Rechargeable Batteries and Flashes

[TWiTCHY]

So I've gone through the 32nd AA battery for my flash within 2 months and I'm thinking, "this can't be right," there's no way I can keep up with this.

I've considered buying rechargeable batteries but I remember how they were in the 90s: plastic casing, weak, doesn't retain charge, takes an entire day to recharge, leaks chemicals, etc.

But knowing that technology always improves, I bet we're all that phase of rechargeable batteries by now, and I'm sure there's much better ones out there today.

I've looked into Sanyo Eneloops and there are several threads on DPreview and Nikonians saying they work just fine with flashes. But it seems like many people aren't taking this route and would rather carry around disposable batteries in their bags than rechargeables. Why? What's the pros and cons?

[scollins]

I think the "cons" are:
1.) Having just another battery charger in the kit.
2.) Most rechargeable AA's are really 1.2V instead of 1.5V. This may reduce the flash's peak output, but in the real world, rechargeable AA's are usually in the 1.3V to 1.4V range, and maintain that level during the discharge cycle. Alkaline AA's start out at 1.5V, but gradually decrease to around 1.0V by the time the battery is depleted.
3.) "Self discharge rates" are typically much higher on rechargeables. You can't just charge them up and let them sit for extended periods like alkalines. Most rechargeables will drop by 40% (fairly temperature dependant) in a month.
4.) Cold weather performance may suffer, although this has improved greatly in recent years.

I don't really see those as being big "cons", especially not to the point where they outweigh the cost of buying new batteries all the time. When I get a flash, I'll go with rechargeables for sure, just because of the cost of alkaline AA batteries.

Not all AA rechargeabls are the same either. I'd look for ones with the highest mAh possible. I wouldn't worry so much about "2350 mAh" vs. "2500 mAh", as there is some differences in measurement methodology (i.e. no real standard for conducting the test.) But it does give you a decent ballpark, especially if looking at one with 2600 mAh vs. one with 1800 mAh. Costco has a 12 pack of Duracells for ~$37 and they are rated at 2,650 mAh. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. Even with rechargeables, I'd still have a pack of AA alkalines in the pack though, just in case.

[TWiTCHY]

Yeah I've been looking at the Eneloop 2000mah and Duracell 2650mah. The Eneloops have a slow, slow discharge rate while the Duracells have quite a bit more use, but don't retain their charge as much. I guess since I'm always recharging my batteries constantly whenever they're not in use, the faster discharge rate on the Duracell might not be an issue for me.

BTW, did you find those Duracells at the Woodinville or Kirkland Costco?

[scollins]

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

BTW, did you find those Duracells at the Woodinville or Kirkland Costco?

Neither, I just saw them listed online at Costco.com.

Besides, I'd be at the Issaquah or Tukwila Costco, not Kirkland or Woodinville.

[TWiTCHY]

Oh wow I got Renton mixed up with Redmond somehow.

[techforge]

Another thing to look at is getting a good charger that will monitor charge and keep them topped off during standby. Just leave the batteries in the charger and they will be ready to go whenever you need them.

[TWiTCHY]

So I just picked up the big Costco pack of Eneloops, and they seem great

[Teshi]

Do what I did, one investment, two words...

Quantum Turbo

Although its a bit more expensive that Eneloops which are a good alternative.

[TWiTCHY]

Ahhh that's too extreme, haha!