Eneloop batteries

Before the wedding this past weekend, I have been using the Duracell pre-charged rechargeable batteries for my Speedlight flash gun.  These Duracell batteries are exceptional.  They perform as expected and I can always rely on them--unlike the rechargeable Energizers I bought a few years ago.  These Duracell batteries are the low self-discharge type whereas those Energizers were the normal rechargeables.

If you read about these Duracell batteries, you are likely going to run across the Sanyo eneloop batteries.  I always wondered how good the eneloop are.  For the wedding shoot, I thought I might need four sets of batteries--I have two flash guns, so two sets per flash gun.  I was going to purchase two additional Duracell batteries but then thought I'd check with Canada Computers to see if they have any Duracell on sale.  Lo and behold, I came across the Sanyo eneloop batteries, a special edition 8-pack for $24.99.  Not cheap but cheaper than the Duracell.  These Sanyo eneloop are the second generation batteries, able to recharge up to 1500 times.  Time will tell.

I have already used these eneloop batteries in my SB-900.  They worked great.

Rechargeable batteries for my SB800

I had to throw away a couple of rechargeable Energizer 2500mAh AA batteries that I used in my SB800 speedlight. Below are the two batteries I threw away. Notice the white blotches on the side wall of the batteries and white powder residues on the edge of the negative terminal. I don't know what caused the white blotches and the residue -- the negative terminal is made of one piece, like those pressed aluminum cans of Coke, so it's not like something leaked out. In any case, I threw these two batteries away and bought some new Duracell 2000mAh Pre-Charged rechargeables. These Duracell rechargeables behave like the Sanyo Eneloop rechargeables in that they will maintain 80% of their charge for up to a year, unlike normal rechargeable batteries.

Just to be clear ... you should not mix the different types of batteries when used in the speedlight. I will keep the Energizer set separate from the Duracell set.



For more information on the Duracell Pre-Charged Rechargeables: http://www.duracell.com/en-US/product/pre-charged-rechargeable-batteries.jspx