DSLRUsers.com

Hi folks,

I've just purchased an SB-800 and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on what charger/batteries I should buy? I don't have a huge budget, but am willing to consider anything you can advise.

Thanks,
Jeff.

Grats!

I bought the Maha Powerex 2700mAh NiMh batteries from http://servaas.com.au/ along with a MH-C204W Travel Battery Charger.

Some people prefer the Powerex Imedion 2100mAh AA instead.

JeffGlue wrote:I've just purchased an SB-800 and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on what charger/batteries I should buy? I don't have a huge budget, but am willing to consider anything you can advise.

A flash is only as good as its batteries, and the batteries are only as good as their charger.

I've got the MAHA C9000 charger, as well as the C801D charger. If I had to choose, I'd definitely keep the C9000 - it wasn't out when I bought the 801. It does so much to keep your batteries in top shape, it's amazing. (Not that these are the only two good chargers Jeff sells, but they're both great.)

For batteries, I've got the Powerex 2500s and the Imedion 2000s. I'll never buy anything but the Imedions again for anything, but especially my Canon 550EX flashes - they just recycle quicker, I find, and they don't run down when in the bag. (Or anything, which is why I need to buy more, as the other devices I own are swallowing them...)

Jeff @ Servaas is amazing - look him up in the traders section if you can.

Eneloops or Imedions - the new LSD cells are the only way to go. And a charger that charges the cells individually, such as the Maha C9000 or 801D, I have both (also a 401FS now - thanks Jeff!) and they're excellent chargers. More features on the C9000, whereas the 801D will charge 8 cells at once.

Cheers

Another big thumbs up for Jeff.

As mentioned http://servaas.com.au/ is the place. I use the Powerex 2700 in my sb800 and love em.

But if need be speak to Jeff and direct you on the right path

If you are using the flash only occasionally, go with the Imedions or Eneloops. I have the Imedions. and will be buying more to feed all the other devices that are swallowing the ones I have. Jaycar also have some claimed "low discharge" Powertechs, but the set I have don't last as long as the Imedions when not in use.

If you are using the flash often, or have the discipline to recharge the day before you use it, go for the higher power Powerex

For sporadic use, go with 2 sets of 4. That will allow you to keep shooting when you need to.

Avoid the supermarket brands, including Eveready and Duracel, and definitely avoid Brand -X from Ebay
I have found to my cost that these (i) don't have the capacity they claim and (ii) don't last all that long

I have the LaCrosse BC900 charger, and find it excellent. If I was buying again though I would probably go with one of the Maha chargers mentioned above as the LaCrosse is an American import and needs a plug adapter here.

Oh and another thumbs up for Servaas (Jeff)

JeffGlue wrote:Hi folks,

I've just purchased an SB-800 and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on what charger/batteries I should buy? I don't have a huge budget, but am willing to consider anything you can advise.

Thanks,
Jeff.

Hi Jeff

Glen did a thorough real-life performance test of the Powerex, IMEDION, Energizer, and eneloop AA's in his SB-800. Have a read of this forum thread here. The significant findings here are not only that our batteries have the highest capacity but that they hold onto their capacity the best. As others have mentioned, many other brands of batteries lose their capacity quite fast and offer diminished performance in your flash.

If you are shooting hundreds of flash shots per weekend ( such as for weddings/events) then you will gain the benefit of the higher capacity Powerex 2700mAh AA batteries. On the other hand, if you are a more casual shooter who wants to grab his gear and know it is ready to be used, then the Powerex IMEDION low self discharge AA batteries would be the better choice, as their self discharge is so low that they hold their power much better than the higher capacity batteries.

If you let me know what you are after, I will put a package together for you. if you are using the SD800 door to hold the 5th battery, I will package batteries into sets of 5 for you, rather than usual set of 4.

I use energisers. Cheap and they work great. I shoot a wedding almost every weekend too. Buy fast glass and you find you don't use your flash very often (or at very weak output).