Are Eneloops still the battery to have for flashes?

[Shutterbug]

I am about to buy a set of rechargeable AA's for my 430EX II. I have heard about the Eneloops before but I was wondering are they still "the battery to have"?

 

[Pixel Dust]

Yes, they are still the batteries to have. Avoid the Energizer Lithiums.

Here's a very recent review
http://www.slrlounge.com/the-best-aa-battery-for-flash-the-ultimate-practical-review-of-aa-batteries-for-photography

 

[SrisonS]

I've been using Eneloops for quite some time. They're still hanging in there. I love 'em.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

I concur with the above comments...

 

[YesDear]

YES

Enough said!

 

[MolonLabe]

I haven't used eneloops for my flash yet but for everything else they have done great.

Great article!

 

[boBQuincy]

It depends... and that is the answer an engineer will usually provide.

Eneloops have less energy than Sanyo's equivalent standard NiMH cells and will not last as long in high-current discharge applications (such as a flash). However... the standard NiMH cells lose maybe 25% of their charge after sitting for a month while Eneloops lose much less. So, if you plan to use them soon after charging then the standard NiMH will last a little longer, all things being equal. If you leave them in the flash for a month then the Eneloops will last a *lot* longer.

In general, for the way most of us use batteries Eneloops would be preferred. The referenced battery test did a good job but did not use any NiMH cells other than Eneloops, if they had they might have seen results similar to what Sanyo provides.
Btw, I use Eneloops (or equivalent) for my flash.

http://www.eneloop.info/home/performance-details/capacity.html

 

[2Tiggies]

Avoid the Energizer Lithiums.

Why is that? I don't use lithiums for my flash but I've never heard advice not to use the Energizer Lithiums so I'm curious now

 

[MolonLabe]

Why is that? I don't use lithiums for my flash but I've never heard advice not to use the Energizer Lithiums so I'm curious now

I would assume because the article states the extreme heat they generate can be very bad for your flashes.

Did you read the article?

 

[Pixel Dust]

Why is that? I don't use lithiums for my flash but I've never heard advice not to use the Energizer Lithiums so I'm curious now

They just posted an update in that comparison article I posted earlier with a response from Energizer.

The gist of it was that the Energizer Lithiums have a built-in thermal protection to limit power output that allows for consistant power output. Probably not well suited for consecutive high output flashes.

They also plan to do comparisons with other rechargeable batteries soon.

 

[mabas9395]

And do not underestimate the importance of a good charger with your batteries.

I'm sure one of the engineering types around here can explain the details, but this one in the link below comes highly recommended in several other photo boards I read. I have Syl Arena's book the "Speedliter's Handbook" and he recommends the 8 slot version. I have this one, the 4 slot version, and it is great. It charges each battery individually (not all chargers do that), plus has specialized modes depending on if you are breaking in new batteries or trying to refresh really old ones.

http://www.amazon.com/Powerex-MH-C9000-PowerEx-WizardOne-Charger-Analyzer/dp/B000NLUSLM

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

Just saw on Amazon the Eneloops have put out a Disney design. Kinda neat but very expensive.

 

[YesDear]

And do not underestimate the importance of a good charger with your batteries.

I'm sure one of the engineering types around here can explain the details, but this one in the link below comes highly recommended in several other photo boards I read. I have Syl Arena's book the "Speedliter's Handbook" and he recommends the 8 slot version. I have this one, the 4 slot version, and it is great. It charges each battery individually (not all chargers do that), plus has specialized modes depending on if you are breaking in new batteries or trying to refresh really old ones.

http://www.amazon.com/Powerex-MH-C9000-PowerEx-WizardOne-Charger-Analyzer/dp/B000NLUSLM

This is the best charger I have found. You can charge one to eight batteries at one time. It will also condition them. This is also a great place to find batteries.

 

[potion2]

pretty much yes, still the best life and also shelf discharge time...