Recharegeable batteries

helen_s

helen_s

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Helen
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Does anyone have any advice on the best place to get batteries and chargers for speedlites?
Any particular makes that you recommend?

Thanks!
Helen
 
7dayshop have their "ready to go" batteries and a good 30 minute charger :-). I have been using them for a few months very happy.
 
Not sure where is the best place to get but have use batteries like eneloop or similiar. As for charger, I've got the maha c9000 but I think it's a bit overkill for normal use.
Perhaps check out the 7dayshop for some deals?
 
I use the most powerful ones from 7dayshop. Best not to use chargers quicker than an hour if you want them to last though.
 
I just use NiMh ones from a local supplier, think they are chinese but good quality. Have also used duracell ones and they are fine but cost more. I use duracell chargers that take about 4 hours to recharge so they last longer but keep a quick 15 minute charger on hand in case of emergencies.
 
Thank You!!
I thought I had heard 7 day shop recommended before but couldn't remember for sure and couldn't find any threads.
H x
 
I also use 7dayshop, I get the highest rated ones in the shop and as Dean said don't go for a super fast charger if you want them to last.
 
Either go for 7dayshop "good to go" these after charging, and will hold their charge for a fair while

Or go for their higher capacity 2800 (?) versions...

OR as many others have had - the Sanyo Eneloops....

I have the good to go ones, and am very happy with them :)
 
Guys,

My boss wants me to move from throwaways (Duracell) to rechargeables in order to save money.

What criteria do i need to consider? Duracells are 1500ma so are the Eneloops better from one charge? Also, bear in mind I'll usually have 10 batteries (2x SB-800s) on the go so I'll need a minimum of 20 batteries - what price am I looking at? Also, can you get AA chargers that'll do, say, 5-8 batteries at once? Just don't want to be charging continuously.... :)
 
specialman said:
Guys,

My boss wants me to move from throwaways (Duracell) to rechargeables in order to save money.

What criteria do i need to consider? Duracells are 1500ma so are the Eneloops better from one charge? Also, bear in mind I'll usually have 10 batteries (2x SB-800s) on the go so I'll need a minimum of 20 batteries - what price am I looking at? Also, can you get AA chargerthat'll do, say, 5-8 batteries at once? Just don't want to be charging continuously.... :)
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You can get chargers that do 10 batteries at once and 2 of those would make life easier. 2xSB800s is 8 batteries isn't it? I use external packs, 8 batteries in the pack and 4 in the SB900s, I spend about 4 AUD per battery and try to have enough spares to never need to recharge on a job. Have you considered something like a quantum power pack, not cheap but goes forever and recycle time on flash is very fast. I use the quantum turbo 3 and that will run 2 x speedlights all day. Bonus is it will also power the camera if you need to.
 
Another vote for eneloops. Not the cheapest of the highest nominal capacity, but very reliable.
 
+1 on Eneloops. More expensive than most but you get what you pay for!
 
specialman said:
Guys,

My boss wants me to move from throwaways (Duracell) to rechargeables in order to save money.

What criteria do i need to consider? Duracells are 1500ma so are the Eneloops better from one charge? Also, bear in mind I'll usually have 10 batteries (2x SB-800s) on the go so I'll need a minimum of 20 batteries - what price am I looking at? Also, can you get AA chargers that'll do, say, 5-8 batteries at once? Just don't want to be charging continuously.... :)
Click to expand...

As already mentioned, 7 Day Shop 'Good To Go' (Eneloop stype batteries) - they are 2100mAh, and the price drops (a little) when you buy in bulk.
For 20, that is 5 packs of 4, £4.19 per pack - so you'll save over Duracell on the 2nd or 3rd charge...
 
lensflair said:
You can get chargers that do 10 batteries at once and 2 of those would make life easier. 2xSB800s is 8 batteries isn't it? I use external packs, 8 batteries in the pack and 4 in the SB900s, I spend about 4 AUD per battery and try to have enough spares to never need to recharge on a job. Have you considered something like a quantum power pack, not cheap but goes forever and recycle time on flash is very fast. I use the quantum turbo 3 and that will run 2 x speedlights all day. Bonus is it will also power the camera if you need to.
Click to expand...

I have the additional '5th battery' on both my SB-800s to speed up recycling time - anything to help things moving :)

Any pointers as to brand for the chargers?

I've heard about them but never actually looked deeply into the Quantums. Have heard good things about them though. I take it they're a step further on from the SD-9 pack and work on the principle that they can directly supply more power than a set of AAs ever could for a prolonged period? I like the sound of a pack that can feed two speedlights but there will obviously be a trade-off to how far you can position the Speedlights away from the pack using cable?....

Faldrax said:
As already mentioned, 7 Day Shop 'Good To Go' (Eneloop stype batteries) - they are 2100mAh, and the price drops (a little) when you buy in bulk.
For 20, that is 5 packs of 4, £4.19 per pack - so you'll save over Duracell on the 2nd or 3rd charge...
Click to expand...

I'll have a look at those from 7DS - at that price they sound like a miles better investment that standard throwaways, even if they only last six months they'll be a darn sight cheaper. :thumbs:
 
specialman said:
I have the additional '5th battery' on both my SB-800s to speed up recycling time - anything to help things moving :)

Any pointers as to brand for the chargers?

I've heard about them but never actually looked deeply into the Quantums. Have heard good things about them though. I take it they're a step further on from the SD-9 pack and work on the principle that they can directly supply more power than a set of AAs ever could for a prolonged period? I like the sound of a pack that can feed two speedlights but there will obviously be a trade-off to how far you can position the Speedlights away from the pack using cable?....

I'll have a look at those from 7DS - at that price they sound like a miles better investment that standard throwaways, even if they only last six months they'll be a darn sight cheaper. :thumbs:
Click to expand...



Yeah the quantums plug into the flash like the sd-9, but they are a sealed unit with very large capacity. Powering 2 speedlights your restricted by cables, that's why I also use the smaller nikon packs. There are smaller quantums available though and they very dependable units.

As for chargers I use duracell chargers for my AAs but they only do 4 at a time. They take a couple of hours to charge, I keep a 15 minute charger with me but just for emergencies because I think it wears them out quicker.
 
paul williams said:
No experience of their AA's, but for my 9v cells I've moved to Vapextech who give free UK delivery. ...

Paul
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I used to fly model aircraft and that involves a lot of rechargeables. Vapextechs were getting a very good reputation.
 
Are you planning on leaving your batteries charged, or just charging before your shoot?

I use hybrios/eneloops (both work well) for most uses, but mainly as the spare batteries that stay in my camera bag, but when I know I will be using my flash gun I go for the 2800mAh batteries for better performance.

Pat - I can lend you a set of each if you want to try.
 
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