580EX Portable Battery Pack - DPChallenge Forums

06/12/2007 08:08:16 PM · #1

Can someone advise me here please? I do not have access to any camera stores...so all my equipment has to be purchased online...therefore I can't see any items physically prior to buying them.

So with that in mind...I am after a portable battery pack that I can wear on my belt that operates my Canon 580EX flash. I am sick of changing batteries and running low all the time.

I have found the Canon CP-E3 and the Canon CP-E4 online but these takes 8 AA batteries...yuck! I have seen photographers in the past with battery packs that you charge up before you go on the job. Surely there is something available like that.

Anyone??

06/12/2007 08:13:19 PM · #2

WHy Yuck on the AA's I have 30 2500mah rechargables in my bag as we speak. The one thing thats great is if ur ever in a bind AA"s are better then wall outlets.

A nice LiIon power back would be interesting though,

06/12/2007 08:16:31 PM · #3

I know...but I just don't like them. I don't know why the manufacturers make Lithium batteries for Cameras....but not flashes.

06/12/2007 08:19:19 PM · #4

Originally posted by Judi:

I know...but I just don't like them. I don't know why the manufacturers make Lithium batteries for Cameras....but not flashes.

Lithium and LiIon different story's. In fact I laugh at the Lithium packs for poitn and shoots and 2CR5's for older SLR's. 1 rechargeable AA packs twice as much power as the entire two cell pack.

But anyways back to my point Lithiums are disposables Lithium Ion is rechargeable. Lithium Ion has been slow to the market due to saftey concerns and even after they got widespread use they still had laptops explode (worse stories with after market batteries).

Im getting ready to buy two EF lenses, makes me think about canon lol need the lenses for film eos i just bought.

Message edited by author 2007-06-12 20:19:49.

06/12/2007 08:23:00 PM · #5

Thanks Jeffrey. I do mean the Ion's....sorry. I may have to invest in some rechargeables afterall.

06/12/2007 08:26:14 PM · #6

Originally posted by Judi:

Thanks Jeffrey. I do mean the Ion's....sorry. I may have to invest in some rechargeables afterall.

Wouldnt be so quick its kinda half dead around here, im sure some people will get on see this tell you what they know.

If you do invest in a quick charger I have a 15 minute charger that works with special batteries. If I were to get something like a 400D and the battery grip it has a tray for 6 batteries in addition to regular batteries. Personally id keep some regular lithiums in your bag when shooting something important.

As far as flashes go im clueless, hopefully someone will come in and give u some info!

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

06/12/2007 08:29:38 PM · #7

Go to www.qtm.com and use the Finder to find the Turbo 2x2 and cable for the Canon 580EX.

This is the product I want. I think it's the ultimate solution. I really, some day, want to get their strobes in place of the Canon 580EX as they are e-TTL compatible but so much more versatile.

Anyway, take a look and see what you think. A bit pricey, but ... you get what you pay for!

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

06/12/2007 08:32:38 PM · #8

Canon CP-E3 battery pack (found reference in a photo.net forum)

//photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HpzC

Message edited by author 2007-06-12 20:33:09.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

06/12/2007 08:47:28 PM · #9

Here's a link to the Quantum Turbo 2x2 on the B&H website. You need a cable to go with it too (look down below for the Canon flash cable).

Like I said, it's pricey. But if you need to know why, read up on them on the quantum website.

06/12/2007 09:27:24 PM · #10

Thankyou to both of you for that information. I went through both sites carefully and have spoken to the Australian dealer for the Turbo range.

The Turbo 2x2 is sitting at $1475.00 (AUD) and the matching charger at $147.00 (AUD).

I may have to go with the CP-E4 for now.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

06/12/2007 09:29:11 PM · #11

Not sure how much it costs but take it and a 30 minute charger and some 2500 or 3000mah rechargables and you should be good to go.

philup

Canon EOS-5D

06/12/2007 09:37:40 PM · #12

Originally posted by dwterry:

Do you where I might be able to buy the Quantum Battery 1 Compact? I would like to have something under my camera instead of on my belt.

06/12/2007 09:39:18 PM · #13

Originally posted by philup:

Do you where I might be able to buy the Quantum Battery 1 Compact? I would like to have something under my camera instead of on my belt.

Here you go Phil.

Where to buy...Internationally!

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/12/2007 09:47:20 PM · #14

Originally posted by dwterry:

That price would be so much better (even converted to AUD) then what I have available here in Aussieland right now.

MattO

Nikon D4

06/12/2007 10:31:52 PM · #15

I use the CP-E3 and it keeps up with my 580 very well when shooting sports and using burst mode. I use 8 2500 mAH Energizer rechargables in it, and 4 more in the 580 and it works very well for me. No extra cable needed and is reasonably priced.

MattO

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/12/2007 11:15:58 PM · #16

Can some one tell me the difference between CP-e3 and CP-e4 please? I am having trouble finding much documentation on them.

MattO

Nikon D4

06/12/2007 11:52:48 PM · #17

Originally posted by Judi:

Can some one tell me the difference between CP-e3 and CP-e4 please? I am having trouble finding much documentation on them.

Quick Discussion

It appears weather sealing is the only difference between them.

MattO

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

06/13/2007 12:22:31 AM · #18

I use the Quantum Turbo Battery with the 580ex, and it gives me plenty of power for just about the whole day with very fast recycling times. I wear it on a strap instead of my belt, seems more comfortable to me that way.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III