How long to keep using AA batteries in flash
Mar 23, 2018 16:31:44 #
I would like to know about "recycle" time for AA batteries that I use in my Canon 580EX flash.. When are they no longer fast enough to take more multiple shots with the flash? Rechargeable or non rechargeable? Buy NEW non rechargeable AA for flash and throw them away after the event?
I ran across a problem shooting the bride coming down the isle, in that the flash took too long to recycle? was only able to get one shot down the isle.... I dont often do shoots using flash as I do mostly power packs...
I ran across a problem shooting the bride coming down the isle, in that the flash took too long to recycle? was only able to get one shot down the isle.... I dont often do shoots using flash as I do mostly power packs...
Mar 23, 2018 16:37:32 #
canon Lee wrote:
I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)
Not famiaar with Canon, but using my Nikon flash it takes 2 seconds to fully charge.
When I did weddings I used a Norman Flash unit that has a recycle of 3/10 of a second which let me fire away.Pricey but got the job done.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/38131-REG/Norman_810809_400_W_S_Portable_Battery.html
Mar 23, 2018 16:49:41 #
I replace batteries in speedlights when the recycle time gets too long for what I'm doing. If they are not rechargeable batteries I toss them in a box and they eventually run out the remainder of their life in a small LED flashlight.
Mar 23, 2018 16:59:14 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
PixelStan77 wrote:
Not famiaar with Canon, but using my Nikon flash it takes 2 seconds to fully charge.
When I did weddings I used a Norman Flash unit that has a recycle of 3/10 of a second which let me fire away.Pricey but got the job done.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/38131-REG/Norman_810809_400_W_S_Portable_Battery.html
When I did weddings I used a Norman Flash unit that has a recycle of 3/10 of a second which let me fire away.Pricey but got the job done.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/38131-REG/Norman_810809_400_W_S_Portable_Battery.html
That device is one, that an amateur/hobbyist, would not find affordable. $1550.
Mar 23, 2018 17:23:22 #
I have three strobes that use batteries. I take the batteries out of each of them when they are not in use. I don't use the rechargeables, as they don't develop the same voltage when fully charged as do the non-rechargeables. I've never had any noticeable lag in recycle time. Of course, when there is, a new set of batteries is ready to be used.
--Bob
--Bob
canon Lee wrote:
I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)
Mar 23, 2018 17:27:56 #
I use my old (really old) Sony Walkman with AA batteries. Rechargables have NEVER run a Sony Walkman predictably. Scratch those. In addition, you can't get much music out of regular AA's before the music begins to die away. 
Mar 23, 2018 18:25:54 #
canon Lee wrote:
I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)
Terrified of this situation. Always replace all batteries(cameras and flash) and memory cards just before the ceremony. Full on pit drill!
Any other time during the day I can retake the photo (garter toss and fathers first look notwithstanding).
I have found that once you notice the recycle time getting longer, you only have 5% left...ditch 'em.
Mar 23, 2018 19:00:05 #
canon Lee wrote:
I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)
Yes, I’m sure we’ve all been in those shoes at some time or another.
Of course how long batteries last has to do more with the flash power output than the amount of shots.
Though I don’t carry batteries in my pocket, I would if I were gonna venture away from my supply for a longer while.
If I miss one shot, I change the batteries asap when possible. If I’ve shot a lot of shots and I’m at my pack, I just change them out before they start missing shots. I used to carry an extra card in my pocket but since switching to 64gb cards I’ve just not needed to.
SS
Mar 23, 2018 19:01:30 #
Eneloops (with a spare set or two in your pocket) are my answer. Ni MH batteries such as Eneloops have a lower voltage than regular alkaline batteries, but also a much lower internal resistance which permits higher current and a faster flash recharge (and I’ve never seen one leak and ruin a flash). Sanyo (Eneloops) patented a design which allows their Ni MH rechargeables to retain the majority of their charge over long periods of time (like a year) without recharging.
Mar 23, 2018 19:33:15 #
I have three 580 EX flashes, and have never had a problem with Eneloops, but always carry spare sets.
Mar 23, 2018 22:45:02 #
For your need I think it's best to use rechargeable and replace them as soon as the recycling starts to slow down.
Mar 23, 2018 23:27:14 #
canon Lee wrote:
I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)
I only use Alkaline batteries in a flash in an emergency. Otherwise, I use rechargeable NiMH batteries.
But, if it’s a critical job I use external battery packs. Faster recycle times, more shots.
If you need to get a lot of shots quickly, use high ISO to keep flash power low. Or use a bare bulb flash rather than a speed light. I use Quantum lights, but Godox and Flashpoint have newer and cheaper models available. Unless you want to buy USA.
Mar 23, 2018 23:58:51 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
canon Lee wrote:
I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)
I recharge or replace batteries in accordance with the recommendations given in my flash’s users manuals.
Mar 24, 2018 01:22:13 #
Am I the only one who uses a simple multimeter to determine a battery's status? No need for guessing or usage tracking. Every camera bag should contain a multimeter! (A light-weight, compact model of course.)
Mar 24, 2018 06:27:01 #
canon Lee wrote:
I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)
I use rechargeables for everything. If they no longer take a charge, I throw them away. I think that happened only two, with old NiCads. They seem to last forever.
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