Rechargeables in flash?

I've heard mixed talk about using rechargable AA's in a flash....I just wanted to hear everyones opinion on whether its a good idea or not and if you are using them what type?

Rechargables are all I use - 2700mAh NiMh

That is what I use.

Tgauge9 wrote: Rechargables are all I use - 2700mAh NiMh

Thanks. I guess rechargeables will work just fine then.

Good ones can actually shorten cycle time.

I tried using rechargeable AAs in my flash for a while. (I used energizer's brand.) It does shorten the recharge time, which is cool. What's not so cool is rechargeable batteries do not keep their charge very well if you aren't using them. Also, they don't last very long. So you need a set in your flash and another set in the charger, and be prepared to switch them out.

I went back to the regular duracell/energizer AA batteries. You can leave them in a drawer (or your camera bag) for months and they will still work. And you get a lot more flashes out of them.

I use all kinds of rechargeables in my flashes!!!! I`ve learned to keep a few extras with me on a long job!!!!!!! I make it a point to charge all of them at least once a month to keep them up. I saw an article on FB, that if you take a 6 volt lantern battery and open it up, you find 36 AAbatteries sitting in there, ready to be used. It`s a great way to save on them!!!!!!!!

mattmoran wrote: I tried using rechargeable AAs in my flash for a while. (I used energizer's brand.) It does shorten the recharge time, which is cool. What's not so cool is rechargeable batteries do not keep their charge very well if you aren't using them. Also, they don't last very long. So you need a set in your flash and another set in the charger, and be prepared to switch them out.

I went back to the regular duracell/energizer AA batteries. You can leave them in a drawer (or your camera bag) for months and they will still work. And you get a lot more flashes out of them.

If your rechargeables don't last as long as "regular duracell/energizer AA batteries" then you bought the wrong rechargeables. I have 2750's and some 2800's and no regular battery will come close to keeping up with them. You need to go buy some good rechargeables.

Shadowfixer1 wrote: If your rechargeables don't last as long as "regular duracell/energizer AA batteries" then you bought the wrong rechargeables. I have 2750's and some 2800's and no regular battery will come close to keeping up with them. You need to go buy some good rechargeables.

It's possible that I didn't buy high enough quality rechargeable batteries. Or maybe the charger wasn't a high quality charger -- I understand that can have an effect on the battery performance.

In any event, it doesn't seem worth it to buy new rechargeable batteries and/or a charger. The normal ones work just fine and are easily available. Your millage may vary.

mattmoran wrote:

Shadowfixer1 wrote: If your rechargeables don't last as long as "regular duracell/energizer AA batteries" then you bought the wrong rechargeables. I have 2750's and some 2800's and no regular battery will come close to keeping up with them. You need to go buy some good rechargeables.

It's possible that I didn't buy high enough quality rechargeable batteries. Or maybe the charger wasn't a high quality charger -- I understand that can have an effect on the battery performance.

In any event, it doesn't seem worth it to buy new rechargeable batteries and/or a charger. The normal ones work just fine and are easily available. Your millage may vary.

If you are a minimal user, I agree, but if you are shooting an event you will be glad you had the rechargeables.

I've only used rechargeable batteries for years. They work great. Sanyo Eneloops don't lose their charge, or at least they lose it very slowly. They're supposed to retain 75% of their charge after 4 years.

The only advantage of alkaline batteries in a flash is potential for longevity (in storage). In all other aspects nimh batteries are better. These days they are just as powerful, and they discharge power at a faster rate (slightly faster recycle). Alkaline batteries do last longer in a flash, but by the time I get to the extra shots the recycle time has become so slow I'm going to switch them out anyway.

If you want to really speed up recycle time and extend the number of shots get a battery pack for your speedlight. I like Zebra Flash's prices.

mattmoran wrote: It's possible that I didn't buy high enough quality rechargeable batteries. Or maybe the charger wasn't a high quality charger -- I understand that can have an effect on the battery performance.

I've used PowerEx, Sanyo Eneloop, Everready, Duracell, and Rayovac rechargables. The PowerEx and Eneloops had to be mail ordered, but they do work better than the others, which I bought in a local dept store. They all cost about the same. I've always just used what appears to be a pretty cheap charger.

Henry Peach wrote: I've only used rechargeable batteries for years. They work great. Sanyo Eneloops don't lose their charge, or at least they lose it very slowly. They're supposed to retain 75% of their charge after 4 years.

The only advantage of alkaline batteries in a flash is potential for longevity (in storage). In all other aspects nimh batteries are better. These days they are just as powerful, and they discharge power at a faster rate (slightly faster recycle). Alkaline batteries do last longer in a flash, but by the time I get to the extra shots the recycle time has become so slow I'm going to switch them out anyway.

If you want to really speed up recycle time and extend the number of shots get a battery pack for your speedlight. I like Zebra Flash's prices.

I used a Quantum Bantum Battery pack for 25 years before it finally quit!!!!! I got my monies worth, I`d say!!!!!!

Bob Eaton wrote: I used a Quantum Bantum Battery pack for 25 years before it finally quit!!!!!

I have a Quantum battery pack (Q1 or Q+ or something) that I bought used, and then used for years with Vivitar 285hv flashes. I suppose I could get a cord for my EOS flashes. When I stored it away it was still working.