24 replies to this topic

[JRosen]

I was curious what batteries to use for my Speedlight (SB700), and I was informed by many pro's to use Eneloop by Sanyo (Panasonic).  As it turns out, these babies really do work well.  They hold a charge through rigorous shooting, and have a quick rebound.

 

I was using disposable batteries in my Speedlight, and it was eating them like candy.  Plus, if I left them in too long they tended to leak.  But these Eneloop batteries are holding up quite well.

 

They're not too expensive either.  I got them from (one of this site's sponsors) B & H.  They have a starter kit for $34 that has all you need plus the charger.

http://www.bhphotovi...ck_Starter.html

[Mark Win]

I always use rechargeable in my lighting etc as they hold a really good staying power and have never let me down.. For the cost they certainly outway using disposables

[edmercer]

I will be checking these out.  Disposables get costly.

[RAUL]

Rechargeables (NImh) also last me well.  I am not a heavy user but they do the work pretty well.

[Jan]

Love Eneloop batteries! That's all I use in my speedlight - they're great!

[Davem45]

I use Energisers here but one thing to wath with speedlights is that you get a high enough mah number anything under 2000 and you will be changing them to often

[Vyolater]

I've always used disposables myself. I haven't used any rechargables in years for anything. The older ones were horrible for longevity. With the good reviews, I'll have to try eneloop kit.

[leCabri]

I'm with eneloop for years.

The're long lasting and powerful.

For weddings, I bring duracell as backup.

[Rontography]

That's a nice set for $35 and free shipping. Thanks for the tip, I will be placing an order now.

[Jocktog]

I have used various brands of rechargables and have to echo the comment above from Davem45. get the highest Mah# that you can no matter what brand you get. In the UK I have found the best for me to be Calumets AA 2700's. I got a deal on a bundle as the rest of my stash was getting a bit long in the tooth when it came to charging. That been said lots of my tog friends have moved to eneloops and swear by them so next time I buy it will be them.

[LifeLens]

I was curious what batteries to use for my Speedlight (SB700), and I was informed by many pro's to use Eneloop by Sanyo (Panasonic).  As it turns out, these babies really do work well.  They hold a charge through rigorous shooting, and have a quick rebound.

 

I was using disposable batteries in my Speedlight, and it was eating them like candy.  Plus, if I left them in too long they tended to leak.  But these Eneloop batteries are holding up quite well.

 

They're not too expensive either.  I got them from (one of this site's sponsors) B & H.  They have a starter kit for $34 that has all you need plus the charger.

http://www.bhphotovi...ck_Starter.html

Thanks for the tip JRosen!

[Greg Britten]

I am using Energizer NiMH, I would say I am not a heavy user, though I go through spurts where I am.

[scenicsabound]

I only shoot occasional events however I do use my flashes extensively for fill lighting/effect lighting and I have found the Energizer Nimh rechargables to be very effective. They hold a charge well, have lots of current (2300mah) and have lasted much better than any other brand I have used to date. I bought 3 sets (12 batts) almost 2 years ago and rotate them through my flashes - still working strong. I primarily use a Nikon SB-910 and I have a Metz 50AF-1 as secondary - boths flashes work great with them. 

[NikonJedi]

There is even a black eneloop version that holds more Miliamps but they are only good for certain amount of recharging cycles. Not as much as the regular white eneloops.

[JIMMYMACK]

Rechargeables (NImh)

[onewiththecamera]

I have the Eneloop as well as Energizer and Duracell Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. The Eneloop do seem to be the best but the Energizer are a very close second. I have not used the Duracell much yet so have no solid opinion on them. I charge them all in the same Energizer recharging units and that works well.

[jack]

+1 for the eneloops 

If you can't find the "eneloop" brand, get the Apple rechargeables kit - these are re-branded eneloop batteries.  

[Erewego]

I have only recently purchased an SB-800 and just to start using it straight away, used IKEA disposables - I cannot believe how many times I have used these (first set still !) and recycle time is still good. At £1 for a pack of 10, they have got to be a good back-up.

Longer term though, rechargeables have to go in (keep a pack of IKEA in the bag for emergencies) and will probably go for eneloops as that seems the consensus 'good buy'.

Thanks all.

[JRosen]

NikonJedi mentioned the black eneloops, while they look good, and even cost a tad bit more, they're limited to [I believe] 500 charges, whereas the white ones will recharge up to 1900 charges.  If you look as the specs on both in side-by-side comparison, they both have the exact same offerings.  I was expecting the black ones to hold a charge longer, but that's simply not the case.  Save a buck or two and stick with the white eneloops.

 

The newest generation of white eneloops are supposed to last over 2000 charges, but I'm sure your mileage will vary!

 

To find out more about the eneloops, go to >www.eneloop.com< and check everything out.

 

One last thing... if you're going to purchase these, in order to help this fantastic site, please purchase from B & H Photo.  Here's a link to the eneloop starter kit...

 

 

http://www.bhphotovi...ck_Starter.html

 

It seems as if this site gets a proceed from every link, so let's help the site make some bucks!

[Thumper]

That's a nice set for $35 and free shipping. Thanks for the tip, I will be placing an order now.

Same here!!

 

Thanks for the heads up on this deal!!