[MadMathMind]

What do you guys recommend?

[VoiceOfReason]

Enerloops.

[photolady95]

I prefer Eneloops. This is because they last and last, and they're rechargeable, so I don't have to keep buying more batteries when they die.

[derekkite]

I did a project last summer where I was discharging the flash as fast as it would go. A Metz 50 and a couple Yongnuo 560II. I had Eneloops and Duracell precharged rechargeables 2400mah. The Duracells were more reliable and quicker than the eneloops. The limit I ran into was the batteries heating up and slowing down. They were all ok, but the Duracells were better. They are a similar technology, precharged and recharchable, and the eneloops have a lower mah rating.

[Sandy Hancock]

I have been happy with my Energizer NiMH 2300 mAh rechargeables. Sanyo Eneloops aren't as easy to buy around here.

[bar_foo]

They now make an "eneloop pro" line, which have a much higher capacity, at the the cost of a shorter lifespan (fewer recharge cycles). See here.

[ChristianRock]

I have been happy with my Energizer NiMH 2300 mAh rechargeables. Sanyo Eneloops aren't as easy to buy around here.

Same here.

[hjoseph7]

Eneloops are great but they take a loooooong time to charge. If you are in a hurry I recommend Powerex batteries.

[MadMathMind]

Thanks, guys! I went with the Eneloop Pro. I invested in a better charger from La Crosse that can supply more current to the batteries when charging them. It's not recommended to use it, as it will shorten the lives of the batteries, but in a pinch, it is an option.

[aleonx3]

Like others have suggested, I use nothing except Eneloops (or Duraloops) AAs. IMHO it is equally important to get a nice charger that allows you to discharge/break-in and recycle the batteries for longer life. Since Eneloops batteries keep the charge for a fairly long time, I keep several sets (of 4) properly marked and charged all the time. Fast chargers are not quite friendly for rechargeable batteries as they tend to shorten the life of the battery.

[p38arover]

Sanyo Eneloops aren't as easy to buy around here.

Dick Smith have them and, occasionally, on special.

---------- Post added 21st Apr 2015 at 14:13 ----------

Eneloops are great but they take a loooooong time to charge..

I haven't noticed that. I'm using the Sanyo Eneloop 8-cell charger.

[UncleVanya]

I have been happy with my Energizer NiMH 2300 mAh rechargeables.

Ditto.

[RAART]

I have Pro Eneloops with higher mAh, but I got them with charger included here in Canada. They are good but when I was living in Europe I used exclusively Duracell or Duracell Pro an they were excellent, much better than Energizer.

I have also purchased from "The Source" in Canada rechargeable batteries (very high mAh) and for additional I think $5 got the warranty if they got broken I will get free replacement within I think 3 or 5 years, do not remember any more and they are still holding...

[johnmflores]

After years of trying all sorts of Eneloop alternatives, some promising more mAh, some promising faster charges, some promising lower cost, I've come back to the Eneloop for they just work. They hold a charge. They last long. They never let me down, which is more than I can say for the other batteries.

[Ontarian50]

Here in Canada I've been using the Ansmann batteries for some years and their current lineup is good and reliable. Their 2850 NiMh offerings give the most flashes, but I find I'm happier with the 2100 NiMh Max-E Ansmanns - which are low discharge types - which means I can leave them in the bag and flash for ages and still count on them.
While Ansmann is a German company, the batteries are sourced from Asia, so they're likely the same product as the other guys, just with a different branding.
However, their chargers are quite good. I invested in one of their fancy desktop types some years ago. It babies the batteries, refreshing and recharging each cell separately. It definitely seems to help with lifespan, with any brand of battery.