CWW Loc: North Jersey

Greetings all, What is your experience with AA re-chargeable batteries in speed lights? I've read the Amazon reviews for EBL and ENELOOP, lots of negative posts. Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would consider Energizer Recharge Universal and or
Duracell Rechargeable

JamesCurran Loc: Trenton ,NJ

ENELOOP like most other Nickle-Metal Hydrate (NiMH) rechargeable batteries are 1.2v, while disposable batteries are 1.5v. That wouldn't be a problem for just one battery, but a speedlight is most likely using four. 4x1.2 = 4.8, while 4x1.5=6, and that makes a difference. After a few flashes, it will start thinking the batteries and weak, and it will take longer to recycle.

I use Piscell Nickle-Zinc (NiZn) batteries. They are 1.6v. Then you can use 4x1.6=6.4, which is a bit high, but shouldn't be a problem.

But what I like to do is 3 NiZn batteries, and 1 NIMH battery for 3x1.6+1.2 = 6.0v. Exactly what the Speedlight wants.

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks!

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks, great info!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have used Enercell and other brands of AA NiMH cells in my SB-800 for over 10 years and never had a problem. Never had a problem with low voltage or slow recycling, but there was a discussion here within the past two weeks where someone with a different flash did seem to have a problem. I'm not sure that we ever saw a full report around whether it was resolved. And some flashes (including the SB-800) have an option to use a fifth cell, which will completely eliminate any voltage problem, since 1.2 x 5 = 6.0 volts. (The option was intended for faster recharge, not specifically for use with rechargeable batteries. I've never found it necessary.) Finding a strategy to charge that 5th battery may be a challenge, though.

I do pay attention to storage capacity...mainstream AA NiMH capacity seems to be around 2500 mAH. I have one set of Enercells that claim to be 3500 mAH, and I've seen some other brands (or non-brands) marked as low as 1500 mAH. I cannot speak for Eneloop cells used in flash units. I've used them extensively in FM wireless microphone transmitters, and they work great in that application. But that is a very constant, non-varying load...no periodic very high current peaks like those created by flash units. I'm sure others will have something to say about them, because they are very popular here.

I suggest that you select a brand that you can readily obtain, preferably with their matching charger, and see how it works. Unlike dedicated camera batteries, these tend to be pretty inexpensive (at least on a relative basis), so you won't have a tremendous amount invested if operation is not optimal. It is extremely unlikely that you are going to cause any damage with your experimentation.

I do know that NiMH cells are very thermally "active." They tend to get warm while charging, and they tend to get warm when discharging under heavy load. Just be aware of that if you are using your flash on a quick cycle basis. Heat from the cells could trip the thermal protection in your flash.

User ID

Use 3 identical batteries, all in equal stares of charge/depletion.

With unequal batteries the weak one istrung to receive a recharge from the stronger ones. This can lead to heat, swelling, leakage etc.

Most times no damage, but it seems you do it all the time ... so your turn in the barrel may come :-( Forget your OCD voltage arithmetic and focus on safety.

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thank you, much appreciatedf!

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks.

User ID

Sorry for typos .... should be 4 identical batteries (not 3) .... and “istrung” means “is trying to” .... (etc etc).

Was typing on a phone in really bright sunshine ...... my bad :-(

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I use Eneloops in everything. They are 1.2V nominal, but my fully charged ones are closer to 1.38 (a regular new alkaline is ~1.6V). Some flashes may give you a low voltage warning (my Canons, Yongnuos and Godoxs do not), but they actually recycle faster because the lower internal resistance of the Eneloops allows a higher charging current, and that is what counts. I wouldn't Use anything else (and they never leak like Alkalines)

User ID

Tru stuff.

One more thing about less build up of internal resistance. Although you might start out with a bit less than ideal voltage, rechargeables tend to suffer no significant drop through most of discharge cycle.

OTOH disposable batteries are steadily dropping as internal resistance builds. So the overall voltage of rechargeables may actually be higher than disposables.

———————————————————

Most “dead” disposables are not actually chemically exhausted. They just have too much internal resistance. Thaz why there are special “rechargers” for disposables. Such “chargers” don’t so much recharge them as rejuvenate them by clearing out the internal blockage to allow fully using up their supply of chemical “fuel”.

tjw47 Loc: Michigan

I have a flash, uses 6 AA batteries. have enloope batteries - never had an issue. mabey it depends on the flash.
Piscell batteries are hard to find.. can you provide a link

JamesCurran Loc: Trenton ,NJ

I apparently misread the label. Sorry about that. It's "PKCell" (Half of the K is a stylized lightning bolt)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W1DASO2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

tjw47 Loc: Michigan

I did see a review on amazon where the capacity rating of the battery is misleading..

Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
I should first start off by explaining that the batteries are labeled in a milli-Watt-hour rating which is deceiving to begin with. Most batteries are rated in milli-Amp-hours. When I first opened the package I put them on my charger to test the amp hour rating. The results are in the picture that is attached. I should also let you know that I have tested other batteries and the numbers appear pretty accurate from my tester. These batteries average around 500 mAh each. That breaks down to about 800 mWh (mWh)/(V) =(mAh), which is nowhere close to 2500 mWh that it's labeled as. I also used two of the batteries in an Xbox One controller just to see how long they would last. They did not last very long at all. I returned the batteries, and I would not recommend them.