Needing Eneloop battery info: My Duracell AA rechargeable batteries are just not holding their charge anymore. I have read that Eneloop batteries are preferred. Is the black 'Pro'...

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

My Duracell AA rechargeable batteries are just not holding their charge anymore. I have read that Eneloop batteries are preferred. Is the black 'Pro' version worth the extra cost? Who has the best price online?
https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/battery/eneloop/technologies.html

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

I have always purchased mine from B&H. My wife is the assistant to the manager of Williams Auditorium at Ferris State University and has turned the Manager on to them for use in their remote microphones.

To answer your question directly, I have and would purchase from B&H.

Haydon

Nikonian72 wrote:

My Duracell AA rechargeable batteries are just not holding their charge anymore. I have read that Eneloop batteries are preferred. Is 'Pro' worth the extra cost? Who has the best price online?
https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/battery/eneloop/technologies.html

If you're referring to the black eneloops, they are significantly pricier than the white ones, last a little longer per use but do not have the same recharge life expectancy. I believe the black ones offer 500 recharges while the white boast 1500. I have several sets of both but use the black ones primarily for flash work since they are 2,550 mAh vs 2000 mAh. The pros also refresh quicker.

Here's a short demonstration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmG_jKVbUa8

As far as price, that depends on the vendor and the time of year. You have to shop around. I've seen better prices on Amazon sometimes while B&H have sometimes taken the cup.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Looks like the "pro" yields about 500 more milliamp-hours per cell (more power), but the number of life charge cycles is less per cell. (approx 2500Mah with 500 recharges vs. 2000Mah with 2100 recharges.) Do you need the extra power?
Edit - I type too slow... Someone already posted the difference.

Haydon

Longshadow wrote:

Looks like the "pro" yields about 500 more milliamp-hours per cell (more power), but the number of life charge cycles is less per cell. (approx 2500Mah with 500 recharges vs. 2000Mah with 2100 recharges.) Do you need the extra power?
Edit - I type to slow... Someone already posted the difference.

You type fine Longshadow....thanks for your contribution.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I usually buy mine on Amazon and are the only brand of rechargeable I have used for seven or more years. I have tried two or three other brands and they were a waste of money.

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

Nikonian72 wrote:

My Duracell AA rechargeable batteries are just not holding their charge anymore. I have read that Eneloop batteries are preferred. Is 'Pro' worth the extra cost? Who has the best price online?
https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/battery/eneloop/technologies.html

The Pros are better for use in your flash, recycle time is quicker and they last a little longer. That being said, I have tried out the Amazon branded ones, seem to last just as long and have as much power. I use the white ones (lower power) for tv remotes, fireplace remotes, computer mouse and telephones. The black ones for my flashes and triggers.

I have both Eneloops and the Amazon ones and all have been giving great service, all still going strong after two years.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

As a field macro-photographer, I am more interested in quick recharge time of my speedlight, than number of flashes per charge. I will probably buy eight (8) batteries so I will carry a fully charged second set.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I use the Panasonic Pro version both in my flash and the high voltage power pack I use with the flash.
Bought mine at Best buy and paid extra to have them in hand immediately.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I've been using the white ones shorty after I started using a flash for macro, have not wore out the first set yet..They also hold a charge forever when stored. Hint, get the Smart Charger that comes with the batteries. You can discharge then recharge your batteries.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Haydon wrote:

If you're referring to the black eneloops, they ar... (show quote)

I do have both of them ( actually the black ones are kind of speckled), but I did not ever noticed any price difference between the two!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

martinfisherphoto wrote:

I've been using the white ones shorty after I started using a flash for macro, have not wore out the first set yet..They also hold a charge forever when stored. Hint, get the Smart Charger that comes with the batteries. You can discharge then recharge your batteries.

Actually I disposed of the charger that comes with the batteries and got myself a smart charger instead ( works a lot better)!

Bill_de Loc: US

speters wrote:

Actually I disposed of the charger that comes with the batteries and got myself a smart charger instead ( works a lot better)!

Better how?

The ones that come with the batteries will charge 1 to 4 batteries and shut off each one when fully charged.

--

Haydon

Bill_de wrote:

Better how?

The ones that come with the batteries will charge 1 to 4 batteries and shut off each one when fully charged.

--

Smart chargers tend to charge similar to a bell curve in effect and taper off as it nears 100%. Reports suggest this give the battery a better chance in longevity.

I use a pair of these.

La Crosse Technology BC700-CBP Battery Charger

At the time they seemed to be the best value/performance.

Bill_de Loc: US

Haydon wrote:

Smart chargers tend to charge similar to a bell curve in effect and taper off as it nears 100%. Reports suggest this give the battery a better chance in longevity.

I use a pair of these.

La Crosse Technology BC700-CBP Battery Charger

At the time they seemed to be the best value/performance.

Thanks for the prompt reply. From what you say it is nothing I as a consumer could point to.