been using rechargeables for the, must be, at least last 10 years in everything I own and, in practice, haven't found significant difference in the 4 or 5 brands I have used and still do.