Batteries for Nikon SB-600

[RItz68]

I read somewhere that certain batteries are better for a flash (I think NiMH). They hold a longer charge & have a faster recycle rate.

I put regular Duracell batteries in the flash the other day, held down the button & the flash went off in bursts, but each subsequent photo was a little darker than the previous one.

What recommendations, if any does anyone have on batteries for external flashes? I'm just an AVID enthusiast photographer, but I have what I call: "Tim Taylor Complex". Am I over thinking this, or, should I just stick to regular batteries? Thanks again.

[Nicole]

I use the Energizer rechargables without any problems. I've had the worst luck with Duracell rechargeables. I usually have good luck with their regular batteries though, so I dunno. In any case, that's me. I've heard good things about the eneloop batteries too, but I haven't used them.

[Rentham]

Based on Syl Arena's AA battery stress test, I went with a combination of Eneloops and PowerEx 2700s. The 2700s will give you the most juice (tested in number of full power pops before a failure to fire) but the Eneloops are low-discharge so you can charge them and leave them in your bag for a while without worrying that they'll be dead when you need them. They give slightly fewer full power pops than the PowerEx 2700s.

During a wedding I run my primary flash and the external battery pack on the 2700s. My secondary items that I use less frequently (other flashes, PocketWizards, etc) run the Eneloops.

[RItz68]

If I go with the PowerEX batteries, do I need their charger, or will any rechargeable battery charger do?

[Rentham]

Any recharger should do. I use the Maha Powerex MH-C801D which is fantastic. But I use it without problems on the Eneloops as well as the other brands of batteries we have laying around the house.

[kirbinster]

I use the Eneloops and love them in my SB-600's.

[sk66]

I use Power Genix NiZn and I love them. Plus they are budget and environment friendly.

[kirbinster]

I had heard these things can damage your equipment, and just found this on an Amazon review:

The batteries are the new Nickel-Zinc rechargeable AA cells. The greatest selling feature of NiZn cell is its higher terminal voltage. The nominal operating voltage of NiZn is 1.65V, which is very close to alkaline and 30% higher than NiMH (1.25V nominal). However, when freshly charged, the NiZn terminal voltage is around 1.85V, which is dangerously high for most battery-operated appliances.

Upon closer examination, many of the alleged benefits of NiZn turn out to be just marketing hypes. For examples:

"Higher Energy Density":
Despite what the confusing rating on the package ("2500 milli-WATT-hour") may suggest, the PowerGenix AA cell does NOT contain more energy than a SANYO eneloop AA cell. This is because its current capacity is much lower at just 1500 milli-Ampere-hour (based on data sheet of PowerGenix AA cell, and verified by my own testing).
- Energy in eneloop AA cell: 1.25V * 2000mAh = 2500mWh
- Energy in PowerGenix AA cell: 1.65V * 1500mAh = 2475mWh

As an example: Suppose a set of 4 eneloop AA cells can power your external flash unit for 1500 shots, then a set of 4 PowerGenix AA cells will provide roughly the same number of shots. The difference is that your flash unit will recycle about 30% faster with the NiZn cells due to 30% higher battery voltage. On the other hand, this high rate of fire could cause the flash to over-heat and burn out.

[sk66]

I use them for 2 reasons..faster recycle times and low discharge rate when not in use. Yes, you could burn up your flash, the same is true when I use the external power pack w/ my SB800. There is much less risk if the batteries have been sitting for a couple days. With these I can grab a set of batteries that haven't been charged for a month and still get good performance out of them.

[Fishpic]

I have both a 600 and 800. I use the highest capacity brand name rechargeables I can get and all have worked well. I have never had good luck with standard alkaline batteries and only carry them for emergencies because they store well for a long time.