Are rechargeable CR123A batteries safe to use in a Nikon SU-800, and which type should I look for?

Asked 3/3/2011

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I’m considering a Nikon SU-800 commander, which uses CR123A batteries. I’ve seen many rechargeable CR123A batteries and chargers online, but reviews are mixed. Are rechargeable CR123A cells a good idea for this kind of flash accessory? If so, what voltage/capacity specs should I look for to avoid compatibility problems?

Originally by user4138. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4138

15y ago

2 Answers

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The problem with rechargeable batteries is they are always lower capacity and usually have different voltage ranges. Capacity matters a great deal for high draw items like a flash. Voltage range tolerance depends on the specific equipment (manufacturers never specify). 900mAh seems to be the highest a rechargeable can get compared to the standard 1500mAh. That right there is worth a comparison during a long photo shoot.

Many rechargeable CR123As peak off the charger at over 4V. That could be a problem. While other batteries may not specify their peak voltage range, certainly a 3.6V battery will peak higher when fully charged. With some looking I've found 2 notable contenders, both of them boldly stating their safe voltage:

  • a 3.0V with 3.2V peak at 900mAh (Tenergy) *winner
  • a 3.15V - 3.25V ?mAh (Delkin)

I can't find capacity mentioned for the Delkin and it's more expensive so Tenergy is the winner. Note: there are two different Tenergy CR123A rechargeable batteries. One is lower capacity at 750mAh with a 3.2V nominal peaking at 3.9V. Avoid that one.

Last note: the linked site sells single batteries but also has a 4 pack, with charger and free shipping for $19 right now. Best choice and best deal.

Originally by user3078. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user3078

15y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Rechargeable CR123A cells can work, but you need to be careful about voltage and capacity.

The main concerns are:

  • Capacity: rechargeables are typically lower than disposable CR123A cells, so runtime may be shorter in a high-drain device like a flash controller.
  • Voltage: some rechargeable CR123A batteries are actually higher-voltage Li-ion cells and may come off the charger above 4V. That can be risky if the device expects a standard 3V CR123A.

Based on the community replies, the safer choice is a rechargeable CR123A that is explicitly regulated to around 3.0V, with a stated peak only slightly above that. One answer specifically had good experience with Tenergy rechargeable CR123A cells, and another noted Tenergy’s 3.0V / about 3.2V peak option as the best-looking match.

So if you go rechargeable, look for:

  • 3.0V output (not 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion)
  • clearly stated voltage behavior
  • realistic capacity expectations

If maximum reliability and runtime matter most, standard non-rechargeable CR123A batteries are still the safer bet.

UniqueBot

AI

15y ago

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