Flash unit (AA Batteries) to External Battery Pack (Page 3): So true. They are also easily backed up by a set of non rechargeables available just about anywhere.

Jackinthebox Loc: travel the world

OddJobber wrote:

Yes there are somethings. But.... they're bulky, expensive and will only work with some flash units.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Battery-Packs/ci/660/N/4168864806

For us mere mortals, I can get hundreds of flashes from a single charge, and only a few seconds to change to a second or third set of AA's which are inexpensive and easily transported.

So true. They are also easily backed up by a set of non rechargeables available just about anywhere.

Jackinthebox Loc: travel the world

OddJobber wrote:

Yes there are somethings. But.... they're bulky, expensive and will only work with some flash units.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Battery-Packs/ci/660/N/4168864806

For us mere mortals, I can get hundreds of flashes from a single charge, and only a few seconds to change to a second or third set of AA's which are inexpensive and easily transported.

So true. They are also easily backed up by a set of non rechargeables available just about anywhere.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

My 560 IV has the port for an external battery pack.

But I have yet to find a need for it.
I did a lot of shots Christmas eve on one set of AA's.
I did get two sets of rechargeable just for it. I can plug in a charger and have a hot set ready if needed.
The external power pack is advertized as for faster recharging of the flash unit. I haven't found a need myself, as mine recharges in 3 seconds.
But one day, out of curiosity, I did some continuous shots and much to my surprise, the flash fired rapid fashion. It was accidental at first.
Anyway, it can be read about HERE.
And the battery pack here.
I was surprised to see they make battery packs for Nikon Speedlights as well. Scroll down.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

You want power?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/897142-REG/bolt_pp_400dr_dual_outlet_power_pack.html

Then you need to add the cables for your flash units.

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

Thank You everyone for the responses...

LundyD43 Loc: Dayton, OH, USA

thom w wrote:

There are rechargeable alkaline batteries that have the same voltage as regular AA batteries. Standard NiCads and NiMh have lower voltage. (4.8v for 4 as opposed to 6v) this makes a difference in some devices. It makes no difference in others. I don't know about your unit.

It's my understanding that rechargeable alkaline batteries are best suited to relatively low drain applications, so they're not well suited to use in flashguns which demand high current. A much better rechargeable battery for photographic flash guns is Eneloop. They were originally made by Sanyo, but have been sold to Panasonic. They hold their charge very well and can provide high current and good recycle times in flash units.

thom w Loc: San Jose, CA

LundyD43 wrote:

It's my understanding that rechargeable alkaline batteries are best suited to relatively low drain applications, so they're not well suited to use in flashguns which demand high current. A much better rechargeable battery for photographic flash guns is Eneloop. They were originally made by Sanyo, but have been sold to Panasonic. They hold their charge very well and can provide high current and good recycle times in flash units.

You could be correct. I know a lot about NiCad and MiMh. All I really know about rechargeable alkalines is that their voltage is the same as alkalines. The voltage of NiCads and NiMhs is lower. This makes a difference in some equipment, especially if it has monitoring circuitry that determines state of charge based on voltage. In other equipment this voltage difference makes no difference, especially since under load the voltages tend to be much closer. All I know about eneloops is that their self discharge rate is supposed to be very low.