Batteries for Flash

[tom_cairns]

I have a Sigma flash that's a clone for the Canon speedlight. It

calls for AA batteries and most people I've read recommend NiMH

batteries. Are all NiMH batteries created equal? I paid $20 for 4 of

them at Radio Shcak and notice that Amazon has the Lexmar version

for $24 for a box of 24 batteries.

[steve_dunn2]

<p>They're not all equal. They have ratings in mAh (milliamp-hours). The higher the rating, the more energy you can store in them (so you'll get more flashes per charge).</p>

 

<p>I wouldn't be surprised if you could find better deals than at Radio Shack, but $1 each for NiMH AAs sounds too good to be true.</p>

[tom_cairns]

Thanks. I found some reviews that tuoted Energizer and Powerex batteries that go for about $11-$12 per 4 which makes more sense.

[derek_c.]

<a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM">READ THIS</a>

Not all batteries are created equal.<br>

Personally, I would never buy Radio Shack brand.

[derek_c.]

Do-oh! I guess you've already read it... :)

[tom_cairns]

Wal-Mart has the recommended Energizer 2500 for $10 per 4-pack. Also has a nice molded plastic case so you can stash spares in your camera bag. Seems like the right choice.

[roger krueger]

I'd recommend NiCDs over NiMHs for this one appllication. NiCDs have a considerably

higher maximum current, and can thus charge a flash faster. Also, NiMHs give nowhere

near their rated capacity when used in extreme current applications like a flash, so the

capacity gap isn't nearly as big as the specs would make you think.

 

A decent charger probably makes more difference in the performance of your rechargables

than brand differences.

[derek_c.]

I would LOVE to see anybody seconds what Roger just said.

[roger krueger]

<i>They're not all equal. They have ratings in mAh (milliamp-hours). The higher the

rating, the more energy you can store in them (so you'll get more flashes per charge).

</i><br><br>

The higher the rating the more fragile they are internally as well, and thus more likely to

fail permanently early in their life from the extreme current abuse a flash dishes out. High

capacity also generally means greater internal resistance, and thus lower max current

draw.

[mike_elek]

I haven't had any problems with any RadioShack rechargeables since the early 1980s, beginning with NiCADs and extending to their NiMH cells.

[Jochen_S]

I myself have a rather good charger (Ansmann) with single slot delta peak charging. I've been dissapointed by pricy branded battery packs when one cell died too early. Now I use nonames but sort defective ones out. NiCds aren't wrong; at least they last longer (- more cycles) and self discharge is less important than with NiMhs, as far as I remember.