rechargeable batteries

[RandLarson]

For about 2 years now I have been using rechargable batteries from Maha, the PowerEx AA batteries, most recently the 2500 rated ones.

Does anyone know what the 2500 rating means? They have 2700 out now, are they better for a camera flash?

I've been going on shoots and lately the batteries die much too quickly. I don't know why. Any advice? Thanks

[michaelnotar]

capacity...the larger the number the longer they last...as long as they fit and have the same voltage they are safe to use. ie i have a 2500mAh batt and a 1500mAh batt, the 2500 batt lasts 6 hrs, so i figure about 400mA per hour, so the 1500 should last atleast 3 hrs.

dump the AAs and get a quatum 1+ batt, about $250 out the door...there is so so much hassle with all the AAs..esp having to charge for a long time, sometimes afew days in advance when i had them.

[Patrick Moore]

I shoot events and use the the Maha brand AA's at 2700 mAh, about 150 to 200 shots within two or less hours. I carry two SB800's and switch the units when needed to avoid heat buildup, batteries and flash. No problems, the batteries are great! I am on a tight budget and use the same batteries with multiple SB units for portraits at the events.

Last December I shot 546 kids with Mr and Mrs Claus in four hours and the batteries held up. Prior year I used NiMH and they were so hot when I changed, I could barely hold them.

D70S for events at 400 ISO, trying to stay around f/8. I slow charge the batteries the day before use.

[Josh_Hawkins]

Rand,

I've recently been swapping out old batteries for new ones myself. I'm going with the eneloop batteries because while they may be a lower mAh they hold a charge longer when not used. I've been getting killed by how fast NIMH batteries bleed charge over time (sitting unused) and these batteries aren't supposed to do that as much.

[AndrewCassino]

Josh, I'll be interested to hear your experience with the eneloops. The internal discharge of NIMH batteries has burned me a few times as well!

[jlipkin]

I've been using a NIMH battery from Ray o Vac for about three years. They charge in 15 minutes, and hold a charge like you wouldn't believe. I shot about 500 images with my canon 420, forgot to change the batteries, then shot another event two days later. Very little drain on the batteries.

[ChrisPerry]

How hard are you working your flash? ISO 100 will require a lot more power than ISO800 will under the same conditions.

I can usually get thru a whole wedding on one set of AAs in my flash (metz54 or 580EX2), but I usually change them heading into the reception cause if they're gonna die it's always in the middle of something important, never a candid or detail shot!

I replaced my powerex batts with whatever was cheap at walmart (name brands, bought 4 2600mah for $8-10 and no shipping) cuase the powerex were 4 or 5 years old and not taking/holding a charge like they used to.

I charge up the batts (3 sets min) friday before a wedding and the day before any event - just to be sure they're full. Been caught with flat ones in the past too.

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