What power Eneloops to use in Flashgun?

  • Thread starter Thread starter GHP
  • Start date Start date
GHP

GHP

Messages
1,864
Name
Gary
Edit My Images
Yes
Having read a few threads pulled up by a search regarding best type of batteries for use in a Speed-light flash, it seems the consensus is to go for Eneloops, which I decided to order.
But, when I start looking I find there are several different types, and different powers, 2000Mah, etc etc.
So, which ones to buy? Should I go straight for the 2900 Mah ones, or is there not too much point over the 2000 Mah ones?
Also, would is it possible to use batteries which are too powerful, and damage the speedlite?
Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Gary.
 
GHP said:
Also, would is it possible to use batteries which are too powerful, and damage the speedlite?
Click to expand...

Not really, no, the power rating is a rating of 'power reserves' rather than an actual difference in output. Both 2000mAh and 2900mAh batteries will still put out the same 0 - 1.2v range of voltage, at whatever current the flash draws. The 29000mAh will just do so for longer (and thus have a voltage sufficient to power the flash for longer).

There is a side issue that higher rated batteries can potentially provide more continuous current without (the batteries) overheating, but any normally functioning device designed to run from AAs isn't going to be an issue with that.

Higher power rating is, in theory, always better. That said I don't think there is enough experience on here to rightfully say that the XXs are overall better than the standard eneloops in actual practice, yet. The chances are that they are, though.

I personally use a wide mix of batteries, from 2000mAh eneloops, through 2400mAh uniross, 2500mAh energizer, to 2800mAh Fujimax.

They all work well, although my unirosses are slowly dying off (they are however, the oldest batteries I have, dating back to 2003, and have been recharged many many times), and the fujimax are slightly thicker than the rest and won't fit inside one of my flashguns.
 
Dave1 said:
I don't think a 2900mah Eneloop exists, the majority are 2000mah. Sanyo have just announced a 2500mah but whether the price difference makes up for an extra 500mah is debatable. I suppose if price isn't an issue goe for the highest capacity you can afford.

http://www.eneloop.info/news-archive/news-archive/details-eneloop-news/ad/408.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for that Dave, that's just me getting confused. (Doesn't take much)
Not too bothered about the price, as I may as well get the bigger capacity.
 
NikkiA said:
Not really, no, the power rating is a rating of 'power reserves' rather than an actual difference in output. Both 2000mAh and 2900mAh batteries will still put out the same 0 - 1.2v range of voltage, at whatever current the flash draws. The 29000mAh will just do so for longer (and thus have a voltage sufficient to power the flash for longer).
Click to expand...

Thank you Nicola, that makes it very clear to me.
 
Donnie said:
7 day shop do their own version of 2900mah, got 2 sets last week :-)
Click to expand...

Pretty sure what you have ordered won't be Eneloop technology, I've had some from them (they call them "Good to go" batteries), and the largest they have is 2100mah.
 
I think they may be the ones which confused me. I am after specifically eneloop batteries, but I can't find any at 2900mah, as Dave1 said.
I'm just going for the eneloop xx's. They should do me fine.
 
Dave1 said:
Pretty sure what you have ordered won't be Eneloop technology, I've had some from them (they call them "Good to go" batteries), and the largest they have is 2100mah.
Click to expand...

Vapextech "Instants" come in 2500mah, which is the highest I have seen with that technology. They're good too, although I have never had Eneloops to compare them to. Not bad price at around £6 per set, including case. :thumbs:
 
OutLore said:
Vapextech "Instants" come in 2500mah, which is the highest I have seen with that technology. They're good too, although I have never had Eneloops to compare them to. Not bad price at around £6 per set, including case. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Where are these available please?
 
I generally use standard Eneloops in my flash guns, but if I know I'm going to be using a lot of flash I charge up my 7dayshop 2900mAh batteries the day before and use them.
 
I've been using the 7dayshop 2900Mah and have had no problems with them. I've had them charged 3 months before I've got round to using them and they still last very well. I've taken around 650 shots with a fully charged set wheras a set of Duracell last around 500. I hardly ever use my ring flash but on the times I need it it's worked spot on and that's had the same batteries in for over 6 months so far.
 
Dave1 said:
Pretty sure what you have ordered won't be Eneloop technology, I've had some from them (they call them "Good to go" batteries), and the largest they have is 2100mah.
Click to expand...

You're correct ... not Eneloop technology but pretty darned close. I've got a dozen of the 2100mAh ones and they are indestinguishable from the Eneloops in use (except for the obvious colour difference) :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top