AA rechargeable battery test in a Nikon SB-800 flash

Glen from the DSLRusers.com forum recently did an extensive test of AA battery performance in his Nikon SB-800 flash, mounted on his Nikon D300 DSLR. I believe this is the first time a series of rechargeable AA batteries have ever been tested to see the real world results in a flash, and I am sure a lot of photographers will find this controlled test of real world value when choosing your batteries.

For the test, Glen compared four sets of 4 AA rechargeable batteries to see how many flashes could be achieved from each. Results are as follows:

Powerex 2700mAh = 266 flashes
Energizer 2500mAh = 242 flashes
IMEDION 2100mAh = 218 flashes
eneloop 2000mAh = 204 flashes

If you donʼt use your batteries as soon as you charge them, then test results are different. Some batteries are better at HOLDiNG their charge than others. Here are the results of the same test, 3 weeks after the batteries are charged.

Powerex 2700mAh = 250 flashes
Imedion  2100mAh  = 211 flashes
Energizer 2500mAh  = 208 flashes
eneloop 2000mAh =191 flashes

The Powerex 2700mAh have a higher energy retention rate than the Energizer 2500mAh. The Energizers were found to have a high self discharge rate, so much so that after just 3 weeks, the 2100mAh IMEDION batteries provide more flashes than the higher capacity 2500mAh Energizers.

Glen has noted that he is happy to conduct the test with other batteries if you want to know how yours compare to the four types already tested.

For capacity results and testing procedure details, read the full review here.

2 Comments »

1. What settings were you using on your camera? How dark was the room? Can you help us by letting us know the conditions under which your flash was used?

   Thanks

   Comment by Garrett — September 18, 2008 @ 6:53 am

2. Hi Garrett

   To ensure comparable test results, Glen set the SB-800 manually to 100% power. Follow this link to see the full test procedures

   Comment by Jeff Servaas — September 18, 2008 @ 7:47 am

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