I have used Duracell rechargables since my original Kodaks stopped holding their charge. That's six years ago and I am happy to report that they still work like new. No experience with other brands.
I accidentally discovered eneloops after trying all kinds of other brands. It was love at first sight. After I discovered what they can do I bought two dozen and I've lived happily ever after. They are the best batteries I've ever owned. They hold a charge for a very long time, they hold more charge than other batteries, and they are highly reliable.
I tried to get Eneloops at Costco recently, but there were none. I checked at the customer service desk and was told that they were not in stock at the store any longer. They suggested that I try their website and I did...they are no longer carried at Costco! I got some at Amazon.
I used to use Eneloops in my flash when I was shooting weddings, but I also used an external battery pack (first Quantum and then Bolt) and never worried about losing power. I preferred the Bolt because of the low weight and carried an extra battery with it, but never had to use it.
Fabulous1too wrote:
Caught between these 2 brands of "AA" rechargeables for my dedicated flash. I'm using Eneloop as of now but their life seems to be under 2 years. When I was at an event, my Eneloops died after about an hour of shooting, maybe 100 clicks, I could tell it was dying because the recycle time was dragging, between 15 seconds to maybe a minute in between. The photographer I was with had an extra 4 Duracell {with the green tops} rechargeables he loaned to me and they worked for the next 4 hours with a very quick and responsive recycle time, maybe 2 seconds! What do you recommend, if not these, then what? Thanks Hogs, I really dig all your opinions.
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I haven't had a NiMH battery failure yet, and I've been using them for years. Maybe it's because I have so many, and each individual battery doesn't get much use. I use them in everything that uses a battery. It could be that the charger you are using makes a difference. I have this LaCrosse charger, and it lets me charge one or three batteries, if necessary.
As far as "Leaking" is concerned, I was advised by the manufacturer of my Speedlight Flash unit to always remove the AA Batteries, when Flash is inactive. This is more work, in and out every time I occasionally use my Flash unit.
Duracell are often " Fakes " in the UK...........be careful where you get them from
" Cheap " can be very expensive !
I have been using Eneloops for years (AA & AAA). I have a bunch of the original Sanyo, as well as a bunch of the newer ones made by Panasonic. I use them in everything. Their biggest advantage over anything else is how much of a charge they will hold just sitting on the shelf — gone are the days of spending 24 hours charging batteries right before heading out the door — I charge them as they are changed out, and keep charged ones on the shelf. Performance is better than anything else I have used, though I did have some old Sunpacks that would last a little longer if I took them hot off the charger and ran them non-stop... The ONLY reason I keep a couple packs of Alkaline batteries in my bag is to give away when someone else comes up dry!
I have nothing but good things to say about eneloop rechargeable batteries, period. Duracells, not so good.
Fabulous1too wrote:
Caught between these 2 brands of "AA" rechargeables for my dedicated flash. I'm using Eneloop as of now but their life seems to be under 2 years. When I was at an event, my Eneloops died after about an hour of shooting, maybe 100 clicks, I could tell it was dying because the recycle time was dragging, between 15 seconds to maybe a minute in between. The photographer I was with had an extra 4 Duracell {with the green tops} rechargeables he loaned to me and they worked for the next 4 hours with a very quick and responsive recycle time, maybe 2 seconds! What do you recommend, if not these, then what? Thanks Hogs, I really dig all your opinions.
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The time tested Eneloops have an excellent reputation. Especially the 2000 MaH ones. There are other brands that have a higher MaH rating, but don't hold a charge as long as the 2000 MaH. The key is to buy many of them. At least 8 minimum. I now have12 AA Eneloops. Because I have other gadgets that use them. Also, it is a good idea to have alkaline batteries on hand. For any loss of power, due to storms, floods, etc. Eneloop rechargeable batteries were previously owned by Sanyo. Panasonic owns it now. And they last longer under a slow charge, rather than a rapid charge.
MichaelH wrote:
Last time I checked Eneloops had three varieties. A low power version, the middle power version and one high power version. The middle power version (1900mAh/2000mAh) advertises 2000 recharges at about $2.50 each battery and the high power version (2550mAh) advertises only 500 recharges and is almost $4.00 each. At that price differential I would buy twice as many of the 1900mAh batteries for roughly the same price and get almost 4 times the recharges. The Eneloop recharger also is able to charge one battery at a time where the Duracell recharger I have used at work required two at a time to recharge.
Some knowledgeable sources recommend a "smart recharger" that can discharge the battery before recharging it and will do the charging at a fast or slow (preferred) rate to extend the useful life of the batteries. These "special" rechargers run about $30 for a four bay and more for an eight bay or larger.
Last time I checked Eneloops had three varieties. ... (
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The real difference between the mid version and the high or eneloop pro is the recycle time and shelf life. Yes they only recharge 500 times but the recycle time is at least twice as fast as the regular eneloops. In a flash recycle time is important. I don’t remember what the charged shelf life is but I think they will keep up to an 80% charge for more than a year. I use the Pro in all my flashes. If you recharge them say once a week on average they will last 10 years. Or at twice a week 5 years. The recycle time is well worth the trade off of recharges. So I use the pro’s in the flashes and regular in anything else that does not need a fast recycle like the trigger. I have been experimenting with the Amazon basics and have had good luck so far. Some people say they are rebranded eneloops. I don’t know if that is true or not but they are a very good price.
Is there any way to test the life expectancy or health of Eneloop batteries?
I use both Eneloop and the green top Duracells and have had no problems for years. I top up the cells after each use before storage. Not sure why you're only getting approx. 2 yrs of life but your mileage may vary based on usage vs the # of recharge cycles left vs your charging habits. I would say use either brand with a good smart charger...they do make a difference! I just bought a Eneloop multipack with charger at Costco last week to spread my usage. Hope info from other hoggers may prove useful to you.
rehess wrote:
There have been complaints here about Duracells leaking - but I haven't had any trouble like that.
I have had battery leakage with two Duracell brands. A regular brand Duracell ruined a Maglite flashlight. I sent a photo of the damage to Duracell, and reimbursed me for it.
A Duracell Procell ruined a small lamp. Fortunately, none of my photo gear was affected. There is clearly a manufacturing quality control problem, and I don't use their products anymore. Would be very interested to hear from others who have had these problems with Duracell.
<< Please don't bother writing if you HAVEN'T had problems. I get it that not every one of the gazillion Duracell batteries is faulty.>> Alan
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