Ideas on Rechargeable Batteries?

Hello my dear readers! 

I need help in choosing the best rechargeable battery available in the market. I need batteries for my Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash and I think it's wise to use rechargeable batteries instead of the disposable ones. It's more economical and friendlier to the environment. I started using GP PowerBank rechargeable batteries, but I'm not impressed with both the charger and the batteries. The green light of the charger turns on even if the battery is not yet fully charged, so I could not really tell if I have charged the batteries long enough. I don't think I get to maximize the batteries' potential since power runs out faster than disposable batteries.

Do you have recommendations on what rechargeable batteries to use? Or better yet, are there rechargeable batteries specifically designed for the Canon flash?

Need your help badly.

Thanks!

 

 

Comments

[Luis Cruz]

I recommend Sanyo's Eneloops - they come ready to use out of the box, and hold their charge longer than most other NiMH batts (comes in handy if you leave your flash and batts on the shelf for a while).

As for the charger, I highly recommend the La Crosse BC-9009. It'll keep your batteries in top condition, and can even whip some of your old ones into shape.

[Quing Obillos]

Hi Luis!

Wow! Thanks for the recommendations! I'll try the Eneloops. I've been seeing them in photography shops, but I really never thought about trying them. Now that you mentioned the benefits, seems like Eneloops are a must. :) I hope it gives my Speedlite longer life.

The La Crosse charges looks really techy, but I'll give it a try as well.

Thanks a lot!