Well, I've searched the forums here for info, but the technology on batteries and chargers seems to be changing quite a bit lately. I need to get a good quick charger and 40 or so rechargeable batteries. Primarily AA and AAA bateries will be used. Can anyone give me their expert opinion on what is working the best for them? Also, can anyone recommend a good small battery power tester? I have a larger one that is too large to pack for travel.
Thanks in advance!
Posted by Andrew Yip on December 17, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Recently I've been using the Sanyo Eneloop batteries. What I like about them is that they have a newer "hybrid" chemistry and are able to retain 80-90% of their charge even when stored for long periods, whereas most rechargables will lose their charge quite quickly. So I find them useful for infrequently used gear and also for household items like remote controls. I believe other manufacturers have some similar batteries on the market.
Posted by Kent Staubus on December 17, 2008 at 1:01 AM
Well well. You happened to find the right guy. I have something like 12 sets of four (48 batteries) that I use in my 10 Nikon SB-28 flash, and often in my 6 CyberSync triggers. I take photos at night using up to 14 lights. I use all Kodak NiMH batteries as they are very reasonable at the Walmart photo dept. They also are the best performing batteries I've found anywhere. They have worked reliably for me at 28 below zero. I photo trains at night, in the Dakotas and Minnesota. I keep my batteries together as a team. Each SB flash takes four batteries, and I marked each battery with a permanent black marker so I know what team they are on. I marked them "A-A-A-A", "B-B-B-B", "C-C-C-C".... (see a pattern here?) I charge the batteries as a team, use them in the same flash as a team, and will eventually toss them when they quit working as a team. This is an important part of battery management, I think.
For a charger I'm using an 8-slot MaHa charger, using the "soft charge" cycle. It charges eight batteries in about two & half hours. It also has a reconditioning mode that completely drains the batteries, then recharges them slowly. This mode works well but takes a couple of days. Always use a SLOW charger like this. The one hour etc. charges will fry your batteries. Another good charger is the LaCrosse (I think it is.) Both of these brands are "smart" chargers in that they charge each battery individually, making sure each is fully charged. They are also fairly small and portable. I bought the deluxe Maha, MH-C801. It is WELL worth the money as I think it has saved me from having to replace batteries prematurely. http://tinyurl.com/5kvs65 http://rechargeablebatteryinfo.com/la-crosse-bc-900-battery-charger-info.php
I looked at both before I bought, and got the MaHa. I've been very happy.
I use a LOT of batteries. I use them in the Dakota winters where they sit out in the cold nights for several hours at a time. When the train comes, I only get ONE shot. The flash & triggers better go off! I am very demanding of batteries since I'm out in the below zero cold and snow. A couple of tips are like I said, mark the batteries and use them as team. Also, NiMH batteries don't like to be dropped. It screws them up sometimes. Get yourself a MaHa charger and a big box full of Kodak batteries and you will be happy. The green kodak batteries are 2700mah and the white ones are the low self discharge type 2100 mah. I've tried these and the Eneloop batteries side by side out in the field, and the Kodaks were better. They are much less $$ too! While the white ones stay charged for 12 months when left on a shelf, I wanted the higher power rating of the green ones. I recharge once a week when I'm doing a lot of night shots. The Kodaks have been PERFECT! And, they are well priced. If I need more, they are available at any Walmart. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/3108212028_433c80f41a_o.jpg
Of course! How could I not think of just asking the "Train Guy" I'm always amazed at what you're doing with flash. Thanks for the help Kent!
Posted by Jim DeWitt on December 17, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Charlie -
If your question goes to using solar chargers for photo batteries, let me know. I field-tested some gear earlier this year and have some data. A couple of guys here in Fairbanks are doing some cold-weather testing of batteries this winter; I'm looking forward to the results. Not that it's an important topic to a guy in San Diego...
Discussion
4 repliesThanks in advance!
For a charger I'm using an 8-slot MaHa charger, using the "soft charge" cycle. It charges eight batteries in about two & half hours. It also has a reconditioning mode that completely drains the batteries, then recharges them slowly. This mode works well but takes a couple of days. Always use a SLOW charger like this. The one hour etc. charges will fry your batteries. Another good charger is the LaCrosse (I think it is.) Both of these brands are "smart" chargers in that they charge each battery individually, making sure each is fully charged. They are also fairly small and portable. I bought the deluxe Maha, MH-C801. It is WELL worth the money as I think it has saved me from having to replace batteries prematurely.
http://tinyurl.com/5kvs65
http://rechargeablebatteryinfo.com/la-crosse-bc-900-battery-charger-info.php
I looked at both before I bought, and got the MaHa. I've been very happy.
I use a LOT of batteries. I use them in the Dakota winters where they sit out in the cold nights for several hours at a time. When the train comes, I only get ONE shot. The flash & triggers better go off! I am very demanding of batteries since I'm out in the below zero cold and snow. A couple of tips are like I said, mark the batteries and use them as team. Also, NiMH batteries don't like to be dropped. It screws them up sometimes. Get yourself a MaHa charger and a big box full of Kodak batteries and you will be happy. The green kodak batteries are 2700mah and the white ones are the low self discharge type 2100 mah. I've tried these and the Eneloop batteries side by side out in the field, and the Kodaks were better. They are much less $$ too! While the white ones stay charged for 12 months when left on a shelf, I wanted the higher power rating of the green ones. I recharge once a week when I'm doing a lot of night shots. The Kodaks have been PERFECT! And, they are well priced. If I need more, they are available at any Walmart.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/3108212028_433c80f41a_o.jpg
Kent in SD
If your question goes to using solar chargers for photo batteries, let me know. I field-tested some gear earlier this year and have some data. A couple of guys here in Fairbanks are doing some cold-weather testing of batteries this winter; I'm looking forward to the results. Not that it's an important topic to a guy in San Diego...