Rechargeable AA's

Anybody using these: http://www.adorama.com …Email120310&utm​_source=ET ?

I know several years ago these replaced Ni-Cad batteries in cordless tools but now Li-Ion are replacing NiMh. Wondering how they would do for flash use.....

The best AA size batteries to use for your flash is the Sanyo Eneloops. They are NiMH technology but seem to be better than any of the competition.

I do know that my 420EX Speedlite recycles MUCH faster with Eneloop batteries than with standard alkaline AA batteries.

SkipD wrote in post #11393585
The best AA size batteries to use for your flash is the Sanyo Eneloops. They are NiMH technology but seem to be better than any of the competition.

I do know that my 420EX Speedlite recycles MUCH faster with Eneloop batteries than with standard alkaline AA batteries.

+2 on this. Plus they hold their charge very well if not used for a while.

windpig wrote in post #11393624
+2 on this. Plus they hold their charge very well if not used for a while.

+3 on the batteries..

Thanks everyone, I have heard good things about the Eneloops. Is there a special charger for those?

Tim S wrote in post #11393663
Thanks everyone, I have heard good things about the Eneloops. Is there a special charger for those?

There are chargers made by Sanyo for the Eneloops.

If you can shop at Costco, they have a Sanyo package with Eneloop batteries and charger all in the package. Their pricing is really good.

Otherwise, you can find Eneloop batteries and chargers easily at Amazon.com.

I have read that there are other NiMH chargers that can be used with the Eneloops, but I choose to use Sanyo's charger just so I can get the most out of the batteries.

I have Eneloops and they are really good, I would also like to recommend Powerex Imedions, they are equally good from a recharge point of view and generally better capacity.

As for chargers, Maha and Le Crosse make good chargers, get one that has slower options and avoid ones that are fixed one hour or two hour chargers.

EDIT: This is what I use and it is a really good product. http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1291478​056&sr=8-1

+1 for the Maha Powerex batteries. The regular Powerex are 2700 mAh and the new Imedion (ultra low discharge, same as the Eneloop) are 2400 mAh.

Second that on the La Crosse charger
I have the UK equivalent and it is great, some of my batteries have come back to life.
Simon

I use Eneloops and PowerGenix. I like the PowerGenix better because they're higher voltage and I can eliminate the pack on my belt.

Actually, I have had the opposite experience with rechargeables (AAs, that is). You know, of course, that there's no free lunch, so most rechargeable AAs never produce 1.5 volts, they produce 1.25. For some devices, that means the device never thinks the battery is at capacity. While i understand the economics of rechargeables, I had to carry many more sets than disposable ones to keep going through a 1,200 photo event (like a wedding).

They're not rechargeable, but I've found the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries to be some of the most magical things I've ever used. I put them in my 430 EX II and I've got to be at almost 1,000 flashes and no noticeable degradation in recycle time. Unreal - they're pretty amazing if you ask me.

Not cheap, but I'd rather spend a few $$ on 2 sets of these than weigh myself down with 16 rechargeables.

I agree - I used Lithiums for every event and tossed 'em.

dmurphy wrote in post #11394585
They're not rechargeable, but I've found the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries to be some of the most magical things I've ever used. I put them in my 430 EX II and I've got to be at almost 1,000 flashes and no noticeable degradation in recycle time. Unreal - they're pretty amazing if you ask me.

Not cheap, but I'd rather spend a few $$ on 2 sets of these than weigh myself down with 16 rechargeables.

Lithium ion are not replacing NiMH...they have the wrong voltage output to be put into the AA form factor and will not produce about 1.5v in that form. 'Lithium' non-rechargeable cell is not the same as 'lithium ion' (rechargeable). Lithium cell has a very long shelf life (10 years) making them well suited as emergency beacon batteries for airplanes and boats, and emergency flashlights for homes; lithium ion self discharge and work fine with GPS or laptops where periodic recharge is likely.

NiZn is coming into increasing presence, offer 1.6v output, but must be charged only in special NiZn chargers.

NiMH come in ordinary form with self-discharge when renders them flat in about 90 days even sitting on the shelf. Low self-discharge batteries like the Eneloop or Imedion can sit on the shelf for extended periods without going flat. Many brands of low-discharge NiMH batteries are sold in packages pre-charged even!

Chargers exist which charge both NiCad and NiMH, but cannot do NiZn. Rapid charging (15 min. or even 1 hour) is not desireable due to heat build up in the battery, which shortens its life. A very few rapid chargers have cooling fans and monitor battery temperature, to ensure excessive heat does not occur. It is best to charge the batteries at a slower rate ordinarily, but only use a more rapid mode for those 'absolutely need it soon' situations.

We carry all those dSLR bodies, lenses, flashes, and doodads but we're **** about a few pounds in batteries? Seriously?