Apollo Orb - Speedlite batteries

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jerome2710

jerome2710

Dec 18, 2011
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Hi all,

I am planning on shooting some portraits during a gala this weekend. I recently purchased an Apollo Orb Speedlite Kit to get some decent even lightning.

I read some comments on the internet about the 580EX II eating batteries, so I bought some extra Eneloops. This time the Eneloop XX with 2550mAh.

Do I need to charge the Eneloops in my Maha C9000 or are they ready to go?
The package says preloaded. Break-in, refresh&analyse, charge, discharge or just use them straight away? I read a lot on the internet but I can't seem to find the exact answer.

Also, is a CP-E4 recommended?
How long will the Eneloops last with and without an external battery pack at full power?

Thanks a lot!
 
D

Drizzt321

Nov 23, 2011
1,667
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Lala land
www.aaronbaff.com
Eneloops are great. You can charge them right up and shoot with them out of the package. The big bonus for Eneloops (I have the XX for my speedlites as well) is that they have a pretty low self-discharge rate. So you charge them up right after you're done shooting an event, put them away. 2 months later you have to grab and go and get shooting, you'll still have most of the charge left on them instead of only a few shots with standard NiMH batteries :)
 
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jerome2710

jerome2710

Dec 18, 2011
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The Netherlands
Drizzt321 said:
Eneloops are great. You can charge them right up and shoot with them out of the package. The big bonus for Eneloops (I have the XX for my speedlites as well) is that they have a pretty low self-discharge rate. So you charge them up right after you're done shooting an event, put them away. 2 months later you have to grab and go and get shooting, you'll still have most of the charge left on them instead of only a few shots with standard NiMH batteries :)
Click to expand...

Are you confirming Eli452?
Charging without discharging when new? At what current?
 
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eli452

eli452

When you have to shoot shoot don't talk
Sep 4, 2013
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jerome2710 said:
So just charge then? No need to discharge prior to that?

What current do you recommend?
Click to expand...
No need for discharge. No memory effect with these new generation batteries. I use La Crosse charger at (the default) low 200mAh charge current. Avoid, if possible speed, high current, chargers.
 
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alexanderferdinand

alexanderferdinand

Dec 10, 2011
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www.flickr.com
Newly arrived- even when they are the famous eneloops, and I have 100+, yes, charge them. If you have the time, discharge them first.
Loading current: I have the Maha 808, set at soft, this is 1000mA. I dont know the Maha you have, but if you have time: the less the better.
And CP E4: definitely YES. More power, faster recycle time.
Good luck!!
 
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jerome2710

jerome2710

Dec 18, 2011
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30
The Netherlands
alexanderferdinand said:
Newly arrived- even when they are the famous eneloops, and I have 100+, yes, charge them. If you have the time, discharge them first.
Loading current: I have the Maha 808, set at soft, this is 1000mA. I dont know the Maha you have, but if you have time: the less the better.
And CP E4: definitely YES. More power, faster recycle time.
Good luck!!
Click to expand...

Thanks!
Probably won't discharge them this time, but set the charge current somewhere at 700mAh.

CP-E4 will be bought tomorrow then! Don't fell like saving on cheaper versions...
 
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jerome2710

jerome2710

Dec 18, 2011
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The Netherlands
It is a good choice to charge the Eneloops when new. They all received an extra 1000 - 1200 mAh!

The CP-E4 arrived today too. I'm happy I went for the Canon version, it looks real sturdy.

Is it possible to store the flash and battery pack with the batteries in it? Or do I need to take them out every time I don't use them?
 
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jerome2710

jerome2710

Dec 18, 2011
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The Netherlands
alexanderferdinand said:
You can leave them in the CP E4.
If you use the flash with the CP E4 regularely, you will be forced to take them out for charging.
And take a few thoughts about custom function 12: different POVs around, I prefer the version energy for the flash only from the CP E4.
Click to expand...

Alright, will do!

I think I'll be using power only from the CP-E4 too. Mainly because the flash is inside the Apollo Orb and I'm trying to mount the CP-E4 on the outside, on the tripod.

Thanks!
 
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R

Rat

Feb 24, 2012
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Earth (mostly)
For an event, you should ALWAYS charge new batts - if only to find if there are DOA's. If you have four cells, and one is dead, you can power zero flash guns.

Recommended current is, as a rule of thumb (and depending on whom you ask), 1/5th - 1/3rd of the capacity, so 2550mAh can be charged at anything up to 850mA, 500mAh is on the safe side. The 1000mA chargers won't kill it, though - nor will a 100mA charger, but that seems disproportionally cautious.
 
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I

InterMurph

Aug 28, 2012
75
0
Those little battery packs don't provide much power, and won't shorten your recycle times by much.

For serious use, you should look at these:

https://www.cheetahstand.com/product-p/cl-l4500.htm

I have several of these, and they provide a ton of power quickly. Recycle times are extremely quick, even at 1/1 power.

The only problem with these is that they recycle so quickly, they allow you to overheat your flash.
 
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jerome2710

jerome2710

Dec 18, 2011
29
0
30
The Netherlands
Thank you Rat, for the specific charging info!

For some reason I'm not so fond of power suppliers other than Canon intended. I'm a little bit to scared of blowing my flash up.
I think I don't need the very fast recycle times, just the assurance that I can take a lot of photos (~500?) before running out of power.

Anyway, let's try it with the CP-E4 this Saturday and see how it goes.
 
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