How long to keep using AA batteries in flash (Page 2): When a flash takes so long to recycle the batteries need replacement. I am sure you are a good and experienced wedding...

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

When a flash takes so long to recycle the batteries need replacement. I am sure you are a good and experienced wedding photographer and you know you have to test your gear before an event like that. The least that you could have done was to have replacement batteries or better yet, noticing the long recycling time PRIOR to the wedding to dispose of the old batteries and start with a set of fresh ones.
Forgive me if I sound rude because that is not my intention. If that had been the only flash you had you would have been in trouble.
A wedding is an important day in the life of the couple but you know that. I bet that will not happen again.

mrtaxi Loc: Old Westbury NY, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Eneloops, they do not leak and I find that the cycle time is exactly the same as alkaline. I also have s power pack that takes 8 AA batteries that I load with the Eneloops. I recharge the Eneloops prior to any important event, and I keep a spare set or two. I have ruined too many expensive products with leaky alkaline batteries.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

canon Lee wrote:

I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)

If you are like me and flash is not a major use item then I use the AA batteries until they take longer than I wish to wait then I pitch them. I have the 580EX also and with new batteries can keep up with the 7D as fast as I can take photos. So I guess it is up to the user as to what is cost effective to them.

Clapperboard

I use Eneloop batteries in all my flash units. Using Yongnuo flashes at fashion parade shoots I can shoot repeatedly without any waiting for the flash to recharge. When really 'hammering' the flash it will warm up. I keep another/others ready to substitute before the flash refuses to operate. When the unit has cooled it is ready for further use. I have had situations where three models were striding out simultaneously and I can get shots of all three, and each individual model. Because Eneloop batteries hold up their voltage better when 'hammered' it takes a lot longer for the flash unit to overheat. In fact with other makes of batteries it would be quite likely the flash unit would be damaged by the batteries overheating.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Lee....For weddings, have you considered getting an over the shoulder battery pack? One of those should def. give you enough battery life and recycling power.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

rook2c4 wrote:

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.)

I use one and carry it in my bag.
I have a "pile" of semi-used batteries for reuse.
If shooting a wedding, I buy 48 freshies and at the end of the day dump them back in the pile to be used for non-time sensitive use (pics of the fam with birthday cake etc.)

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I use Eneloops in all my Speedlites and radio transmitter. I probably have about 3 dozen total. I also use the Canon battery pack which holds 8 AA batteries and speeds recycling time. It can be slipped in your pocket or hung on a stand near the Speedlite. It is not inexpensive but there are less expensive aftermarket brands which are similar too.

TriX wrote:

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.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Another Eneloop user here...Always carry spares. Never had one leak like alkalines either.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

When I was shooting weddings, I found that an external battery pack was essential! I started with a Quantum Turbo and never worried about battery failure. I eventually replaced the Turbo with a Bolt external battery pack and a spare "battery", much lighter and dependable and it never even got to half-charge after a full day of shooting.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

When I did weddings (long ago), I had a potato masher (Honeywell Strobonar 880) with a fresh 510 volt battery pack...

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

TriX wrote:

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.

I use them as well. They seem far superior to previous rechargeables.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

canon Lee wrote:

I would like to know about "recycle" tim... (show quote)

I quit using alkaline batteries long ago. Weddings taught me that lesson. I now use rechargeable Eneloops. They work VERY well.

KK

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

I've been using rechargeable batteries for years. The odd one fails via high impedance. The issue might be your charger. I use a Powerex that I've had for several years. It was about $70 back then. The charger has several programs in addition to straight charging. It 're-tempers' charging by a programmed discharge and recharge to 'restore old batteries.

[Added] The charger warns you if a battery has failed.

Most inexpensive chargers only charge batteries up to the level of the lowest charge any of the batteries can accept. This one charges all batteries up to the maximum capacity of each battery and does a fairly decent remedial charging to improve the charging ability. You might want to look into Powerex or something similar. I've seen them recently at Memory Express, so, I still know the company is operating. I have, maybe, 50 rechargeables in AA and AAA.

Dik

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

Kiron Kid wrote:

I now use rechargeable Eneloops. They work VERY well. KK

I've got a bunch of them, they work very well... Also use Panasonic telephone AAs; they are also very good.

Dik

CaptainEd

Has anyone tried Amazon Basics rechargables? 2400mah, made in Japan (where eneloops are made). 18.99 for an 8 pack, 24.99 for 16 (no charger)