losing power

[burke]

I need help powering my SB800 flash unit.

The problem occurs when I'm shooting fast and furious - the recycle time is incredibly slow and I'm missing all sorts of shots. I tried to avoid this by switching out the batteries part way through, but I still ran into this problem (and the ones I took out were super hot)

Any recommendations of brand (preferably rechargable) and where to get 'em? Or do I really need to invest in one of those Quantum battery packs? (feedback on those would also be helpful..)

Thanks,
Autumn

[ian408]

I need help powering my SB800 flash unit.

The problem occurs when I'm shooting fast and furious - the recycle time is incredibly slow and I'm missing all sorts of shots. I tried to avoid this by switching out the batteries part way through, but I still ran into this problem (and the ones I took out were super hot)

Any recommendations of brand (preferably rechargable) and where to get 'em? Or do I really need to invest in one of those Quantum battery packs? (feedback on those would also be helpful..)

Thanks,
Autumn

There's no getting around a good quality battery if you want to shoot fast
and furious. Not sure what your shooting style is but if you're fast and furious,
why?

I use a variety of 200mh Ni-MH AA batteries for stuff and find they're ok.
But if you want recycle time, there's nothing like the quantum battery pack
(or one like it). I have a quantum and have been happy with it so far. Can't
give you an accurate shot count but I've never run it down.

Ian

[Higgmeister]

There's no getting around a good quality battery if you want to shoot fast
and furious. Not sure what your shooting style is but if you're fast and furious,
why?

I use a variety of 200mh Ni-MH AA batteries for stuff and find they're ok.
But if you want recycle time, there's nothing like the quantum battery pack
(or one like it). I have a quantum and have been happy with it so far. Can't
give you an accurate shot count but I've never run it down.

Ian
I use the 2500mh Ni-MH AA that I pick up at Walmart. They can also be charged in 15 minutes with a rapid charger that you can get there. They do cycle faster than Alkaline and last much longer (read more juice). The initial investment is more (about $35 for charger and 4 batteries) but pays for itself rather quickly and the batteries last longer:D. Depending on what flash you have, it still may not be enough so you should look into Ian's suggestion.

Good Luck,
Chris

[Seymore]

I need help powering my SB800 flash unit.

The problem occurs when I'm shooting fast and furious - the recycle time is incredibly slow and I'm missing all sorts of shots. I tried to avoid this by switching out the batteries part way through, but I still ran into this problem (and the ones I took out were super hot)

Any recommendations of brand (preferably rechargeable) and where to get 'em? Or do I really need to invest in one of those Quantum battery packs? (feedback on those would also be helpful..)

Thanks,
Autumn
So, are you using the 5th battery slung out on the side? If not, I'd highly recommend this. It really helps take some of the load off during the recycle time.

Also, getting a couple good sets of 2500mAh NiMH should help. I have 12 Energizers (2100's) that I've had NO probs with.

Hey ian... got any links for the quantum battery pack you have?

[burke]

Thanks, guys - I appreciate your advice.
Yes, I have been using the 5th battery option, but I've been using alkaline batteries - so I'm off to invest in the 2000+MH Ni-MH that you all recommend. I still might need that Quantum turbo, but at least this will get me started!
Thanks again,
Autumn

[ian408]

Thanks, guys - I appreciate your advice.
Yes, I have been using the 5th battery option, but I've been using alkaline batteries - so I'm off to invest in the 2000+MH Ni-MH that you all recommend. I still might need that Quantum turbo, but at least this will get me started!
Thanks again,
Autumn

One word of caution. Ni-MH batteries fall instead of taper off. Compared to Alkaline
batteries, which take longer to charge the flash before they die (i.e. you'll know you
need to change them), the Ni-MH's will just die--you may get a slight warning but
nothing of any consequence. If you go this route, may I suggest you carry a spare
set with you?

Also, unlike alkaline, Ni-MH also discharge over time. You'll need to make sure they
are freshly charged before you need to use them. They are less susceptible to
"memory" problems these days so you don't need to discharge them all the way
before charging.

Kodak (and I'm sure others) have a nice handy package that includes a wall charger
that folds flat and doesn't require a cord. With two sets of batteries, you can keep
one in the charger (to carry around) and one in the camera.

Ian