Best Flash Batteries for Macro Photography?
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2021
- Let's talk about camera flash batteries! In this video I talk about my experience with the GP ReCyko 2600 mAh battery and how they compare to the new ReCyko Pro Photoflash batteries as well as buying a flash with a Lithium battery.
This is my new Godox V350 flash: amzn.to/3fzRdBP
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🌄 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll
🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell
IKEA LÄDDA are the best rechargeable batteries. Made by same machines as eneloop for a much better price, but get a better charger. The IKEA charger sucks. VARTA makes a very good charger
Interesting post once again. I just got many sets of Ladda from Ikea for my new flashes for only 5.99e per 4pack. I have been using these as well as original branded Enelopes for many years in really harsh sub zero conditions for led lights in my off grid log house, among other uses. They perform extremely good compared to other batteries and keep charge even when not in use. You also get them to charge to full capacity after years of abusive use. With their incredibly price nothing else on the market gets even near. Get as many sets you like and always have spares with you on your shoots.
Who knew battery talk could be so interesting 👍
Very informative video. You have been an inspiration, and motivation, for me to get back into photography after taking a break for the last couple of years. Well...not a complete break, but only shooting family events. Now I am really getting into macro photography, and just yesterday received my Dörr flash diffuser that you have recommended. I tested it a couple of times in-doors and really like it. But, I have been refreshing and testing my AA batteries that I use in my Metz flash starting yesterday. So it is very appropriate that you put out a video on rechargeable batteries and flashes. I did wedding and sports photography in the USA for about 15 years before moving to Germany in 2010. So battery performance was very important to me and I learned a lot over the years. But a lot of my knowledge is a bit out-dated, so it is nice to have you bring me up to speed on some things.
Recently bought the "GP Flash" batteries after watching your video and I can confirm the big improvement. Thanks for the tip
Thanks for this video! I have made a similar experience with my Meike Mk-R200 II and came to the same conclusion which is to get the Godox V350 with lithium batteries for longer lasting power.
I have been using the Eneloop Pro batteries for years now and have amassed quite a few of them during that time. They never failed me so far and I have used them in my Nikon battery grip as well.
In flashes they have also never ever failed me. So I definitely recommend them.
I have heard good things about the Godox Li-Ion flashes as well, but I am very hesitant to try them, simple because of their proprietary battery. With all the other flashes I have, there is still the option to get any old AA battery and use that in a pinch (eg if I somehow lose mine - or simply forgot them at home) because you can get them everywhere.
I second the Eneloop batteries. They're not the cheapest by any means, pretty expensive actually, but they're the best value by far in the long run. I use off-camera speedlites a lot and not had a single Eneloop fizzle out in four years of regular use. I tried a lot of different brands to start with and cycled them all through along with the Eneloops. All the Eneloops all still going strong (mostly the black "pro" ones - but some older white ones too). All the other brands wore out, kaput! Same usage patterns too. Nuff said!
I am using eneloop too and very happy
I compliment the white Eneloop. Have them for years. Some over 10 years.
Thanks for your info on these batteries. I have used many varieties over the years and have found the Panasonic Eneloop pro to be outstanding. Both in recovery and long lasting charge even in storage.
I agree.
same... and changed to Panasonic Eneloop Pro, too and I don't regret it at all. Those are used for photography only and at home I use the "normal" white ones also from Panasonic called Eneloop....
Thanks for the review. I use the old eneloop (not pro). I have 3 sets of 4. They are fantastic. And lasts forever.
FYI, I mainly use Ansmann 2850 mAh NiMH batteries in my flashguns and although they generally seem to last long enough for my macro sessions - probably outlasting the actual camera's battery (notoriously poor Sony A7R and A6500) - they slowly lose their charge during storage (in the flash unit with its battery door open). I also have 1900 mAh eneloops for a trail cam which seem retain their charge much better when not in use.
When I bought my godox flash, I chose between TT or V, it ended with TT running on AA batteries just because new batteries are more easily available. I always have a few extra aa in my bag, or if they run out, my friends have something in the household.
Custom charger and custom batteries is point of possible problem if one of them fail. Will be hard to find replacement. I'm for AA versus proprietary power solutions...
I currently use 2 No 14500 lithium rechargeable cells in a Yongnuo YN560-II speed light in the bottom 2 battery slots for macro. A piece of aluminum foil bridges the top contacts to give about 7.5volts and very fast recharge times. Lifting the ISO on my A7R3 from 100 to 640 allows a burst of 5 shots at 1/16 power. About 70 shots per charge at half power. Intensive use results in the flash and cells getting rather hot so rather than risk a breakdown I usually stop there for a while. I carry 2 spares. Weight is a big deal for me and just saving 60 grams ditching 2 cells is good. It means I can hold the camera / flash set up single handed at arm's length for longer. The Godox has a guide number of 36 verses the Yongnuo's 56 which means I normal run it at 1/2 or 1/4 power. Super video - thanks!
Wow that’s an advanced solution 😮
Where can I buy them in US? Are they good for meike MK320S for sony?
I recommend both the regular flash and the lithium battery ones. For traveling, the regular flash is a lot lighter to fly with, no need to bring the lithium battery charger etc, everywhere you can pick up AA battery. Easy to have backup and spares when you need it. But for around town short sessions, the lithium battery is pretty good.
Did GP send the photoflash batteries from the UK? On contacting them they Informed me that they are not available in the UK.
I just use normal batteries. How good are the rechargeables to normal batteries? There is nothing written on mine about mAh or Wh
I happened to be choosing between the TT ($69) and the V ($159) versions of the Godox 350 yesterday. I went with the TT because it was less than half the price; and because I already have dozens of Eneloop Pro batteries floating around the house for various things. Plus, when I travel, it is easy to get AA batteries. With the V version, I either have to buy a second battery or wait for my only battery to recharge before I can get back to work. And when I travel, I don't want to cart around a dedicated charger just for that flash's battery. But that's just me.
Great video! I use the same flashes I have both the TT and V version I've been using Ladda batteries from ikea and they've worked great so far but I'll definitely be looking into batteries made specifically for flashes if I can get a faster recycle time thank you!
Interesting! How would you say the performance is with the V version compared to the TT version using the Ikea batteries?
@@MicaelWidell I had the TT verison originally and upgraded to the V for the faster recycle time it's probably about twice as fast at recycling vs the Ladda batteries
I’ve only used 1560 mAh batteries in my 600ex RT II and the recycle time/output consistency is meh for sure, especially if you wanna do hand-held stacking😫😃 How did you find the new go to Godo? 🤣
In the beginning I had some kind of batteries with a capacity of about 2800 mAh. They were so big that I almost broke the battery compartment with them in my Canon MT-24EX flash. Literally 2 of 4 fasteners of the compartment were torn off. There were other batteries. Since then I have been using only Eneloop pro.I know they are specially made for high-power flashes, they have the ability to quickly recharge the flash.This is very convenient for taking a series of photos.
Hi Micael I have a question, do you ever use microscope lens 5x, 10x, 20x 40x and how do you expose / light the object
Haven’t tried such lenses yet. I am sure I will at some point :)
Have you guys tried the LADDA 2450 batteries from IKEA? They are amazing, and never had any issues with them.
Best batteries i have used
I use Duracell rechargeable batteries in my Sony HVL-F60RM and HVL-F45RM... I get pretty good performance out of them. Surprisingly was able to shoot in "multi"mode on my A9 a burst of shots with the F60RM with no problems
Good choice on the Godox w/lithium batteries 👍
Hi, great video as always. You are absolutely right, flashes with lithium batteries are definitely preferable to those with normal rechargeable batteries. I just wanted to leave my experience. I had purchased several batteries from enelop and I must say that they gave excellent results, but one day by pure chance I bought the rechargeable batteries that they sell in Lidl stores and I verified that despite having slightly (I repeat only slightly) lower performance than enelop they have an effect decidedly superior memory to decidedly more expensive and noble batteries. Ultimately the Lidl batteries (now I have a backpack full of these) have lower performance than the enelop, but they cost much less and last longer. Bye Bye.
Now you have me rethinking batteries.
I use the eneloop pros plus a 12 battery auxiliary pack. I typically am at f/16-18 and 1/1600 sec to obliterate the backgrounds in high speed sync. Thus, I’m hard on battery’s. Note: battery voltages vary by chemistry. The legacy Nikon flashes I use won’t work with all chemistries. Check the user manual for a list of compatible batteries.
I've used enyloop pro and normal and found that amazon basic rechargeable hold just as much charge as the enyloop. One of the most important things with rechargeable batteries is to get a good intelligent charger. A cheap charger will stop charging when it gets to a voltage not when it's full. I found my old charger was under charging by 600 to 800 mAh. The amazon basics hold about 2500 mAh when full and hold a charge just like the enyloop.
your video fell from the sky, yesterday I went out to use the laowa lens for the first time, the batteries in my godox tt350s flash failed me, I did not want to emit the flash. I read many pages and someone commented that these batteries that you advertise are the best for cameras, so I took on the task of looking for it in my country, and I was very lucky that I bought them yesterday, 4 batteries of the Gp Recyko Pro black color. I am eager for it to arrive. to go out with my camera, thanks for the video.
The GP ReCyko Pro comes in two versions: "Standard" and Photoflash. The Photoflash has some green details on them.
I started using GP batteries many years ago. They were very good for continuous flash and very lasting. I used them for more than 5 years as a heavy user without the need to replace. But the newer versions seems to be less durable. It didn't took too long before they stopped working. I'm not sure if the problem is on the batteries or the new original chargers.
Oh. Roughly how many charges before they went bad? Mine are still okay
@@MicaelWidell The 1st version I used still works after 5 years. The 2nd newer version last less than a year. The 3rd newer version which you are using now in black are better. Few of them start to shows issue after about 2 years? I purchased lots of these batteries as I use more than 1 flash & always bring backup sets. Lost count on how many charges but I always take good care of them and only charge when they are almost out of juice.
Thank you
I've been using the GP Recyko+ Pro batteries (black cover, not the cheaper green cover cells) for a few years now. They match my eneloop cells in fact they exceed them and have lasted longer than my eneloops some of which have died.
Yes these batteries are surreal - so much better than regular batteries
You post this the day after I get a 16-pack of energizer ni-mh lol
Really useful video Micael!
Have you ever tried Ni-Zn batteries instead of Ni-Mh? They require a special charger but have a very high voltage and discharge current.
They look perfect for using on a flash.
Haven’t tried those
@@MicaelWidell You've got an idea for another video! ;)
I always put a screen protector on when I first take a new camera out of the box. Its then easier to change.
Yeah, batteries ahah, it is why I bought the Godox V860 II, with the lithium-ion battery.
I use it for 2 years now and I did not noticed any faillures, or issue with durability.
Worth 600 flashes at full power, but realisticly it is 800 - 900 with less power. And the recycle time is almost instantaneous !
I have and use the Eneloop Pro, but I have found an even better solution, the Fujitsu HR-3UTC Low Self Discharge are simply amazing 🤩
What makes the Fujitsu HR-3UTC Low Self Discharge batteries better than Eneloop Pro?
Not sure why you compared the power of 2AA batteries with the Lithium pack, does the flash only carry 2 batteries? if so that is a problem. My Canon 580 Mk2's use 4 (even the 430's uses 4) and for extended shoots I use the external battery pack that has 8 batteries. I have lots of eneloop batteries, 1900mah, from before it was sold, used to be owned/branded by Sanyo. I also have several GP ReCyko batteries 2050mah. Not sure how many shot you take on a shoot but does not the flash have indication when the flash is low on power, the slow re-powering should be a clue. When shooting close/macro shots you will not be on full power, batteries should last a session. Always take spares, be prepared. As others have stated, I have read the Amazon batteries are good. Interesting vid. keep it up.
When in holiday I was forced to use Alkaline. These are 1.5v not 1.2v and that helps a lot. They last well but get hot and cost a lot
Cheap batteries are wildly optimistic about their capacity - dont believe what's printed on them.
Enelope rechargeable batteries are still the best choice - better than GP.
I've heard that the LADDA batteries from Ikea are re-branded enelope, so ive ordered some.
Never buy a flash that takes just 2 AA batteries.
Charge capacity and how long the battery holds charge when not in use are the main things to consider.
Of coarse the best recycle times comes from an external battery pack.
Godox V350 flash might be a good solution with its Li-ion battery to the TT350 flash requiring rechargeable batteries, but the cost of V350 is about 40% higher than TT350 with battery charger and a set of four batteries. It comes down to proper batteries management. They should be recharged before every new assignment.
I can't compare to the ReCyko Pro or to the V350, but I've been using the eneloop pro for about a year in a godox TT350c now, and I can't complain about anything.
I decided against the V350 because the TT350 with 4 eneloop pros was quite a bit cheaper. As it uses two AAs I can take the other two charged with me as a backup, and it's just easier to get replacement chargers and batteries for example on holidays. Also, since I have a video light that runs on AAs as well, I can interchange batteries and chargers between them. But of course, I never used the V350, so I don't know wheter that was the smart choice in the long run. However, I've been really happy with how it performs.
@@Phantomias7 How is the recycle times with these batteries? I have been using a TT350f with energizer and the recycle time seems pretty long after taking one shot at 1/8 power or more. Shooting at 2x magnification I find I typically need 1/4 power and its so hard to do focus stacking because the insect/bug will change positions or my arms just get too shaky. That being said, I only just got a proper diffuser in the mail today, before I was using a paper towel folded like a 'C' with the ends taped to the top/bottom of the flash so maybe that takes away too much light?
There is an even cheaper way to get lithium powered flash. I bought the AA battery size flashgun (TT600) and some AA size lithium rechargeable batteries. I get two sets of 12 mWh batteries as opposed to one 14.4 mWh battery but at only 2/3 the price of the V series flashgun. System is working well for me.
03:06 yeah right and you did it anyway.
Yes because I was surprised by how good the product was. I would never recommend them in a video if I didn't love them. I get a lot of free products that I don't love and I never mention them.
Interesting video Micael, got me thinking, rechargeable li-ion AAs?! Seems they exist with some mixed reviews so I've ordered these EBL ones to try - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0828GN5RL - rather than one of the complete no-name brands on amazon/ebay. Apparently there's no drop in voltage until they fully run out then that's it, no gradual slow down. Also means battery indicators aren't much use but they struggle with 1.2V Nimh batteries in my experience, the Meike MK-320 in particular.
OK, test results in on the EBL li-ion. They suck. Tested with continuous shooting at 5fps in Meike MK320 on my Fuji X-T30, even at 1/16th it was missing a lot of shots. Compared to fully charged EBL 2800mAh NiMh which pretty much fired constantly. Back they go to Amazon!
hi i use Ikea rechargeable batteries which are rebranded enlope batterys and are a lot cheaper
Well - to be correct, the Ikea Ladda batteries are rebranded Enelope Pro batteries. Though, there is actually no proof of that yet - just a lot of measuring that shows that they could be the same battery.
@@thomasnordstrom1869 i have seen a CZcams video a while back and they tested the IKEA against the enlope and found they match the performance but as you said no proof they are actually rebranded i use the IKEA battery's and find the excellent value
@@stocksmk78 me to 😁
no one talks about the difference between 1.2 and 1.5 volts, apparently that's not important
The eneloop pro's are reknown yes, but expensive. Check out the Ikea or amazon basics rechargeable batteries (make sure they are made in Japan) They are made in the same factory and use the same cells as the eneloop pros. But they are also much cheaper.
Sounds good for me, because I just bought three 4-pack of IKEA AA batteries 2450mAh :D (But still waiting for my small flash that Micael used in the super cheap macro rig video)
Wouldn't it have made more sense to wait a few days and test the Godox flash rather than speculate and rush the video since you actually have it in your hands?
Panasonic eneloop pro☑️
Good info but all I can say, as a European photographer/person! Shame on you!! not to recommend IKEA's Ladda batteries that are actually the Eneloop batteries under cheapest price tag market can handle. In fact, when available on shelf, you can get them from your local IKEA for under $2 each for 2450mA AA battery (Currently $6.99 for a pack of 4AA) (Unbelievable price) and once in a blue moon, they do go on additional sale but hey, the price is too good as is that as long as IKEA is not rising their daily price, I prefer to buy it, as they sell at norm. There was words that recently they have additionally brought in the cheaper Eneloops that are made in China but I've had absolutely no problem with their batteries. My only wish: "If only IKEA could make furnitures as good as these batteries"!!!!🤣😛🤓
Then look at the package and see if it says Made in Japan or Made in China
@@thomasnordstrom1869 They are color coded and rather easy to identify. However the bigger or major question is if there is actually any difference between the two and site of origin.
After two years from the making of this video, my current problem is finding a place that actually has the "GP ReCyko Pro Charger Dock D861 & Pro Charger P461 with 8 x AA Pro Photoflash 2000mAh NiMH Batteries". I can only find the single charger with the "NON-photo" batteries. I wish that I could purchase them direct, but their website does not offer that function. Nobody has made it easy or convenient to acquire them. Very frustrating. You are lucky to have had the opportunity to try them out with the dual charge base.
Hmm that’s too bad. Also it seems like these batteries are not available in all countries
@@MicaelWidell Yes, this is true. Looking at the websites that advertise them (including the single charger) is primarily in northern and western Europe. Some will not ship to the US and don't have bilingual webpages. It has been challenging. It's almost as if GP is not working hard enough to promote their products over in the US. One thing that would help a lot would be the option to purchase directly from GP. They also don't provide links to official sellers of their product. They are losing out on potentially important revenue.
Maybe try the Panasonic Eneloop Pro. They have a very good reputation.