Best 550EX battery pack

[Mitch]

I am looking for a good external battery pack for my 10D and 550EX. I do weddings. Can't find much in the way of reviews, comparisons, or experienced recommendations. I am considering the Canon CP-E2 or CP-E3, Quantum Turbo, Turbo Z, Turbo 2+2, Quantum Battery 1+, Lumedyne (don't know any particular model numbers), Sunpak TR2000, or Dynalite with Jackrabbit battery.

Which is the best one for a 10D and the 550EX? Recommendations please!

[Mitch]

What? No posts? Doesn't anyone have any suggestions?

I have heard that the Canon CP-E2 is better than the Quantum turbo and that the Lumedynes are better than all the other flash battery packs put together. Are "they" right?

[cecilc]

I don't have any of the brand names that you listed.
I have a Digital Pursuits external battery. It's the model #DCB40WB.
Check it out at http://www.digitalcamerabattery.com/

This was recommended to me by a friend of mine who also does weddings .....

[TBoyd]

Mitch:

I also do quite a few weddings with 10D & 550EX & flash bracket.

You won't believe this, but I've built a 6V battery pack for the 550EX for about $40 - including charger. It generally outperforms the outrageously expensive Quantums. The only difference is that it doesn't have all those fancy indicator lights, which I don't need. The recycle time is excellent & easily lasts through LONG wedding shoots.

I must give credit to Al Jacobs' Site (The Gadgetmeister) for this pack. Here's the link:

http://www.aljacobs.com/universalbatterypack.htm

I've used Al's design for almost two years now. After getting 1 1/2 years out of the first 6V gel cell battery, I recently replaced it.

If you are serious about trying to build Al's pack, I can provide info on where to place the fake batteries in the 550EX, and how to modify the battery compartment door so the the cord from the fake batteries can exit the compartment AND be able to lock the battery compartment door.

Here's Al's link for making fake batteries for the flash (a MUST):

http://www.aljacobs.com/fake_batteries.htm

Another page that provides a picture of how the fake batteries are wired:

http://www.aljacobs.com/CABLES%20and%20Plugs.htm


TBoyd

[Mitch]

Thank you for the answers. There weren't very many to this question, which boggles my mind as I see other photographers use flash battery packs all the time, but the responses that I got are very useful, and, it's much appreciated!

Mitch

[scottbergerphoto]

I use two Quantum Turbo Z's for the 550EX and a Quantum T2D. I'm very happy with them.
Regards,
Scott