Batteries and external flash

[naeno]

I just got my first external flash. It's been fun learning, but it's eating up batteries like nobody's business! I'm having to change out batteries after about 75-100 flashes. Is that normal?

[CheaperKings]

Oh yea. You gotta buy batteries by the pound...

[Jim Poor]

Try Eneloop batteries. I have shot all day events on a set.

Also, learn some techniques that help you reduce the load on your flash. A little higher ISO, etc.

Originally Posted by naeno

I just got my first external flash. It's been fun learning, but it's eating up batteries like nobody's business! I'm having to change out batteries after about 75-100 flashes. Is that normal?

[theArchitect]

Using flash on full power drains the batteries quicker. Also make sure the ones you are using have a high mah, 2500 or above ideally.

[Lochnar]

I have a Speedlite 420EX and I use Energizer NiMH rechargables in it. I get 4 or 500 shots easily. Plus they recycle the flash faster than Alkaline do. A full discharge on fresh charged batteries is about 5 seconds vs 7 with alkaline.

[candleman]

yeah, they wont last long if you're firing full power.

i've heard many peopl talk about eneloops.. i dont think you'll go wrong there.

i use Cameleon rechargable 2300mAh
have a set in each strobe, and a back-up set for each strobe.
(all NiMh)



to help the strobe last longer, you can UP the ISO a bit.. which allows for a reduced flash output.. but the ambient can cause some trouble in a brightly lit room.
for events where i set up the studio i keep the lights as low as possible.. and then up the ISO so the flash uses less juice

Energizer NiMh are good...last several hundred shots but will slowly drain with inactivity.

Eneloops are just as good as NiMh but will not drain as fast when not in use.

NiZn last just as long as NiMh but will recycle the flash about twice as fast. However, they get fairly hot and my melt your flash.

I tend to use NiMh when doing portraits or when recycle time doesn't matter. For weddings, I use NiZn because I need that very fast recycle time, and they're pretty safe in a 580exII.

[Niresangwa]

I just dropped over $200 on rechargeable AA & AAA batteries.

I almost threw up.

[naeno]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

I just dropped over $200 on rechargeable AA & AAA batteries.

I almost threw up.

If it makes you feel any better, you just made my stomach churn!

Thanks everyone for the tips. I'll turn down the power and up the ISO. Let's see what happens!

I have a bunch of speed lights and always have a slew of rechargeable batteries.

Always charge all of them the day before a shoot to be ready.