Lithium batteries - Varta v Energizer

[cybereye]

Hello!!

My Pentax Km DSLR takes AA batteries and I've been using Eneloop rechargeables for a long time. However the charger is not dual voltage and as I'm heading to Hawaii I've been forced to look at using Lithium batteries for the couple of weeks while I'm away.

I've noted that Bunnings has both Varta Professional Lithium batteries as well as Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. However there is about a $7 difference (Varta less than Energizer) in price for a set of 4 so my question is - has anybody used both and if so, how do they compare?

Cheers,
Mario

[killswitch]

Might be cheaper just to buy a charger there?

But if its between the two id go with Energizers. Ive used Varta lithium and rechargeable batteries in the past and they were just crap.

[Larryp]

I too have used Varta batteries, and they don't last as long as the name brand batteries.

[hotspur]

The Energizer Lithiums (new X9) are very good,I use them in trail cameras,and would recommend them.There is also a 'knock off' version on ebay- cheaper-I suspect they might be quite good too,I'll try and find the link-has anyone here used non brand lithiums off ebay?

[acropolite]

+ 1 in the Varta is crap camp.

I'm with the others, I'd be buying a suitable charger.

I'd suggest one one of the Maha Powerex MH-C9000 chargers from Protog, I have one and they're fantastic.

They charge, analyse/refresh, break in, discharge , have variable charge rates on each or the 4 slots, will work on 12V as well as having a variable voltage source plugpack plus a 3 year warranty (they don't come with free steak knives).

http://www.protog.com.au/buy/maha-powerex-mh-c9000-wizardone-aa-aaa-battery-charger-analyzer/9000

[Steffen]

Agreed, the Maha C9000 charger is fantastic. So are the Powerex Imedion rechargeable batteries. They edge out the Eneloops because they have a higher capacity to start with.

Cheers
Steffen.

[hotspur]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8-pcs-New-NICE-Lithium-AA-Batteries-Good-as-Energizer-Ultimate-BUT-Much-Cheaper-/390582337824?pt=AU_Electronics_Batt eries_Chargers&hash=item5af0858120&_uhb=1

Not sure what these are like,might be crap like the Varta ones.But maybe worth a try-anyone used these?

[hotspur]

That's quite an 'up' looking unit,what brand/s of rechargables does it do Phil? I am looking at getting 12 AA eneloops for one of my trail cameras,and charging them with regular eneloop charger,reading this tread there might be as good,or better options.

[acropolite]

Chris, not so much brands as types, does both AAA and AA sizes in Nicad and NiMh. The charger is really a top quality unit, backed by a reputable Australian seller. Consider the Powerex batteries mentioned by Stefan, they'll outperform eneloops. They're available on the same Protog site. http://www.protog.com.au/buy/powerex-imedion-2400mah-aa-rechargeable-batteries-4pack/2400I

Cheaper in bulk if you look further down the page.

If you're hell bent on eneloops they're also available from Protog.

[killswitch]

It can do pretty much all AA/AAA NiMH rechargables, including LSD types.

Its a great charger to have because you can select the charge rate, track the voltage and current, and also each cell can be set individually.

The regular eneloop charger has a slow charge rate (300mA). Eneloops (AA) can be safely charged up to 1000mA, which is about 2 hours from empty to full charge.

[hotspur]

Thanks Phil and Stephan:thumbsup:,I am renewing my batteries/chargers etc for my fleet of trail cameras,so the information above is certainly very helpful.I was unaware of this Protog site.

[cybereye]

Thanks everyone for your help with this matter. The Protog Charger looks very interesting - it takes about 8 hrs to charge my Eneloops at the moment. The one thing I find a pain with the standard Eneloop charger is that there is no indication when the batteries are charged. It just turns itself off after 16 hours as a safety precaution!

However, as I've just had budgetary approval to buy a Tamron 18-200mm lens for the trip (that way I don't have to change lenses - my current zoom lens is a 25 year old screw-in one!) I may have to wait before getting the paper work together (brownie points) to buy a new charger :D. I'll just go with the Lithium's I know (Energizer) for the trip although I did see those "Nice" Lithiums on ebay.:question:

Cheers,
Mario

[hotspur]

Thanks Ed. :thumbsup: