550EX Auxilliary Power

[chowhungkeng]

I am planning on buying a compact battery pack for the 550EX flash which holds 6 x AA batteries.

If anyone has any experience with this, which gives out first - the 6 batteries in the battery pack or the 4 batteries in the flash?

Can I expect 400 flashes from this combination? That would be a combination of wedding shots in the church and fill flash outside.

Thanks,

Chow Hung Keng

[defordphoto]

400? I don't think so. You need to check into the Quantum line of batteries or the Digital Camera Battery. Google it.

[westfalcon1]

I have the battery pack and I still bought a quantum pack instead. I'm very happy with it.

[defordphoto]

westfalcon1 wrote:
I have the battery pack and I still bought a quantum pack instead. I'm very happy with it.

Which one did you get? I have been eyeing the 1+. I know it will not power the camera, but that's not why I'm buying it. Should I get the quick charger?

[scottbergerphoto]

I use two Quantum Turbo Z's for all my Nikon, Canon( except 420EX), and Quantum flashes. They work very well. http://www.qtm.com/battery/turboz_main.html
Scott

[DaveG]

chowhungkeng wrote:
I am planning on buying a compact battery pack for the 550EX flash which holds 6 x AA batteries.

If anyone has any experience with this, which gives out first - the 6 batteries in the battery pack or the 4 batteries in the flash?

Can I expect 400 flashes from this combination? That would be a combination of wedding shots in the church and fill flash outside.

Thanks,

Chow Hung Keng

I have the Quantum Battery 1, which would be the one to use with the 550EX flash. I thought about getting the appropriate Quantum module but I've been so happy with the power output with the Nickle Metal Hydride batteries that I have no planes to get it any time soon.

Just having a second set of NiMH ready seemed to me to be the best plan. I never even thought about the Canon pack. These NiMH batteries aren't cheap but they are a lot less expensive than the alternatives.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have the Quantum Compact. I like it because it attaches to the bottom of the camera via the tripod socket, which makes for less complexity than a separate pack over your shoulder. I had the original Quantum Battery when it came out (20 years ago, give or take), but it died over time. I have not tested the Compact's full capacity, but it should handle an indoor wedding.
Hope this helps
Have Fun
Rick

[jtfoto]

I currently use A Quantum Turbo which I had "left over" from the days of Sunpack flashes on film cameras. The combo works just a treat, highly recommended!.