Vapex 2600mAh AA NiMH Batteries

[greencardigan]

Has anyone used or heard of these Vapex batteries?

There are some on Ebay HERE.

The specs look good and they are delivered at $3.33 each.

[Alpha_7]

I haven't heard of them, so far I've only used Engergizer 2500mAh batteries for the SB-800, I found I get really good use out of a single charge, infact considering the amount i've mucked around with it, I'm amazed at the battery life.

[MattC]

Sorry, never heard of Vapex. Googling turns up a bit of info but no meaningful comparison... its all sales info.

I am another who uses Energiser. Mine are the 2300mAh variety which are a name brand rebadged - I cannot remember which brand. I went for these because they top scored most comparisons. When the local supermarket restocked with the 2500mAh version I got lucky when all of the 2300s were pushed to the back. I bought up all of the old stock so as not to have different ratings. It cost me a couple of hundred bucks, but it was well worth it. I now have about 60 batteries. Needless to say that I am happy with them.

Cheers

[Alpha_7]

OT but 60 batteries ? Um, how many SB-800's do you have ? or do you use them in other devices too ?

That's a lot of batteries... what charger do you use ?

[ipv6ready]

Hi quick question I also have all nimh -> energiser 2500 (8) & Sanyo 2500 (12).

I got these with one of those 12-24 hour chargers that charges 4 at a time.

recently i saw a quick charger that said 2 hours.

Can I use the above batteries or do you need special batteries?

or is one of the 10 battery ones a better idea from jaycar?

[Alpha_7]

Bit of a tough questions as it really depends on your use and need for the batteries. I know of no reason why your current batteries wouldn't work in the faster 2hr charger, so you should be right with that. I ended up going the route of getting the 1 to 10 battery charger, just so had the option of charging 1, 5, or 10 depending on what was needed. I have 14 batteries that I use in rotation (all labelled) for the SB-800, 2 sets of 5 (for every day use) and a charge set of 4 for emergencies.

Whats your current battery turnover like ? I don't shoot all day with the SB-800 so find the batteries last for ages, and I have no need for the super rapid charger.

[greencardigan]

A 2hr charge should be OK. I'm sure my charger takes less than 2hrs. But that's with 1800mAh batteries.

Most cheaper chargers will only charge in pairs. I find this highly annoying when using devices which use an odd number of batteries.

I think the 10 cell charger from jaycar charges cells individually.

[MattC]

Alpha7,

I do use these batteries in my electric toothbrush! That is about the only device that I have other than a couple of SBs that take AA batteries. I have a few unopened packs sitting in my "battery fridge". I use the standard Energiser 4 battery charger since my other charger died. 16 hours is not so long for a charge when I have got so many of them.
In a days shooting it is not uncommon for me to go through four sets. I have been caught short on a long weekend.

Cheers

Hmmm... Don't know what to think of this IE7 thingy.

[Glen]

IPV6 your batteries should be ok, but the best chargers are "pulse" chargers. Do a search, Onyx is the wiz on chargers, from memory he recommends Maha. Ask him about torches, he knows more than anyone I have ever met about torches

[ipv6ready]

IPV6 your batteries should be ok, but the best chargers are "pulse" chargers. Do a search, Onyx is the wiz on chargers, from memory he recommends Maha. Ask him about torches, he knows more than anyone I have ever met about torches

Thanks glen, I remember that thread. I find it

[Greg B]

I have mentioned this before, but for the sake of recent arrivals....

I purchased the Varta charger and batteries at DSE.

Charger + four batteries $80 (I think, give or take $10). The charger also comes with a car adaptor for recharging in the field.

Extra batteries $20 for four.

The kicker for Varta is that the batteries recharge in 15 minute. I have 2 lots of five batteries for the SB800, and I can report that:-
- they do actually recharge in 15 minutes as promised.
- they seem to last longer than expected in the SB800, very happy
- there has been no noticeable deterioration in the batteries after a number of charges

The batteries get pretty warm when charging, but it doesn't seem to adversely effect anything.

The fast recharge is a real bonus. Highly recommended.

[Alpha_7]

The kicker for Varta is that the batteries recharge in 15 minute.

The batteries get pretty warm when charging, but it doesn't seem to adversely effect anything.

The fast recharge is a real bonus. Highly recommended.

Just wanted to check Greg if those reported times are when its plugged into the AC ? Or when it's being powered by your car ? Or if you've tried both and there doesn't seem to be a difference ? Out of interest I thought I'd ask...

[Heath Bennett]

I can also vouch for Vartas. So fast! Never used the in car charger thing though.

[shutterbug]

Varta & Maha (Powerex) are great. I personnaly use the Maha (Powerex) range...very good.

[sirhc55]

I use the Varta 15 minute charger as well but if you buy this unit be aware that it is only a 15 minute unit with Varta 15 min batteries. Ordinary NiMh do take longer to charge

[greencardigan]

Well, I've purchased 12 of these Vapex 2600's. If I remember I'll post my thoughts about them sometime.

Ended up costing $3.15 each delivered. Included 6 battery cases.

[shutterbug]

Highly recommend the Maha Powerex Batteries /Charger.

You can get them at http://www.nznature.co.nz/MSHOP:SP:1483 ... =AUD,IT=OV

[greencardigan]

I've been using these batteries in my flash for a week or so now.
So far they seem pretty good.