Rechargeable AA Batteries - whats the best?

A

aldo

Suspended / Banned
Messages
90
Edit My Images
No
Hey!

Just wondering what you recommend out there for a Canon 580EX flash gun?
Whats your experiences?

Cheers
 
Been v happy with the 20 sets of Aldi's red LSD AAs.

But they are periodic specials only.
 
Sanyo Eneloops. Have used them for a few years now and they are superb IMHO
 
Eneloops without a doubt are the dogs doodahs but I've also been impressed with GP batteries.
 
Am I the only one using 7dayshop rechargable 2900 battery's
 
Had my eneloops for a couple of years now,brilliant.:):thumbs:
 
Definitely Eeneloops, I have others, but they always let me down. I can take my Eeneloops out of the drawer after months and they are ready to go. The other older batteries seem to go flat in a matter of weeks even not in use.
 
Have to agree also use Eneloops and they are fantastic, but have also just purchased a Godox PB820 powerpak to use with my 580MkII for those longer sessions where a quick recycle time is needed :).
 
Another vote for Eneloops here, been by far the best batteries for my K-x.

Has anyone had any experience of NiZn batteries?

They're hold a higher voltage for longer, so although they're lower capacity, they work better in high-discharge like flashes.

There was a spat about them last year, really tempted until I saw some posts about someone breaking their flash in heavy use...haven't looked again but they might have improved since.
 
Last edited:
I have been using Ansmann MAXe cells for a while now. They are the same 'long charge retention' type as the eneloops. They are great for my flashguns, which don't get used every day, as they always seem to be charged.
 
+1 for Vapextech,These things run everything in my house.
 
iv'e been trying the BPI NI ZN batteries ( there on sale at maplins at the moment at £7 a pack) in my canon 550 ex and they seem promising
there rated at 2500 MWH ( milli watt hour ) which in reality works out to be around 1500 MHA
the recycle time is definitely quicker but i cant vouch for the amount of flashes per charge as i havn't used them that much yet

as for burning flash units out iv'e heard different stories about smoking flash guns on various types of batteries so i think the NI ZN's would be another to add to the list if your using the flash very heavily
 
cosmicma said:
iv'e been trying the BPI NI ZN batteries ( there on sale at maplins at the moment at £7 a pack) in my canon 550 ex and they seem promising
there rated at 2500 MWH ( milli watt hour ) which in reality works out to be around 1500 MHA
the recycle time is definitely quicker but i cant vouch for the amount of flashes per charge as i havn't used them that much yet

as for burning flash units out iv'e heard different stories about smoking flash guns on various types of batteries so i think the NI ZN's would be another to add to the list if your using the flash very heavily
Click to expand...

These look interesting, and I think they will have an application in high powered LED torches. With my AA and 2AA torches I find normal 1.5 non rechargeables to be noticeably brighter than rechargeables. Off to Maplins in the morning to get some to try.
 
With regard the NiZn batteries, anyone using them with a normal NiMh charger, and is so, how does it charge them? I see Maplin are selling a specific charger for them.
 
I have the 7dayshop rechargables and their own brand charger which charges in about 4 hrs. Never had any problems with them and the get used for both flash, compact camera, and kids toys so get a fair hammering!!

Nick
 
Dave1 said:
With regard the NiZn batteries, anyone using them with a normal NiMh charger, and is so, how does it charge them? I see Maplin are selling a specific charger for them.
Click to expand...

From what I remember (I don't own any yet!) they do need a specific charger. The chemistry inside them's different so a 'normal' charger isn't set up for them specifically and could cause damage.
 
archstanton said:
From what I remember (I don't own any yet!) they do need a specific charger. The chemistry inside them's different so a 'normal' charger isn't set up for them specifically and could cause damage.
Click to expand...

Looking at the specifications, they are also a higher voltage (1.6v as opposed to 1.2v on normal rechargeables), which is why I thought of the charger. I wouldn't expect a normal charger to fully charge them even it could charge the chemistry.
 
I use the 2900 7day shop ones they have na offer its about £13.00 for a 4 battery charger and a pack of 4 x AA batteries, 2packs would last me a whole wedding.
 
Ok I am the odd one out. Duracell and eveready. Never let me down. :-).
 
The NiZn batteries seem to be excellent, definitely better in flashes and video lights, quicker recycle in the flash and higher output in the LED lights.

They do need their own specific charger (also £6.99 at Maplin), the warning to use the specified charger is prominent on the packaging.
 
My vote goes to Eneloops. A bit expensive perhaps, but I often forget my flash even takes batteries they last that long.
 
I am using the eneloop XX these days. Though can't say I have used them next to the normal eneloops to compare.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top