12 replies to this topic

[DanielJamesVersace]

So I wanted to get a general feel of what sort of batteries people use, What brand and whether they are rechargeable.

 

I was using Energiser because i got about 16 when i first brought my Speedlite, and now i just brought 40 Duracell because i got them at around the same price, about 30¢ a batterie. I was going to a 21st and only had my last 4 batteries so i popped into a Service station and brought a 4 pack, These were a brand i had never heard of before and 4 batteries were as light as 2 of the Duracells. these Batteries lasted 200 shots, while the energiser ones last about 300-400.

 

I am still waiting to see how well Duracell batteries perform and will keep you all posted, I'm a bit iffy about using rechargeable.

 

And yes the flash is on the same settings and same power for all the shots.

[Merco_61]

I use Gen. 2 NiMh rechargeables. Eneloops or Varta Ready2Use work about equally well. I usually have some Varta alkalines for backup in the bag. The Varta batteries sold under their own brand is quite a bit better than what they make for store brands.

 

I tested some alkalines with a constant 1A load and measured the time to 1.1V under load a few years ago. Energizer Ultra, Duracell Procell and Simply and the store-brand Vartas were about equal just above 1 Ah. Energizer Industrial and Varta High Energy were about 1.35 Ah and Duracell Plus Power were 1.25 Ah.

 

/Peter

[Daniel]

I use rechargeable Energizer NIMH and Rechargeable Duracell NIHM Batteries to power my Speedlight's, Remote Flash Triggers-Pocket Wizards, and Camera Battery Grip.

[TBonz]

I use both Engergizer and Duracell - usually the Energizer Ultimate Lithium as they do seem to last longer than the "regular" version.  I recently saw that Duracell came out with a similar high end version, but haven't purchased or tested them yet.  Only reason I don't use rechargables is that I so seldom use my flash.  Generally when I am using my flash I'm putting in new batteries for assignment and for the rare family pix when I use flash, I just continue to use those until the next assignment that requires flash.

[Merco_61]

The lithiums, both Energizer and Varta are a bit over 3 Ah measured down to 1.2 V. They work well in Nikon speedlights, but the higher voltage and lower R_i can fry cheaper units that are unregulated.

 

I didn't take them down to 1.1V because they get quite hot when fully discharged.

[Ron]

I've been using the Energizer Ultimate Lithiums in my speedlight. I also have some alkalines for backup. I like the Lithiums but when they deplete, they tend to do so all at once. One minute you're shooting and the next minute the flash starts acting weird. I'm planning to give some NIMH rechargeables a try.

 

I just run Nikon batteries in my cameras and, when I use my grip, it's usually empty.

 

--Ron

[K-9]

I usually buy Duracell, but if I see a good deal on a different brand, I'll get them.  I always carry spare batteries, so it's not a big deal to me how long they last.

[Russ]

Sanyo Eneloops, or Varta ready=to-use. Both are still about 80% charged after a year of non-use, unlike ordinary NiMh batteries.

[DanielJamesVersace]

its really interesting to hear what everybody uses, also a lot of people go with rechargeable.

 

I usually use just normal batteries and keep another 4 in my bag as a back up.

[Russ]

Normal just isn't normal.

[K-9]

Whatever you do, don't buy batteries at any of the various dollar or bargain stores!

[DanielJamesVersace]

well i got mine off catch of the day, so i've had more good with them then bad. brought a lot of home stuff and sports stuff and shoes and clothes off them, But one day got like 64 pens and only 10 of them work, so i hope the 40 batteries work well and arnt crap.

[wedgtail]

Enerloop in my 2 speed lights never had a problem with them .