Torch Batteries

Light Knight · 23 Jan 2015, 3:27 pm

Using anything up to 8 lights for URBEX photos (using 22 batteries simultaneously), some of which (particularly the LED Lenser P7QC) eat batteries for breakfast, I'm getting through batteries at a rate of knots. Thus I decided to have a bit more of a look at options for non-rechargables, and found Varta Longlife batteries at Bunnings to have one of the better deals I could find at the moment with 24xAAA for $9.48 (40c/battery) and 30xAA for $9.48 (31c/battery). Not sure why the AAs are cheaper? Ikea do AA and AAAs in 10 packs for $2.99 (30c/battery), but I have no plans to go to Ikea for a while. Aldi also have similar good prices for alkaline batteries, when they do occasional bulk packs.

Going by various scientific online reviews show that there is only approx. 25-30% difference in run time between the best and worst alkaline batteries, this seems a pretty good cost per run time compared to cheapest I could find what is probably the longest lasting alkaline on the market, the Energizer Max 12xAA for $10 ($83c/battery) at Bunnings.

Interested to know what everyone else recommends for batteries? Does anyone use re-chargables in their torches (such as Eneloops), and if so with what level of success? Does anyone use the much pricier but longer lasting Lithium AA and AAAs?

(By the way, never use "heavy duty" zinc AA and AAAs in torches as they have a fraction of the power compared to alkalines and you will end up in the dark very quickly).

Aydun · 23 Jan 2015, 3:41 pm

I just use generic AAA alkalines because I only have the one torch, so I don't go through them that quickly.

I can vouch for eneloops though! Considering Panasonic bought Sanyo practically just for their eneloop brand and tech..

Midget · 23 Jan 2015, 3:46 pm

I use Eneloops regularly in flashes, and they work extremely well. They hold a consistent charge, stay on reasonable temperatures and also have a high capacity. Translating this to torches, I'd expect them to work just as well. Buy a bunch of Eneloops and get a Maha charger (life and charge of the batteries will last longer). If you want to give Eneloops a go, I'd be happy to send you a couple of my older ones.

For disposables, which I wouldn't recommend because of landfill, but in a pinch, I use the Duracell Ultra. The Ultra batteries are absolute beasts. Only get them in bulk otherwise they will cost an arm and one of your children. Note: It seems they call it 'Duracell Ultra Power' now. Basically the same thing with some extra marketing bs.

Light Knight · 23 Jan 2015, 8:24 pm

Midget wrote:I use Eneloops regularly in flashes, and they work extremely well. They hold a consistent charge, stay on reasonable temperatures and also have a high capacity. Translating this to torches, I'd expect them to work just as well. Buy a bunch of Eneloops and get a Maha charger (life and charge of the batteries will last longer). If you want to give Eneloops a go, I'd be happy to send you a couple of my older ones.

For disposables, which I wouldn't recommend because of landfill, but in a pinch, I use the Duracell Ultra. The Ultra batteries are absolute beasts. Only get them in bulk otherwise they will cost an arm and one of your children. Note: It seems they call it 'Duracell Ultra Power' now. Basically the same thing with some extra marketing bs.

Thanks for the offer of some Eneloops, but given the large number of concurrent batteries I use, and a likely decrease in frequent use after the middle of this year (due to babygeddon), I can't see rechargables being cost effective for my purposes.

Saying that my wife had a whinge over me spending $19 on 54 batteries today, saying I should think about the environment. Yeh, right, I'm sure she would also have whinged if I had spent $110 on Eneloops and a charger!

Midget · 24 Jan 2015, 12:22 pm

No worries. Eh, maybe think about a large backpack with wired lemons and chucking a cord into any torches?

Some bio-degradable goodness right there.

Better yet, use beer so you have an excuse.

Light Knight · 02 Sep 2015, 8:27 pm

For the fans of Eneloop rechargeable batteries....

When Panasonic bought out Sanyo, they bought the Eneloop name, but not the Japanese factory (now owned by FDK).

Since late 2014, Eneloops available in Australian stores have been made in China. According to tests these have inferior discharge curves, loose charge faster, and last for less recharge cycles. Of course, Aussie retailers (such as d*** Smith and Masters) have been selling the inferior Chinese Eneloop at the same premium prices as the FDK Eneloops. Thus if you want the market leading Japanese/FDK made Eneloops you now have to import them from the North America, Europe, or Japan.

However, some other companies also sell the FDK made rechargeables - notably Fujitsu, and Duracell (though not all Duracells - only if it says made in Japan on the packet).

After a bit of research, if maximum performance is not essential, the best value for money low self discharge NiMH rechargeables are Ikea Laddas at $6 for 4 AA or AAAs.

dodger · 04 Sep 2015, 6:20 am

Light Knight wrote: Thanks for the offer of some Eneloops, but given the large number of concurrent batteries I use, and a likely decrease in frequent use after the middle of this year (due to babygeddon), I can't see rechargables being cost effective for my purposes.

Sorry for digging up an old post. But has the little one popped out yet? If so, congrats! All the best with fatherhood!

Light Knight · 04 Sep 2015, 8:12 pm

d0dg3r wrote:
Light Knight wrote: Thanks for the offer of some Eneloops, but given the large number of concurrent batteries I use, and a likely decrease in frequent use after the middle of this year (due to babygeddon), I can't see rechargables being cost effective for my purposes.
Sorry for digging up an old post. But has the little one popped out yet? If so, congrats! All the best with fatherhood!

Yes, #3 is nearly 3 months old now. Thus the lack of exploring recently!

Funnily enough, I can now justify rechargeables due to the kids getting through so many batteries on their toys. So I bought a large batch of Eneloops from the USA.

Midget · 07 Sep 2015, 2:54 pm

What with the recent exchange rate? Yikes. How much did you get them for?

GreyArea · 11 Sep 2015, 5:07 pm

I have always used Duracell Procells in my torches. I get them from a few friends who do AV stuff so they get used once and discarded with most of their charge so I get them that way. They are super reliable and last a while in torches so they are my battery of choice.

Aydun · 11 Sep 2015, 6:02 pm

GreyArea wrote:I have always used Duracell Procells in my torches. I get them from a few friends who do AV stuff so they get used once and discarded with most of their charge so I get them that way. They are super reliable and last a while in torches so they are my battery of choice.

Free batteries are the best batteries!

dodger · 12 Sep 2015, 3:14 am

Ooft, they're good batteries. But would cost you an arm and a leg if you had to pay for them yourself!

And Eneloops frequently go on sale at Dicksmith and the big electronics store. (I usually keep an eye on OzBargain if I need to buy new ones.)

Will-043 · 16 Sep 2015, 12:07 pm

I use Energizer Lithium AA's in my Led Lenser P7, have only changed batteries a few times in the 3 years I've had it and it's seen heaps of use too