Thanks, Kouryu, for a great explanation!
Not sure just what I should do now. I am the proud owner of 20 Eneloop Pros, but most of my AA needs are for low-draw devices. I can either buy some regular Eneloops or Eneloop Lites or else abuse the Pros I now have...
Guess I'll just have to buy a few AA flashlights like the ThruNite TN4A (NW)! More likely, I will buy some lights that use 1 or 2 AAs. For applications where the TN4A might be useful, I am inclined towards Li-ion solutions.
Kouryu has got it pretty much correct. Ostensibly it’s a waste of a good high capacity using the high capacity, high current cells for low drain applications such as TV remotes. They’ll work fine but the longer cycle life 2000mAh white cells will do a better job over the years & even better if you can find them are the high cycle life ‘Lite’ cells. These are half the capacity of the standard white cells but capacity is not important in low drain use as you’re almost never going to use anywhere near the whole charge anyway. Cycle life plus of course the low self discharge characteristic is the key factor for these cells.The lite batteries are designed for low drain long life use being rated at 5000 full cycles. They’re also made to handle continuous charge so appliances that sit on a low rate charge all the time when not in use such as shavers, cordless toothbrushes and solar charged garden lights are perfectly matched to the ‘lite’ batteries. Just like the the other two models the Lite cells are manufactured at the FDK Twicell factory in Japan so whether you buy Eneloop Lite model BK-3LCC (formerly HR-3UQ) or Fujitsu Lite model HR-3UTLA you are buying the same battery.
Lots of info in this thread, but a qouple of questions:
I want to buy some eneloop batteries. Both AA and AAA. Not many 8 pcs of each, maybe 16.
1. What is the best buy now, any link to safe sellers? (that send to Norway)
2. Going to use them for my Nikon blitz, in remote controls, and if it’s better, maybe 3 x in a 18650 flashlight.
3. Do I need to buy a separate charger? Or can one of my Opus BT-C3100 v2.2, LiitoKala Lii500 or Nitecore D4 chargers be used?
4. Do I need Pro or Normal? For my use?
Nikon blitz? is that a strobe? than the Pro would be a wise choice (although Standard ones are also good
Remote controls… if you can find some Lite eneloops, they might be better for the remote control. If you can`t find them just use standard.
Replace a 18650light? depends on what light etc…
It’s a Nikon SB-400 blitz for my D80 and D3100 SLR.
Ok, on remote control. But it don’t hurt to use normal eneloops on a remote control?
Was thinking maybe 3 x eneloop 2100mAh+ was lasting longer then 1 x 18650 3200mAh? But of course, the eneloops has only 1.2v, but the 18650 has 3.7/4.2
I have been at the store to look before I posted here, but some days ago I found a store/seller with better prices, but I can’t find it again.
No, it wont hurt to use standard eneloops in remote controls. but if Lites are cheaper, I would go with the Lites.
I honestly dont really care which brand/batteries I use in remote controls that I use daily.
I have eneloops in my remote shutter for my camera, but thats the only "remote" I use eneloops in. The remote controllers I use daily probably have alkaleaks in them.
Its the ones that get stored away, that I prefer to use proper batteries.
No, 3 times 2000mAh in series is still 2000mAh. The voltage becomes 3x, (about 4.2-4.5V)but not the capacity. (someone else will be better in explaining this, but you can search for Series vs Parallel batteries for more info)
Depending on the use of your strobe. if you need the capacity (shooting weddings etc) you should go with teh Pro.
If you "just shoot" with strobes occasionally, the standard eneloops will do just fine!
Where can Americans buy Eneloop lites? Wouldn’t they be best for our solar yard/garden/walkway lights?
tnx, for the info.
If someone has a better/cheaper store/seller tell me, or I will order some from Nkon.
other than going on an overseas trip... ebay or amazon... unfortunately, the price isn't that great for low quantities, unless you wait for an auction
I bid sniped a couple of packs of AAs already... as long as you stay $6 or less per pack, then the price is reasonable
When charging Eneloops (or IKEA Ladda) AA and AAA batteries. Is it best to use the lowest setting, 300mAh, or can I charge them with higher current then that?
300mA should be okay..perhaps
Eneloop charge better at 1000mA, or even 2000mA. That's what they advise.
I usually charged them at 700 on my Lacrosse/Voltcraft bc700 though.
And eneloop chargers charge also at various speeds.
Just don't set the charge rate to low and you should be good.
300mA on a AA cell will not really give you a -dv/dt termination signal.
So 1A then on the AA battery? And 300-500 on the AAA? Or 1A there also?
Yes, that is good values.
Got the test results now, Ikea Ladda AA 2000mAh gives from 2200-2270mAh and the AAA 750mAh gives from 770-801mAh. So seems like a good battery, like you say in your test. And they are cheap, just $4.6 for 4pcs of either AA or AAA.
Sorry for that I ordered Eneloop Pro batteries also from Ebay, they was expensive, and in terms of mAh not much higher.
But Ikea do not give any info about how long the charge hold on the batteries, like Eneloops, but most likely, 70%+ after a year.
Have you any info on that?
Thanks for the tip, I just paid a little too much to buy two of the AA at Ebay after reading your post, but I wanted them for a nice solar light that I have. Now that I have those two, I will now shop for a few more, at better prices.
My understanding is that they are the ultimate battery for those AA solar yard lights.
Just finished charging my disney eneloops and after 20 and something circles the still rock so thought to say thank Chibim for supplying them, it is really pity you are not in Tokyo anymore so I could get another 8-pack 
I'm still in Tokyo for the next 36 hours ;) , then I'll be flying back.
Been very busy lately, not fun moving overseas! :-p
Quickly, grab a dozen (or two) 8-packs, PRO preferably :bigsmile:
:)
If I grab them they might end up in my suitcase instead of an envelope.