AA rechargeable batteries

[Merlin5]

I've just received an external camera flash unit which requires 2 x regular AA, or rechargeable AA NI - MH.

I read a thread on here which said Ikea Ladda batteries are good and might be made by Panasonic/Eneloop. Do you think the Ikea ones should be good enough and would they be NI-MH? They're only £7 for four.

Otherwise, there's Duracell and Eneloops.

LADDA rechargeable battery, HR06 AA 1.2V , 2450mAh - IKEA

Switch to LADDA HR06 AA rechargeable batteries and save money while reducing waste. With a high 2450mAh capacity and ready-to-use design, you'll always have reliable power on hand.

www.ikea.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Recharge-Ultra-Type-Batteries/dp/B00E3DVQFS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3M8HR3X4QL62G&keywords=Duracell%2Baa%2Bnimh%2Bbatteries&qid=1669051636&sprefix=duracell%2Baa%2Bnimh%2Bbatteries%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-3&th=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Eneloop-BK-3MCCE-4LE-Battery-White/dp/B07HZNYDJ2/ref=sr_1_20_mod_primary_new?crid=3G0MSWN0Y6LQJ&keywords=aa+nimh+batteries&qid=1669051670&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=aa+nimh+batteries%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-20

I'm also wondering if there's any you'd recommend with a higher capacity than 2500 mAh. I have a pair of Vapextech AA 2900 mAh but they're old now and don't really hold a charge for long. Then again, 2500mAh might be enough and I doubt I'll be activating the flash a lot.

 

[Merlin5]

You might have just missed a belter of a deal for IKEA family card holders, 3 for the price of 2 on the Ladda batteries.

I bought 6 packs, first time for IKEA batteries. Screwfix have varta AAs on for £3.69 for 4. I have some of those and have no complaints.

Just had a look and yeah, good price for 4 x Vartas.
They're 2100mAh though, would that keep the batteries going long enough?

 

[Merlin5]

They seem to be Eneloops, made in same factory just rebranded. I will buy a set and use them in my flashguns to replace the Eneloop whites I have in one gun and compare against the Eneloop blacks I have in the other. As long as the recycle times are consistent then far as I am concerned they are Eneloops. The other upshot of Eneloop is that they are merketed to retain at least 75% of their charge over something like 18 months of sitting there not being used. I have found this to be accurate as I go several months without using the flashguns sometimes and can whip them out and do a shole shoot evening without draining them.

Hmm yeah, sounds like Eneloop are very good, I've read nothing but good things about them over the years. I'll have to decide between IKEA and Varta.

The ones Lidl do are fantastic as well. Have loads of them and they last good. £3.99 for a pack of 4. As with most things Lidl though you need to wait till they are on sale.

Sounds good but having googled them, reviews aren't great.

 

[Merlin5]

Been using the LADDA's for years now, staggering to see how few people realise they are re-badged Eneloops after this long on the market.

Right, I've decided I'll pop into IKEA and get a pack of Ladda AA 2450 mAh, £7 for 4.

I have the XTAR VC4S, there are a number in the VC4 line but it charges everything but 9v batteries. You'll look to get a dedicated 9v charger for those tbh if buying something like this.

Ah yeah, I've also got the XTAR VC4S, it replaced an old and pretty rubbish Nitecore charger. I charge 18650 batteries and AAs. The XTAR is excellent!

 

[Merlin5]

Done. Only one pack left but tons of the 1900mAh. Got it just in time!