Canon USA Warns Against Lithium Battery Use With Speedlites

[funkboy]

To me this seems like a "cover your butt" press release than anything else.

I only use Lithium batteries in my flashes & they work great. They have an extremely long shelf live, good energy density, and they are noticeably lighter than other battery types I've tried, which is a big deal for me as I have a history of trouble with my right wrist.

They certainly have a faster recycle time than most rechargeables. However, I don't go nuts with it as I know that it'll overheat the flash head. Like this: http://blog1.1001noisycameras.com/2010/01/30seconds-to-overheat-adventures-with-the-sb900-flash-and-nizn-aa-batteries.html

 

[AvTvM]

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

They have for years...
http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/batteries-and-chargers/batteries-and-chargers/powershot-batteries-chargers/battery-pack-nb4-300

however, according to the compatibility list in the product link above, these Canon AA batteries are not compatible with Canon speedlites. Probably one needs to buy more expensive ones ... ;D

 

[Chaitanya]

I must be out of the loop. Are there rechargeable 1.5V lithium AAs? Maybe one of the problems Canon is fighting is people accidentally using the 3.7V lithium batteries which are similar to AA batteries.

there are no 1.5V lithium ion cells on market. Ifr are typically around 3.2V and Imr/Icr are 3.7V cells. 14500 sized lithium ion cells are AA sized and they are readily available due to use in torches.

one of the main problem with these lithium chemistry based cells is that in case they explode, fire started bu lithium is nearly impossible to extinguish. this advisory might be to warm people about hazards of lithium cells.

 

[AvTvM]

For speedlites I normally use rechargable Panasonic Eneloop AA (NiMH).

However, in some instances I also use non-rechargable Lithium 1.2V AA cells, typically Energizer Lithium or Varta (which may well be identical except for branding). They are considerably lighter than NiMH cells and hold their charge longer in cold environments. Therefore they are my preferred choice for randonee ski-touring in winter - for anything from avalanche beacon, headlamp, torch to speedlites and other electronic gear. Sometimes I also carried along a vertical grip battery magazin loaded with 6xAA LiIon cells as "emergency power" for the camera.

I've experienced absolutely no issues with (non-rechargable) 1.2V LiIon AA cells up to now and will continue to use them in the future as and when I see fit to do so, no matter what Canon thinks or advises.

 

[dgatwood]

However, in some instances I also use non-rechargable Lithium 1.2V AA cells, typically Energizer Lithium or Varta (which may well be identical except for branding).

FYI, most non-rechargeable Lithium cells are nominally 1.5V, not 1.2V.

 

[Twostones]

I use only Lithium batteries in my speedlights. The DOT regulations and the TSA say you can fly with Lithium AA batteries and other lithium batteries but they require you carry them as “carry on” baggage and not “Checkd Baggage." Here are the regulations. http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/safe-travel-batteries-and-devices

 

[Diamir]

If we read carefully the article, it is said there is a temperature problem.
This is related to the recycle time (of the speedlite) and the rate YOU get the pictures.

With a high performance battery, the recycle time is short (due mostly to the low internal resistance of the battery).
So, if you like to get the picture at a high rate, the recycling time is not the limiting factor.

Normally, in such a situation, the speedlite has an internal security switch that switch down the unit in case of overheating.
The principal source of heating of a battery (from it self), is its internal resistance, but the current is limited with the external circuitry (speedlite). If YOU get the picture at a high rate there is not time to cool the battery... and the speedlite neither.

I suspect the protection circuitry to be wrongly calibrated to protect the whole unit.

The battery by itself is never the cause of the heating, it is the supplied current (drained by the flash), the recycling time (which depend on the flah) and the triggering rate (which depends on you).

 

[tcmatthews]

I use mostly NiMH rechargeable batteries. But on occasion have used Lithium batteries. First of all NiMH are normally very stable. Nearly bullet proof. You can charge one backwards and it will not explode. (They actual will charge backwards but I would not do that.) When they over heat they release Hydrogen and there life is shortened. When the quick charger says they are bad I charge them in a old slow NiCad charger. No problems. NiMH can have fast cycle time (high current out) with out damage.

Lithium batteries over heat with fast cycle time. Cannot support has fast cycle times and overheat more easily than NiMH, NiCad and alkaline batteries. Many types of Lithium batteries have a problem with thermal runaway. (Once a certain internal temperature is reached the battery continue to heat-up until they explode and/or catch fire. If this happens water will not put it out only accelerate the reaction.)

The typical flash circuit is not one that a Lithium battery is well suited for. (I read a Lithium battery package warning that warned against using in a camera flash.)

The Speedlite internal circuits are designed to protect itself from thermal problems. It is also likely designed to charge as fast as possible. All other batteries will get hot but not be an issue. If the circuit was designed for Lithium batteries it would by necessity slow down flash cycle time. Only Lithium have rapid heating issues at high current draw(created by the flash cycle time) and can enter thermal runaway.

Lithium have much higher storage density than NiMH. As long as you are not cycling the flash fast they could save weight and last a long time.

 

[PhotographAdventure]

Just to be safe, I will also toss my stock canon camera batteries away too. I believe they are the lithium type. I can feel some warmth from them after usage. I cannot afford additional camera risk.

 

[NadaMal]

I've used Lithium batteries for at least 5 years, and on two occasions I've had a flash gun overheated and the safety circuitry has locked up the flash gun. (both times during the photo's taken after the first dance at weddings)

I've never had this with regular batteries, but the recharge times I've had with regular batteries can be so slow it impedes my shooting, so I much prefer Lithium. I try not to be too trigger happy with them to allow enough heat dissipation from the unit.

For now, I will continue to use Lithium.

 

[Marsu42]

I've never had this with regular batteries, but the recharge times I've had with regular batteries can be so slow it impedes my shooting, so I much prefer Lithium.

Well, that's what the external power port is for, isn't it? I don't know what shooting frequency you can achieve with a li battery inside that flash, but I cannot imagine it comes near using an external power block - and then, our only source of heat is the flash tube.