Speedlights are some of the best tools in my bag. I can set them up in just minutes, and they can really help add dimension to my scene. The only problem with them is powermy 4 speedlights take 4 AA batteries each. That’s 16 batteries each time I want to use my lights. Depending on the output power, one set of batteries might not last you through a full day of shooting. Over time, the cost of buying disposable batteries can really add up and it might make financial sense to purchase rechargeable batteries.
Choosing Batteries
The best choice for speedlight batteries are Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). While offering less voltage per battery, NiMH batteries deliver a faster, steadier current, resulting in fast recycle times and more flashes per charge. NiMH batteries can be recharged hundreds of time if you care for them correctly. My favorite brand are the Powerex 2700mAh batteries.
The best way to recharge your NiMH batteries is overnight with a trickle charger. By passing a slow, steady current through the batteries, you’ll get a fuller charge that will last longer. Avoid 15 minute chargers, as they can push too much current too quickly and lessen the lifespan of the batteries.
When preparing for your shoot, always
- Charge your batteries before every use
- Avoid generic batteries that can ruin your speedlights
- Bring your charger with you so youre always prepared
- Rotate your working set and backup set of batteries so they wear down evenly
Downside
The only downside to using NiMH batteries is the self-discharge rate These batteries self-discharge faster than traditional alkaline batteries, meaning its important to charge them before each use (especially if theyve been sitting for more than a few weeks).
Using rechargeable batteries can save you hundreds of dollars each year and is more environmentally-friendly than buying bulk packs of traditional alkaline batteries from your local warehouse store. If you shoot with frequently with your speedlights, than the NiMH rechargeable batteries should be a no-brainer. If you don’t shoot a whole lot with your speedlights, then maybe alkaline batteries are for you.
Timely well-written article; thanks for posting. I read this as I am also in a situation similar to yours (16 AA cells for flash, and ten AA for Cactus controllers). The Sony Eneloop cells are shipped charged and ready to go; their self-discharge rate is pretty legendary. They also hold up well on shoots and well, I like using them. Coincidentally, I recently purchased the POWEREX MH-C801D at the recommendation of a friend because it would charge eight cells at a time. However, it is back in its box and ready to return to MidWest Photo. The fact that it… Read more »
Thanks for the comment! I’ve actually looked into the Eneloop batteries, but ultimately opted for the Powerex ones because of power. Eneloop batteries are typically 1900mAh, while the Powerex ones were 2700mAh.
I did a little more head-scratching and you are 100% correct: the PowerEx hold nearly a third (!) more power than the Eneloops which I have been using for the past year. Copy on Powerex at Amazon indicates charging “hundreds of times” and Eneloop copy states “2100” charges.
When my Eneloops stop holding their charge/discharge too quickly, I will try the PowerEx brand. Having thirty-three percent more power in the same package may mean that I carry fewer batteries for backup.
I have had equal success with both Eneloop and Powerex batteries. I find the Eneloop easier to purchase at Costco, etc. and there are many great deals on them via Amazon, etc.
I have never been able to charge either brand “hundreds” of times as they indicate even though I condition them as recommended and I use the manufacturers recommended chargers.
I think it is a matter of what one likes/needs.
[ Jeff ]
Absolutely Jeff! The convenience of the Eneloop batteries are a real plus.
There seems to be two different designs, One is max mAh at the expense of either longevity or discharge rate or both. Two is minimum discharge rate which seems to come at the expense of capacity. The crossover point is when max mAh batteries haven’t been charged in a few days they may actually have less capacity than low-discharge batteries.
Great points Mike! I try to make it a priority to charge all of my batteries before a shoot the same way I charge all of my camera batteries before every shoot. The discharge rate hasn’t been a problem for me, but is definitely something to consider.
The capacity difference between Powerex 2700 mAh and Eneloop 1900 mAh cells becomes a moot point less than two days after you charge them. The Powerex cells will self-discharge 15-20% in the first day (more if they’re hot) and continue to self discharge at a progressively slower rate until they hit around 40%. The last two generations of Eneloops will only self-discharge 10% in a year. I’ve been using Eneloops since they were introduced in 2005 and I’m convinced that their low self discharge claims are true. I have at least 2 dozen AA Eneloop cells in my camera bag… Read more »
Pete, that’s a very good point. With your style of photography, it’s not so much about the power, but the slow discharge rate.
Hi
I have brought Envie AA 2800 4PL Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery for my Yongnuo YN560-IV Speedlite, but these batteries are not getting fit in Battery compartment, betteres get so tight inside, removing them becomes difficult, Not sure if it is issue with Battery size or Battery Socket in Speedlite itself is defective.
Can someone help me to know which AA Size Batter I should use for Yongnuo YN560-IV ?
I guess Panasonic BK-4MCCA4BA eneloop are fine. Used em for my Yongnuo YN560.
I did a little more head-scratching and you are 100% correct: the PowerEx hold nearly a third (!) more power than the Eneloops which I have been using for the past year. Copy on Powerex at Amazon indicates charging “hundreds of times” and Eneloop copy states “2100” charges.
When my Eneloops stop holding their charge/discharge too quickly, I will try the PowerEx brand. Having thirty-three percent more power in the same package may mean that I carry fewer batteries for backup.
Timely well-written article; thanks for posting. I read this as I am also in a situation similar to yours (16 AA cells for flash, and ten AA for Cactus controllers). The Sony Eneloop cells are shipped charged and ready to go; their self-discharge rate is pretty legendary. They also hold up well on shoots and well, I like using them. Coincidentally, I recently purchased the POWEREX MH-C801D at the recommendation of a friend because it would charge eight cells at a time. However, it is back in its box and ready to return to MidWest Photo. The fact that it… Read more »
Thanks for the comment! I’ve actually looked into the Eneloop batteries, but ultimately opted for the Powerex ones because of power. Eneloop batteries are typically 1900mAh, while the Powerex ones were 2700mAh.
I have had equal success with both Eneloop and Powerex batteries. I find the Eneloop easier to purchase at Costco, etc. and there are many great deals on them via Amazon, etc.
I have never been able to charge either brand “hundreds” of times as they indicate even though I condition them as recommended and I use the manufacturers recommended chargers.
I think it is a matter of what one likes/needs.
[ Jeff ]
Absolutely Jeff! The convenience of the Eneloop batteries are a real plus.
The capacity difference between Powerex 2700 mAh and Eneloop 1900 mAh cells becomes a moot point less than two days after you charge them. The Powerex cells will self-discharge 15-20% in the first day (more if they’re hot) and continue to self discharge at a progressively slower rate until they hit around 40%. The last two generations of Eneloops will only self-discharge 10% in a year. I’ve been using Eneloops since they were introduced in 2005 and I’m convinced that their low self discharge claims are true. I have at least 2 dozen AA Eneloop cells in my camera bag… Read more »
Pete, that’s a very good point. With your style of photography, it’s not so much about the power, but the slow discharge rate.
There seems to be two different designs, One is max mAh at the expense of either longevity or discharge rate or both. Two is minimum discharge rate which seems to come at the expense of capacity. The crossover point is when max mAh batteries haven’t been charged in a few days they may actually have less capacity than low-discharge batteries.
Great points Mike! I try to make it a priority to charge all of my batteries before a shoot the same way I charge all of my camera batteries before every shoot. The discharge rate hasn’t been a problem for me, but is definitely something to consider.
Hi
I have brought Envie AA 2800 4PL Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery for my Yongnuo YN560-IV Speedlite, but these batteries are not getting fit in Battery compartment, betteres get so tight inside, removing them becomes difficult, Not sure if it is issue with Battery size or Battery Socket in Speedlite itself is defective.
Can someone help me to know which AA Size Batter I should use for Yongnuo YN560-IV ?
I guess Panasonic BK-4MCCA4BA eneloop are fine. Used em for my Yongnuo YN560.