Batteries

[Cait]

Might someone recomend the most reliable batteries(with cost in mind) to use with a flash unit? I'm purchasing the 580 EXII and noticed that some dealers sell packages which include the batteries and chargers with the flash. Some people remarked that the battery charger in the package that Adorama offers is worthless, and the batteries in the package that B&H offers raises the price up to around $900.
Do they make offordable li-ion rechargebles for the 580 EXII?

[Steven G Webb]

I cannot speak for your particular unit. I will say that Adorama markets a lot of entry level light weight equipment. B&H has a strong reputation. Why does professional grade cost a lot? For the same reason that divorces cost alot - Both are worth the price.
Regards
Steve

PS - In reading I find this unit requires 4 AA batteries rather than a propritary battery pack and charger. My suggestion is to buy a charger with 8 slots and get 12 batteries to keep them in rotation during a shoot.

[dougsmit]

I have been most happy with the new Sanyo Eneloop which differ from most AA batteries in that they retain their charge well when not in use. That means that you are able to shoot when you have forgotten to charge the batteries the day before the need. Many NiMH batteries loose a great amount of their charge rather quickly even when they are not in use. Some will point out that the power ratings for top end NiMH batteries is higher than Eneloops' but I have not noted a fall off in the number of shots I get in practical use.

One point to note is that Eneloops do not do well in the very fast 'Rapid' chargers being sold today but should be charged in something slower. They can be charged in chargers other than those made for them by Sanyo but you should avoid the 15 minute chargers some rely upon. This 'problem is somewhat offset by the fact that you can charge Eneloops when you run them down and put the flash away for a long while with confidence they will work. The need for a 15 minute charge is eliminated if you own more than one set. I bought mine in sets of 8 AA and and 2 AAA (for what I do not yet know) with a charger at Costco but some other stores sell them in various packages.

[Pony]

I purchased the kit from Adorama which I believe you are referring to.I didn't get the one w/the Q-flip and cord.The batteries are 2900 mili amp,a good rating.The flash diffuser fits the EX II well.I shop mostly B&H,but Adorama did me right w/that kit.

[Cait]

Thanks for the help. I couldn't find any information about the type of batteries this unit took, but I probably wasn't looking hard enough. Thank you, and I will look up the batteries you guys suggested.

[drew.zinck]

I have some digiipower batteries that are 2700mah that I use with my SB-800 and have not had any problems. They were like $35 for the charger and first 4 batteries and $15 for every set of 4 after that.

[ohenry]

Your unit uses AA batteries. I use rechargeables. They cost a bit more up front than standard batteries, but in the long run, you come out cheaper.

I recently shifted from 2800mah recharegables to Kodak Low discharge batteries (same technology as the Enelop's) and find them to be a much better choice. I recommend buying 8 batteries and one charger that will charge 4 at a time.

[patterfr]

Check this out, seems to work well for me

Strobist

[E-Man]

Check out Rechargeable Batteries Battery Chargers Rechargeable Lithium Digital Camera Batteries Maha Ansmann Energizer Sanyo ZTS for batteries and chargers. They carry the eneloop as well as NiMh. I do recommend getting a good charger - one that lets you select charge and discharge rates and that can cycle your batteries to keep them in good operating condition. I purchased the Maha c9000 and it works very well. Cheaper chargers tend to be faster which is harder on your batteries. I haven't tried any of the eneloop-type batteries, but I've been impressed by how long the standard 2700mah NiMh will keep my 430EX flash going.

[Cait]

Thanks all for taking time to give me your advice, you've been great help!