achammar Loc: Idaho

Ok, I decided to do the deed and actually read my SB600 speed flash manual.
I came across this battery chart. It appears that my speed flash will recycle at different speeds depending on the type of battery I use...news to me...I currently always put new Alkaline batteries in before every shoot, thinking they are the best you can get (other than Lithium), but it looks like the alkaline have almost the slowest recycle time except for Lithium which is even slower (the 2 I thought were the best). Alkaline's are actually a second slower than Nickel or Ni-MH. That's a big difference for me. I could use that faster time in many situations, and the minimum number of flashes is not that much different. (which surprises me a great deal).

So I want to make sure I am understanding this right. I always thought Alkaline were much better than Nickel, NiCd, and Ni-MH, (with Lithium being even better) but according to this chart, they are the worst 2 for recycle times and very little difference in minimum number of flashes (except for the NiCd being a lot lower and the Lithium being a lot higher).
So according to this chart, if I want the fastest recycle time possible, then I need to get either Nickel, or NI-MH...with Ni-MH being the preferred because of it's higher min. number of flashes and decreased cycle time in column 3.
Is that correct? Am I reading this right? This just surprises me a lot! If I can gain 1 second in recycle time, that would be good for me...

Any comments or experiences with different battery types for their flash units, or knowledge of disadvantages if I were to switch to Nickel or Ni-MH?


Thanks!
achammar

Battery chart

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Thanks for posting!

CSI Dave Loc: Arizona

I also thought that alkalines would give the fastest cycle time. However, I just recently got some of the Sanyo eneloop NiMH 2000mA batteries based on all of the attention they've gotten lately. I put them in my SB600 and was surprised how quick they recycled. Now I know why!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I use them. They are great and stay charged for a long time.

achammar Loc: Idaho

Thanks...that's 2 up for NiMH

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

Check out the newer technology Lithium-Ion batteries (rechargeable with the right charger).

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

I take alkalines along as "insurance", but I use a Quantum Turbo battery for my 580 EX and 580 EX II. What's a recycle time? Seriously, in a mostly dark room shooting at full power, the recycle time is way less than 1 second.

achammar Loc: Idaho

Do yo know if this is this a NiMH battery?

jimmiracer Loc: Rancho Dominguez, CA

I have found the BEST (AA) Ni-Mh to be "eneloop" made by Sanyo as they hold there charge (after sitting sometime). I would try Amazon as they usually carry these. I have tested eneloop with volt meter and the charge is still there after sitting on shelf.

jimmiracer Loc: Rancho Dominguez, CA

I have an older Quantum battery "pack" and it contains lead-acid gel cells that can be replaced (need soldering iron).

achammar Loc: Idaho

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to invest in some NiMh batteries, possibly eneloop since I've seen that twice here so far...

Thanks!
achammar

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... you need rechargeable batteries ....

The eneloop uses a new technology that doesn't drain much while stored.The new Version Sanyo Eneloop Low Discharge AA Batteries are 2000 mAh.

However, there are batteries that hold more like the Delkin Rechargeable Batteries at 2900 mAh.

So if you want more power for a planed shoot 2900 is better than 2000, that's 1/3 more.

Nickle-Zinc is a new option too, has a higher voltage output which I understand is good for a flash gun but they use a special dedicated charger for these Nickle-Zinc batteries, which is unusable with other types of re-chargeable batteries.

http://gizmodo.com/5111137/nickel+zinc-rechargeable-batteries-to-seriously-challenge-one-and-dones

You can find quite a few options here.

http://www.thomasdistributing.com/AA-Rechargeable-Batteries_c_678.html

And if you want information about batteries or charging look here

http://batteryuniversity.com/

achammar Loc: Idaho

Thanks for all that Wabbit! There are a lot of choices on that one link...you just made my decision much harder..lol... I do realize that 2900 mah will last longer than 2000, but I need to do my homework and make sure it will also recycle my flash just as fast. It's not so much the voltage or the mah, but the speed at which the battery can output it's current will be a deciding factor in that I assume. I will have to study a little bit. Thanks for those links!

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

If I remember correctly a few members here have the new Nickle-Zinc, use them in their flash guns, and they're happy with them.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

Sorry, they're not available in AA size.
My mistake.