Best rechargeable AA NIMH Batteries/Charger

[richardpcrowe]

I have had some unfortunate results with Energizer NIMH chargers/batteries purchased from Walmart. One charger would not put a full charge on the batteries and the other would not shut off and fried a set of batteries.

I am seeking a charger (must be 110/220V compatible) with 4 AA NIMH batteries to use in my flash unit during a spring trip to China. I shoot with fill flash often so I need a charger that will charge 4 batteries at once and, since I am traveling internationally, the charger must be light in weight.

I don't mind paying a premium price for a charger and batteries which work properly.

I don't want to wait to get to China, although purchasing there would definitely be cheaper. I want to check out the batteries before I go.

Any recomendations from you fellow Photo Cameleers?

[gryphonslair99]

How much will you use them? I don't use mine all the time so I choose Ennelops. They will hold a charge for months. They are only 2100mA I believe, but they are already ready. I have five strobe units total and two sets for each strobe. I got them for $12 for a 4 pack.

If you are using them all the time then a lot of people seem to like the the high mA batteries.

[yendikeno]

I can't speak to the charger itself, but based on my experience so far, Eneloops are the way to go. After having some problems with my original rechargeables of Rayovac and Energizer, I am now happily using Eneloops. Of course, YMMV.

[Greg_in_Ontario]

I use Sanyo Eneloops, and Rayovac hybrid, they are precharged and hold the charge for months longer than the regular nimh. I use the energizer 1 hour charger it charges the individual batteries and shuts off when done. Don't know about a charger that is dual voltage though.

[cyclohexane]

I use Sanyo Eneloops as my batteries; they're lower mAH, but they hold their charge much better than most other batteries. Great for travel, as long as you're not pounding your flash all day long, but even with heavy use they can last a couple of days.

A good charger can be found here. I've been meaning to replace my old Lenmar charger (I think it's 120V only) with the eight cell smart charger there, which a friend of mine swears by.

[coalcliff]

Imedion, the sexy black battery from Powerex is very popular here with serious photographers. I have both Eneloops and the Imedions and use a la Crosse BC 900 charger.

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by Greg_in_Ontario

I use Sanyo Eneloops, and Rayovac hybrid, they are precharged and hold the charge for months longer than the regular nimh. I use the energizer 1 hour charger it charges the individual batteries and shuts off when done. Don't know about a charger that is dual voltage though.

Rapid chargers and hybrid batteries like these do not play together well. Rapid charging like a one hour charger will rapidly decrease the life of the batteries. The best chargers for batteries like this are slow charge/conditioner types. This was my choice.

[richardpcrowe]

I just purchased a set of Eneloop batteries from COSTCO. This included 8-AA, 2-AAA, 4-D cell adapters, 4-C cell adapters and a charger for just about $30. That seems like a pretty good price, especially when the batteries are touted to give 1,000 charges each. Even if they supply only half that, I will have the equivlent of 400 AA and 100 AAA batteries. Seems like a pretty good bargain for $30.

[Jonathanp]

I use Sony CycleEnergy. I can charge the batteries and not be stress the night before a shoot that they are going to hold up. Check em out.
However this form states they might be the same as the Eneloop
NCIX FORUMS - these or eneloops? - Sony Cycle Energy Rechargeable Battery A...

[Scoril0]

I use this one:

Amazon.com: La Crosse Technology BC-9009 AlphaPower Battery Charger: Electronics

Amazon.com: La Crosse Technology BC-9009 AlphaPower Battery Charger: Electronics
Amazon.com: La Crosse Technology BC-9009 AlphaPower Battery Charger: Electronics

Ptretty happy with it.