Another Flash Question........batteries.

[NateNLogansDad]

Is it wise to use rechargeable batteries for an external flash or does it make a difference?

Any suggestions on battery type?

[Gianna'sPapa]

According to my Sigma owners manual, both alkaline, Ni-Cad, and Ni-MH can be used but the Ni-Cad and Ni-MH have a shorter life span, therefore they recommend alkaline.

[GrillMouster]

My flash units devour batteries. Using disposables would be too expensive, so I (and everyone I know) uses rechargeables. Charge them up right before you use them.

[NateNLogansDad]

Any rough idea on how many pictures you'd get on a full charge of 4 AA's?

Rechargeables of course

[Gianna'sPapa]

I have used both and never actually kept count. The recycle time is faster with the Ni-Cad and Ni-MH. As soon as the recycle time starts to slow down, I change them out. When I use the rechargeables I keep some alkalines in my bag as backup. I just don't want to miss THE shot.

[JoeDif]

I get good results as far as recycle time and battery life with the Sanyo Enloops. They may be a tad bit more expensive but that's all I've been using for the last few months.

[GrillMouster]

I have used both and never actually kept count. The recycle time is faster with the Ni-Cad and Ni-MH. As soon as the recycle time starts to slow down, I change them out. When I use the rechargeables I keep some alkalines in my bag as backup. I just don't want to miss THE shot.

Ditto.

[MICKEY88]

I used to use rechargeables in my flashes, until I discovered that when shooting models and doing semi rapid shooting , the batteries got extremely hot, and I actually killed a flash that way

[Gianna'sPapa]

I checked the owners manual for the Sigma and it states with alkalines you should get about 220 flashes and with rechargeables about 100. I knew there was a reason I primarily use alkaline!:rotfl2:

[Bstanley]

Alkaline AA cells have roughly 3 times the capacity of a standard AA NiCd and about 2 times the capacity of a standard AA NiMH.

There are high capacity NiMH AA cells that have nearly the same capacity as a Alkaline (4 watt hours), but you will pay a premium for them.

Some issues - NiMH and NiCd batteries are capable of delivering more current (milli-amperes) to a device than Alkaline, which might damage a poorly designed device. And as mentioned they can deliver a lot of pulses in a hurry - to the point where the battery itself might get hot and the heat might damage a device, or the sheer number of pulses in a short time might damage the device.

So if you use rechargables be aware.

[gruZ]

Here's some good information from the Godfather of Flash, David Hobby (aka Strobist (http://www.strobist.com)):

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09/feed.html