Flashgun batteries

Daveysil15

What would you recommend? I've been using fairly standard AA alkaline batteries like Energiser and Duracell, but they seem to last no length and tend to get very hot too. The lady who sold me the flashgun in the shop told me not to use rechargeable batteries for some reason - I can't remember why. I have heard of other photographers using them though. I have a Canon 430 EX II. What's a good type of battery to use?

Paulw

I always use sanyo eneloop rechargeable batteries. I would never use normal ones like Energiser and Duracell since they would cost too much over time.

Most photographers would use rechargeable.

Daveysil15

Paulw wrote: »

I always use sanyo eneloop rechargeable batteries. I would never use normal ones like Energiser and Duracell since they would cost too much over time.

Most photographers would use rechargeable.

Yeah I've heard the sanyo ones are good. How much shooting time on average would you get out of a full charge?

flyingsnail

I use a set of Duracell rechargeable, (2450mah) they last much longer between charges compared to standard AAs. I use them all them time in my 580, I have never heard anybody say not to

Paulw

Daveysil15 wrote: »

How much shooting time on average would you get out of a full charge?

Not sure really. I've yet to have them run out on a shoot though. I wouldn't be a massive flash user though.

pixbyjohn

I use 7day shop rechargeables in my SB600 and SB900 flashguns all the time. 2900mAh and Lidl 2500mAh and have never had a problem. I have often taken 400 shots using flash without changing batteries. Just a tip, keep your batteries in sets of 4 by marking them with a permanent marker.

almorris

Duracell 2450 rechargeables. Never had a problem. Only advice is I wouldn't go under 2100 otherwise your recycle times go down the toilet.

Daveysil15

I went into the camera centre in Blanchardstown yesterday to get an ND filter and I asked the assistant about flashgun batteries while I was there. He confirmed what the woman who sold me the flashgun said; don't use rechargeable batteries. Apparently Canon flashguns are designed to be used with alkaline batteries only. Other batteries are more prone to overheating.

I had a read of the flash manual but that's a bit confusing. It says using AA batteries other than alkaline type may cause improper battery contact due to the irregular shape of the battery contacts. But then underneath that is says Ni-MH or lithium batteries can also be used. I've noticed my alkaline batteries can get fairly hot if I've been shooting for a while, so I definitely don't want anything that could be more susceptible to overheating. That said, from some of the photography forums I've read, there are a lot of photographers who swear by the Sanyo eneloops. I'm still undecided.

Pete67

I've been using rechargeable batteries (Ni-MH) in my Canon flashes for years, no problem at all.