Rechargeable vs Duracell for Speedlights: What is the ratio of photographers using rechargeable AAs vs those using Duracell AAs etc for their Speedlights?

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

What is the ratio of photographers using rechargeable AAs vs those using Duracell AAs etc for their Speedlights?

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Bear2 wrote:

What is the ratio of photographers using rechargeable AAs vs those using Duracell AAs etc for their Speedlights?

I use Eneloops. I would be battery poor if I used regular Duracells.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Not sure if you'll get a "ratio" but I only use rechargeables-Eneloops. At longer events, I add a battery pack to my Nikon SB910, again with Eneloops.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Bear2 wrote:

What is the ratio of photographers using rechargeable AAs vs those using Duracell AAs etc for their Speedlights?

I use rechargeable batteries when doing "experiments" with my speedlights. These are times where the rate of picture taking is quite slow, only a couple per minute.

When on a photoshoot, I'll use, and carry lots of extra Duracell AA batteries. As the rate of picture taking can be quite a bit higher.
--Bob

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

I use Duracell or Energizer lithium as I don't shoot very often and they are always ready even after setting for months.

NikonKnight Loc: Owings Mills, MD

I use rechargeable Enveloops for my SB-900s and battery packs..

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Bear2 wrote:

What is the ratio of photographers using rechargeable AAs vs those using Duracell AAs etc for their Speedlights?

Yes, Sanyo Eneloops. Now owned by Panasonic. They hold a charge very well. Always carry an extra set precharged. Also keep the MAH at or below 2500 for safety. Some higher volts with higher MAH can sometimes destroy a speedlight.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Bear2 wrote:

What is the ratio of photographers using rechargeable AAs vs those using Duracell AAs etc for their Speedlights?

Your question cannot be answered as asked because rechargeables are a type of battery and Duracell is a brand of batteries including both rechargeable and 'traditional' batteries.

However, most people seem to use rechargeable batteries for flash guns, with Sanyo/Panasonic eneloop being the most frequently cited brand as a result of their performance and ability to hold a charge longer than most other brands including Duracell rechargeables. The economics are overwhelmingly in favor of rechargeables, as are environmental concerns.

Bill_de Loc: US

I gave up on rechargeables a while back, where possible. Although I'm sure the newer ones are much better than what I was using, I got in the habit of buying disposables in bulk when somebody has them on sale, usually right before Christmas, and go from there.

I have enough other things that need charging from a dozen or more batteries for cordless tools in my shop, to tablets, laptop, phones, jump start for the car, and of course camera batteries.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I use rechargable energizers. Why? someone gave me 8 and a charger a few years ago. They are still working so I'll keep using them till they die. Then I'll buy eneloops .

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Bear2 wrote:

What is the ratio of photographers using rechargeable AAs vs those using Duracell AAs etc for their Speedlights?

I have always used rechargeable in my speed light....

Eneloops & Powerex seem to do fine.

Tried Amazon Basics but did not care for their life span.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

mas24 wrote:

Yes, Sanyo Eneloops. Now owned by Panasonic. They hold a charge very well. Always carry an extra set precharged. Also keep the MAH at or below 2500 for safety. Some higher volts with higher MAH can sometimes destroy a speedlight.

While higher voltage (not sure how that would occur with a single cell) could damage a device, a higher MAH rating is not a danger - it only specifies the energy storage capacity (in Milliamp hours) of the battery (more is typically better), not the voltage.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

mas24 wrote:

Yes, Sanyo Eneloops. Now owned by Panasonic. They hold a charge very well. Always carry an extra set precharged. Also keep the MAH at or below 2500 for safety. Some higher volts with higher MAH can sometimes destroy a speedlight.

Voltage yes, mAh rating, not at all, unless you have some proof that you can point to.

The mAh rating is defining the capacity (How long it will last), not the power it produces.

BTW - I use from 2000 mAh to 2800 mAh rechargeables in my speed light and other devices routinely, the larger the capacity the longer they power the device before needing recharged/changed.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Energizer Ultimate Lithium. Can't wear the darn things out.I keep an extra set in my bag on trips and never need to worry about a charger.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Dngallagher wrote:

Voltage yes, mAh rating, not at all, unless you have some proof that you can point to.

The mAh rating is defining the capacity (How long it will last), not the power it produces.

BTW - I use from 2000 mAh to 2800 mAh rechargeables in my speed light and other devices routinely, the larger the capacity the longer they power the device before needing recharged/changed.

This is what the salesman told me when I bought my speedlight at the photo shop, in order to maintain warranty. He obviously gave me bad advice. Thanks for rectifying the issue.