600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

[AndyA]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Hi Raj, I don't think this charger has that option. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[rcarca]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

If you have some time to spare, it may be worth your while watching this seminar on the 600EX-RT by Syl Arena. Personally, I find it easier to understand things visually, rather than reading through manuals. http://learn.usa.canon.com/galleries..._seminar.shtml

These are great.

Richard

[AndyA]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Richard, do you already have the flashgun?

[CountDavid]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Hi Andy - although your ratings are lower that expected they were consistent.
Mine this morning are all showing full but have 1379,1383,1842 and 1370 mAh readings. So I guess we are both confused now.
I think what I will do my end is to use the batteries as hard as I can and then put them on to recharge. I may not be able to get to use them early today but will get to that stage as soon as I can.

David

[AndyMackie]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Andy, I swear by eneloops - best purchase ever having kept duracell afloat for far too long. The trouble is, they keep disappearing into toys and so on...I really don't mind though as its still a much better buy, and have just ordered another 8 on ebay.

A great flash that I know you will really enjoy. Now, start saving up for the ST-E3-RT Transmitter so that you can take it off of the camera, but to be honest, mine lives on the camera most of the time.

Cheers
Andy

[S_J_P]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Andy, Do not be too perturbed by the low full-charge rating, the cells will require a few cycles to reach full capacity (try the recondition option to speed this process), note that even when conditioned in all likelihood they still won't reach the rated capacity, but they should be close.

200mAhr for 4.5 hrs is 900mA, so your charging rate looks to be spot-on. Your cells will require around 12hr to fully charge.

I like to charge my cells at 200mA as it is supposed to prolong the cells life and it means that an overnight charge sees them at full capacity. The newer NiMH cells can stand high charge currents so you could wind the charge current up to 500mA if you're impatient or in a hurry though. I don't remember how to charge the charge current on the BL700, but as I recall you can set up to 1,000mA (which I wouldn't suggest you use unless it's an emergency!)

[AndyA]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Thanks guys. I emailed Batterylogic yesterday and they suggested I use the Discharge - Refresh cycle. I tried it last night and it does appear to have increased the mAh to near the quoted rating.

[CountDavid]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

. I tried it last night and it does appear to have increased the mAh......

Hi Andy - ran mine again last night after using them during the day and they have all increased - now between 1750 and 1915. This is certianly an increase but not yet up to the advertised rating. Sounds like I wil have to use them again a few ties to get them "fully charged"

David

[Cyberman]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

My Eneloop batteries and BL-700 charger arrived yesterday and I charged a set overnight.
(Yes I know they come with a charge, but was trying to feedback on Andy's query.)

This morning all four batteries (2450mAh version) had charged and charger showed full as status for each.
The indicated capacities ranged from 1700-2100mAh, which seems consistent with what others have said.

I will charge the other sets in the coming days and see his they do, and then see what happens after they have been used and charged again.

[Paulstw]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

To give you an idea on how good Eneloop batteries are Andy. I shot the whole day wedding on 4 AA 2000MaH batteries. My flash was at full power most of the day indoors. The recharge cycle was faster too. I kid you not that Energiser batteries I had before lasted 40 mins in my flash one day. I nearly got rid of the flash until I heard about Eneloops.

[AndyA]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

That's good to hear. Thanks very much for all the replies. :-)

[Columbarius]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Now, start saving up for the ST-E3-RT Transmitter

Yougnuo have announced a compatible trigger (YN-E3-RT at around $150). It's in short supply at the moment but appears to do everything the Canon does plus a focus assist beam (missing on the Canon). When they're back in stock I shall order one & report back.

[AndyA]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Russell, yes I'd read about that. I think someone mentioned, that the AF assist point don't all line up with all of the camera focus points? That said, at least it has that function! I'll look forward to hearing how you get on.

I know that HDEW can supply an ST-E3-RT for £189, although cheaper than most suppliers, it's still expensive for what it is.

I'm still waiting to see how much the Yongnuo YN-600EX-RT will cost over here, that might make a good slave.

[rcarca]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Richard, do you already have the flashgun?

Andy, I never saw your question... Sorry! I didn't have them at that time, I now have two, plus the trigger. Love them, although I have not used them as much as I would like. Not quite as intuitive as Syl would have you believe, but I am slowly, slowly getting there!

Now for my eneloops!

R

[Cyberman]

Re: 600EX-RT which rechargeable batteries?

Having spent an evening using two 600ex-rt flashes and the ST-E3-RT transmitter all on Eneloops I was very impressed in how well they lasted.
One set saw me through the evening, and cycle times were good.
Overall I am very impressed with the Eneloops, and they've given me the confidence that my decision to get multiple flashes was not too bad.

Ive even ordered an additional couple of sets for the 3rd 600ex-rt flash I am going to order.