# Photographers chime in
**URL:** https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972
**Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic
**Created:** [January 23, 2012, 8:46pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972 "2012-01-23T20:46:09Z")
**Posts on this page:** 8
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2012, 8:46pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/1 "2012-01-23T20:46:09Z")
Not sure if this is the right spot but…here we go
So I picked up a canon 430exII speedlite and I am enjoying using it but I do not enjoy buying batteries 24/7
What do you guys use to power your speedlites? I really like the 15min charge batteries but some say they are junk
Here are my options
> **[Amazon.com: Energizer 15-Minute Battery Charger Kit With Car Adapter: Electronics](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DIIAS/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_g23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0KAZMVWFHHXPK6X7YCCW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)**
>
> Whether capturing Baby's first steps on film, or taking your portable CD player for a run, it's easy to be prepared when you own this 15-minute charger by Energizer. Ideal for digital cameras, portabl ...
> **[Amazon.com: eneloop AA with 4 Position Charger, 1800 cycle, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 4 Pack (discontinued by manufacturer): PANASONIC: Home Audio & Theater](https://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004RP2VNI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UWCMCE13LZ27&colid=22B180Z19CEV0)**
>
> The new SEC-MQN064N 4-AA eneloop with AC charger pack utilizes SANYO's advanced rechargeable battery technology allowing them to last longer than ever before! They provide excellent performance-to-cos ...
> **[Amazon.com : Canon Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300 : Camera & Photo](https://www.amazon.com/Canon-CBK4-300-Rechargeable-Battery-PowerShot/dp/B000EVQ0OU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IDWFPJRQRD0H&colid=22B180Z19CEV0)**
>
> Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300
thanks
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### Author:  [@ZOMGVTEK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZOMGVTEK)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/2 "2012-01-23T20:53:25Z")
Standard NiMh AA’s can’t be effectively charged in 15 minutes, and that kind of rapid charging tends to dramatically decrease cycle life. Get 2+ sets and simply swap them out. I always carry 4 sets of AA’s in my camera bag. That way, I have no need to charge them immediately.
I vote Sanyo Eneloop’s and BC-700.
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### Author:  [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2012, 5:38am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/3 "2012-01-24T05:38:07Z")
thanks man, have you used the eneloops before?
i bought a few dollar store batties (knowing the quality isnt there) but WOW the quality IS NOT THERE at all haha
I then changed to energizers and obviously the performance was much great but, i cant be buying batteries left and right
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### Author:  [@IanK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/IanK)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2012, 6:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/4 "2012-01-24T06:39:19Z")
Rechargeable’s are worthless in speedlites, don’t bother they wont even be effective. You’re going to have to get used to it sucking batteries. Quick tip though, get closer to your subject and turn the thing down. It should really only be used for fill/bounce anyhow, not lighting up the sky. GL
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### Author:  [@KENLUDE97](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KENLUDE97)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2012, 7:09am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/5 "2012-01-24T07:09:03Z")
I use Duracell’s in my 430exII. I will go thru 8-12 per wedding, depending on how dark the ceremony and receptions are.
I did a hand full of reading and saw that there was not much of a reason not to use cheap but quality Duracell’s. I buy like a 20+ pack per wedding and i load them into a ammo belt so that i know what ones are new and what are old. GL!
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### Author:  [@ZOMGVTEK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZOMGVTEK)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2012, 7:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/6 "2012-01-24T07:32:08Z")
I’ve been using Eneloop’s in my SB-600 for quite a while, and it cycles faster than with alkaline’s. I can leave them sitting in the flash for months, and it still works fine. When I start to notice the flash slowing down, which is usually quite a while, I just pop a new set in. More often than not, I run my flash at 1/1, and I can get quite a few shots before it starts slowing down.
My dad runs Eneloop’s in a 420EX, and it cycles slow, but its about the same as with Alkaline’s.
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### Author:  [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)
#### Post date: [January 25, 2012, 11:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/7 "2012-01-25T11:10:26Z")
thanks guys, yea i might just turn the flash down a little
i wish they would just use the same battery type as the DSLR. I understand youd be screwed if you were out and about, needed batteries and your local store didnt sell the special DSLR battery but, it would be a nice option
anyways
thanks again
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### Author:  [@KENLUDE97](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KENLUDE97)
#### Post date: [January 25, 2012, 12:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/photographers-chime-in/219972/8 "2012-01-25T12:02:55Z")
It would be cool if there was a insert like the Grips have of a AA option or the Canon battery option.
But really i don’t care that much i try to remember to change batterys between wedding and reception and that usually does not leave me with too much down time. When i take the Batterys out of the flash they are usually quite warm!