BREAKING THE AA BATTERY CYCLE

Batteries are key to all things digital.

About seven months ago I decided to stop the endless cycle of purchasing AA batteries and made the switch to Sanyo's eneloop Ni-MH rechargeable batteries for use in my strobes.

There are plenty of rechargeable battery options out there, but so far I have not had any issues using these in my Nikon SB900 and SB910. I also have been using them in my wireless keyboard and mouse.

Upfront they are more expensive than traditional AAs, but if you have ever had to run into a convenience store on the way to an assignment, then you know that isn't always the case. Given that scenario, spending $12.99 on a 4-Pack of rechargeable AA's  seems like a bargain, right?

Things to consider if you make the switch.

1. Buy enough rechargeable batteries so you can eliminate the need for traditional batteries altogether.
2. The batteries come pre-charged and are ready for use right out of the pack.
3. Once charged, the manufacturer claims the batteries will hold that charge for three years.
4. While initial cost is more, they pay for themselves quickly.
5. You have to carry another charger and remember to use it.

I recently read a great tip for organizing your rechargeable batteries over on Joe McNally's blog. To avoid mixing charged and depleted batteries use two pouches, such as Eagle Creek Pack-It Sacs, one green for charged batteries and red one for depleted batteries. If you can't find red and green, then really any two colors will work as long as it makes sense to you.

Final word of advice if you decide to make the transition. Habits are hard to break, so be careful to not throw your new rechargeable batteries in the trash. The best case is that you realize it and have to simply dig through the garbage, worse case, it becomes an expensive mistake.

Finally if all goes wrong, there is always that convenience store.