When to replace AA batteries

[Hiloboy]

I have AA batteries that are rated at 2700 mAh.  On my Powerex charger, it states all my batteries are around 2500 mAh.  When do people replace their batteries?  

[canislupus]

I change mines when the message “HIGH” appears on my powerex charger.

[Troporobo]

I have Eneloop AAs that are over 10 years old and used at least monthly. As long as they last for 2 dives, and they do so easily, I see no reason to replace them.  

[ChipBPhoto]

1 hour ago, Troporobo said:

I have Eneloop AAs that are over 10 years old and used at least monthly. As long as they last for 2 dives, and they do so easily, I see no reason to replace them.  

 

I'm in a similar situation and agree.  If they're holding a solid charge, keep using them.

 

[Hiloboy]

I can get through the day without ever worrying about changing the batteries but I heard from someone the power of the strobe may less with “old” batteries.  I do notice on my Inon Z330, I am using them more on full power than I used to.  Maybe it is my strobe and not the battery.

[Chris Ross]

On 11/5/2024 at 9:16 AM, Hiloboy said:

I can get through the day without ever worrying about changing the batteries but I heard from someone the power of the strobe may less with “old” batteries.  I do notice on my Inon Z330, I am using them more on full power than I used to.  Maybe it is my strobe and not the battery.

A myth, it may charge slightly slower but the flash light output remains as it is - set by the capacity of the capacitor.  If it's doing what you want I see no reason to change batteries.  It is quite possible the capacitor on the strobe degrades over time however.  But checking it you would need to compare known flash power images against each other.  Are you still using the same ISO and aperture as previous?  Are you shooting different subjects which require you to be further away?  Are you more diligent about getting the strobe power right in camera and not relying on boosting brightness in post processing?  All these thing can of course impact and strobe power relies on your memory as it's not in the EXIF.  I'm not 100% sure I can recall what strobe power I used in shots taken a few years back🤷‍♂️.