Canon and Others Warn Against AA Lithium Batteries in Speedlights
Canon issued a Service Notice advising photographers to refrain from using AA lithium or lithium-ion batteries in their Speedlites, battery packs, and macro twin lights due to the potential for excessive heat. This alert concerns 21 Speedlites, four macro twin lights, and four battery packs. Such warnings are not new, as Canon has included similar cautions in its user manuals for some time. Other brands like Sony, OM System, and Panasonic also discourage the use of lithium batteries in their flash units, whereas Nikon's SB-900 manual mentions them but highlights slower recycling times. Godox does not have any specific restrictions. The main concern is the risk of heat buildup and fire. PetaPixel recommends using alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, such as Panasonic Eneloop.
Key facts
- Canon published a Service Notice about lithium batteries in Speedlites.
- Affected products include 21 Canon Speedlites, four macro twin lights, and four battery packs.
- Canon warns lithium batteries can cause extremely high temperatures.
- Sony's HVL-F28RM manual says lithium batteries may prevent full performance.
- OM System FL-700WR manual warns lithium batteries may become extremely hot.
- Panasonic DMW-FL360L recommends alkaline or Ni-MH, avoids manganese dry batteries.
- Nikon SB-900 approves lithium batteries but shows slower recycle times in tests.
- Godox has no explicit restrictions, only recommends Ni-MH or alkaline.
- PetaPixel recommends alkaline or Ni-MH batteries like Panasonic Eneloop.
Entities
Institutions
- Canon
- PetaPixel
- Sony
- OM System
- Panasonic Lumix
- Nikon
- Godox
- Energizer
- Nitecore
- Panasonic Eneloop