Canon USA Warns Against Lithium Battery Use With Speedlites

[Canon Rumors]

<p><strong>Details</strong>

AA Lithium batteries cannot be used with any Speedlite or Macrolite products and compact battery packs including those listed below because certain AA lithium batteries, in rare cases, may become extremely hot during usage in such products.</p>
<p><!--more-->

<strong>Canon Products</strong>

Speedlite 220EX

Speedlite 270EX

Speedlite 270EX II

Speedlite 320EX

Speedlite 380EX

Speedlite 420EX

Speedlite 430EX

Speedlite 430EX II

Speedlite 540EZ

Speedlite 550EX

Speedlite 580EX

Speedlite 580EX II

Speedlite 600EX

Speedlite 600EX-RT

Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX

Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II

Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX

Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

Compact Battery Pack CP-E3

Compact Battery Pack CP-E4</p>
<p><strong>Support</strong>

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.</p>
<p>Thank you,

Customer Support Operations

Canon U.S.A., Inc</p>

 

[Marsu42]

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Muahaha, so the batteries stop exploding when used by a non-US resident, even if staying inside the US?

Or is it because the weird US law system has so exepensive lawsuits that even a very minor danger needs a warning? But in this case, what's Puerto Rico doing in there?

 

[lintoni]

Puerto Rico is an American territory.

 

[Old Sarge]

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Muahaha, so the batteries stop exploding when used by a non-US resident, even if staying inside the US?

Exactly what I thought.

Or is it because the weird US law system has so expensive lawsuits that even a very minor danger needs a warning? But in this case, what's Puerto Rico doing in there?

Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory so most laws are similar to those in the various states. Of course there is also a U.S. Federal District Court there.

 

[TeT]

Want instant gratification; shoot a lawyer.

I say that in the nicest way possible; so don't sue me...

 

[Khufu]

certain AA lithium batteries, in rare cases, may become extremely hot during usage in such products.

Certain? Particular? Precise brand selection?... They could never let us know which though, not without years of rigorous scientific testing, that would be slanderous and could provoke lawsuits! Not telling us though, that could be dangerous and provoke lawsuits!

My lithium batteries just here say they're suitable for camera flashes. I don't know who to believe!

 

[mrzero]

This is really just a quiet way of saying "We won't cover repairs to your speedlite under warranty if you tell us you used lithium batteries."

 

[Click]

This is really just a quiet way of saying "We won't cover repairs to your speedlite under warranty if you tell us you used lithium batteries."

+1

 

[mangobutter]

I've been using Eneloops in my Speedlites (And Nikon units) for years without problems

 

[Yankeedog]

Yeah... I've been using lithiums in my Speedlite for years with no issues. Never noticed any significant heat buildup. Not going to stop using my lithiums now.

Granted, I only use good quality lithiums, and the number of shots/min. I'm taking when I use the Speedlite is usually not very high. I could see how overheating might become an issue if you're really cycling the flash hard for an extended period of time.

 

[Steve Balcombe]

I've been using Eneloops in my Speedlites (And Nikon units) for years without problems

Same here. Years ago I used to carry a set or two of lithium batteries as emergency spares because unlike traditional rechargeables they don't lose their charge. But Eneloops have made that unnecessary.

 

[AcutancePhotography]

Perhaps Canon is considering marketing their own brand of batteries? ;D

 

[Velo Steve]

Some here already know, and some don't...
The Eneloop batteries are a form of NiMh battery, not Lithium.

See http://www.panasonic-eneloop.eu/eneloop-products/eneloop-batteries.html

 

[msatter]

Maybe because there also ones with 3.6volt instead of 1.5volt. I only use NiMH for my flashes.

 

[KeithBreazeal]

About panicked when I first read that. I have 32 NiMH batteries and two 4-bay fast chargers to support the 580EXII and other camera gear.
And yes, Puerto Rico is one of our infamous welfare states.

 

[RGF]

For years I used lithiums and an external quantum battery pack without problem. I would burst shoot but really push the flash.

I suspect that if the flash is pushed very hard Lithium batteries could get very hot. I find my imedion get hot when I charge them; I have not pushed them hard when shooting so not sure if they would get hot on discharge.

Bottom line (IMO - not an official statement from Canon - said in case some one follows my thoughts and has a bad results and then wants to sue me ) don't push your flash unit to the point of exhaustion.

 

[FTBPhotography]

All i use are the energizer ultimate lithium 1.5v in both my 600 EXRT's. Never an issue. The advisory even says "in rare cases" so this obviously isnt a big issue.

 

[AcutancePhotography]

Some here already know, and some don't...
The Eneloop batteries are a form of NiMh battery, not Lithium.

See http://www.panasonic-eneloop.eu/eneloop-products/eneloop-batteries.html

Are you trying to introduce facts into CR? ;D

 

[Steve Balcombe]

Some here already know, and some don't...
The Eneloop batteries are a form of NiMh battery, not Lithium.

See http://www.panasonic-eneloop.eu/eneloop-products/eneloop-batteries.html

Yep. Just to clarify what I wrote - bold words are added:

Years ago I used to carry a set or two of lithium batteries as emergency spares because unlike traditional NiMH rechargeables they don't lose their charge. But Eneloops (low self-discharge NiMH) have made that unnecessary.

 

[Cochese]

Tch... I've been using lithium batteries with my speedlites for nearly four years now. Not a single issue. Granted, the only one's I've used (or are aware of on the normal consumer market) are the Energizer brand.