We are blessed with all the latest toys, electronic metering, auto focus, flash the list goes on, but at the end of the day we are reliant on the simple, humble battery to power these gadgets. Luckily we have nice, relatively safe, reliable Li-Ion battery packs for most of our cameras, and although the original manufacturer parts maybe expensive we have access too very good 3rd party alternatives. However our favourite speedlight, along with all sorts of accessories like remotes, triggers, and even as a last resort in our battery grips, are restricted to the humble AA and AAA batteries, where is my Li-Ion powered flash!!!
These batteries can are both expensive and bad for the environment, but many of us do our part by switching to the rechargable NiCd/NiMh technologies. There is a plethora of brands and capacities available, unfortunately not all of them are as high quality, reliable or even truthful as each other. So what should we look for?
- NiMh – Nickel Metal Hydride is the prefferred to NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) as they are better for the environment, provide more capacity and have no memory effects (ie we can top up charge)
- Capacity – in the purist form, higher capacity is better as it will mean longer lasting performance, but be warned I have had 2700MAh cells only hold 1700MAh, not all brands are truthful about capacity
- LSD – not the drug, but Low-Self Discharge, if you don’t use your flashes, or want to be sure that the extra set of batteries in the bottom of your bag are ready when you need it, you want this technology in your chosen batteries.
For my portable power needs I personally have converted to using one of two brands: Sanyo Eneloop AA (2000MAh LSD NiMh) and Powerex Imedion AA/AAA(2100MAh/800MAh LSD NiMh). For those who want maximum capacity and don’t mind having to remember to charge often try the Powerex 2700MAh AA.
What are your thoughts? What batteries do you use?
I have been using Sanyo Eneloop AAs for a few years, and love them. They always have plenty of charge, even if they have been sitting on the shelf for months, and they keep my flashes going for ages.
I use the Powerex 2700. Super! It seems that they never run empty. I agree completely with Martin, although he uses Eneloop, it seems it keeps the flash is going for ages. I never understand the users who don’t use a LSD battery. I used them in the past (GP), but had to charge them before using them almost everytime. Nowdays, I just put the flash in the bag. When it is empty the spare sets (2 sets) of batteries have enough power to complete the shoot.
Dear Sir
I want to buy phottix battry grip. Yours couldnt sell from ebay. Last times i bought somethings from your company and im glad 🙂 How could we buy somethings from yours company again. Have anywebsite for buy?
Thx for reading