CP-E4 clones

[whiteflyer]

Has anyone used one of the CP-E4 clones that are now available from china on a 580 II.

I know they only hold 6 batteries and not 8 like a canon but at 25% the cost I wondered if they are any good. For example YongNuo External Speedlight Battery Pack SF-17 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Battery-Pack-for-Canon-580EX-II-550EX-CP-E4-s_W0QQitemZ120308007358QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120 308007358&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C24 0%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)

[tim]

That comes out to US$110 or so, a proper CP-E4 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) costs $150. Why risk your expensive flash and probably get worse performance for $40?

[msowsun]

How do you get $110? In any case, ebay is still considerably cheaper for someone who lives outside the USA.

CP-E4 Clone price: $60 or less http://shop.ebay.ca/items/__sf-17-for-canon_W0QQ_nkwZsfQ2d17Q20forQ20canonQQQ5ftrkparmsZ 72Q253A1215Q257C66Q253A2Q257C65Q253A12Q257C39Q253A 1QQ_dmptZCameraQ5fFlashQ5fAccessoriesQQ_trksidZp32 86Q2ec0Q2em14QQ_sopZ15QQ_scZ1

Canon CP-E4 prices:

B&H (USA) $150
Jessops (UK) $240
Henry's (Canada) $290
Cameras Direct (Australia) $205

[tim]

I used a currency converter to convert GBP38 to USD.

Either way I wouldn't bother or risk it myself. Didn't even know it was possible, but hopefully someone has used one and can help out :)

[msowsun]

http://www.xe.com/

38.00 GBP = 70.1680 USD ( Sep 28/08 )
38.00 GBP = 60.3553 USD ( Oct 26/08 )

[whiteflyer]

About the price, you must remember that we in the UK are totally ripped off for anything we buy.

Canon CP-E4 : B&H (USA) $150 Jessops (UK) $240
CS3 : Amazon UK $991.99 Amazon USA $605.99

[DoomMan]

i'm also interested in these. If they give similar performance(not identical), then they seem like a great deal. Anyone have information?

[milorad]

the canon has 33% more batteries in it... if you call that similar, go for it.

[Angel_LCD]

http://cgi.ebay.com/External-Flash-Battery-Pack-Adapter-for-Canon-SF-17_W0QQitemZ150305531807QQihZ005QQcategoryZ15221QQ tcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262

$35 US + shipping ;) I´m buying a couple of these for my flashes :)

[MDteX]

That comes out to US$110 or so, a proper CP-E4 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) costs $150. Why risk your expensive flash and probably get worse performance for $40?

Ditto....

[Angel_LCD]

That comes out to US$110 or so, a proper CP-E4 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) costs $150. Why risk your expensive flash and probably get worse performance for $40?

Actually YongNuo makes great quality Canon accessories, I own several of their OC-E3 cords and they are just as good as the Canon ones. You can get the CP-E4 clone as low as $35, that is over $100 lower then the one made in the factory next door to YoungNuo ;)

[Dork Knight]

I think something must have gone wrong that day on the currency converter, it would be nice if that was the current rate for those of us in the UK.

[msowsun]

I think something must have gone wrong that day on the currency converter, it would be nice if that was the current rate for those of us in the UK.

Today is Oct 26 2008. With today's exchange rate you can buy the CP-E4 clone for 37.90 GBP which is $59.91 USD delivered to your door.

[Dork Knight]

Sorry, I was basing my comment on tims first post where £38 would get me $110 (USD) - Which would be fantastic if true.

[JMHPhotography]

the canon has 33% more batteries in it... if you call that similar, go for it.

The Canon CP-E2 has 6 battery capacity as well. Canon didn't increase to 8 cells until the CP-E3, and the CP-E4 added weather sealing. Either way, as long as the wiring is good, and as long as the batteries are wired as they are in the OE version, I don't see how it could be a problem.

[Headshotzx]

So is it a viable option? The Yong Nuo one sells at S$90 here, while the Canon CP-E4 sells at S$240.

[ben_r_]

That comes out to US$110 or so, a proper CP-E4 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) costs $150. Why risk your expensive flash and probably get worse performance for $40?
Exactly what I was thinking!

[msowsun]

$110 is not correct. The CP-E4 clones are only $58.99 on Ebay as of today. (price varies with US dollar) This is considerably cheaper than the prices someone who lives outside the USA has to pay..

CP-E4 Clone price: $58.99 http://shop.ebay.ca/items/__sf-17-for-canon_W0QQ_nkwZsfQ2d17Q20forQ20canonQQQ5ftrkparmsZ 72Q253A1215Q257C66Q253A2Q257C65Q253A12Q257C39Q253A 1QQ_dmptZCameraQ5fFlashQ5fAccessoriesQQ_trksidZp32 86Q2ec0Q2em14QQ_sopZ15QQ_scZ1
Canon CP-E4 prices:

B&H (USA) $150 USD
Cameras Direct (Australia) 255AUD = $175 USD
Jessops (UK) $150GBP = $238 USD
Henry's (Canada) $290CDN = $246 USD

[tim]

That's the problem with dollars, they're different everywhere. Let's all talk in Euro ;)

[pampers37]

has anyone ordered these generic ebay ones yet? if so, how are they? likes/dislikes?

Thanks!

us Americans aren't even on the metric system.. i dont know if we even comprehend euros! =)

[miked19]

So did anybody buy one? how do you like it?

[cdifoto]

I like that implementation better. I broke all the tabs off my CP-E3 cartridge. Too bad it doesn't hold 8 batteries. More batteries = faster recycling & more pops.

[acousticvibrations]

http://www.xe.com/

38.00 GBP = 70.1680 USD ( Sep 28/08 )
38.00 GBP = 60.3553 USD ( Oct 26/08 )


with shipping from the Aussies,
72.00 AUD

=

49.0972 USD

[thebishopp]

I got one, works pretty good. 6 bats intead of 8. I find it better to mount on the bottom of the camera or on the flash bracket as it can get pretty warm in it's little case.

[acousticvibrations]

I got one, works pretty good. 6 bats intead of 8. I find it better to mount on the bottom of the camera or on the flash bracket as it can get pretty warm in it's little case.


i normally use lithiums, what kind of batteries you you use with it?

hows the recycling time?

[thebishopp]

i normally use lithiums, what kind of batteries you you use with it?

hows the recycling time?

Powermax rechargeables. Recycling time is pretty darn fast. I haven't sat and counted but it is dang near immediate. Of course as the charge wears down the recycling times increase.

Just be sure you top off your rechargeables before you go out and shoot if you have left it in either the flash or batterypack.

You probably already know that but always good info as I've forgotten to do it once or twice myself. As such, I also keep some duracell procells (non rechargeables) as backups. They work great too btw, and can usually be bought in builk on Ebay for a decent price.

[Skids]

I just received one of these battery packs and will try it when I get home from work.

The warning about taking a break after 20 shots worries me a little. I have the Canon Speedlite 580EXII so I know it has a thermal cutout but I know when that cuts in you are scuppered for quite some time before you can use it again.

In reality how easy is it to get carried away and get to the point where it will need a break?

I am guessing the 20 shots rule is for 20 full power shots and is probably conservative to cover their own backs. Also I guess that is 20 shots in rapid sucession.

The reason I am asking is that I will be shooting a fashion show (that will need a flash) and I don't want to suddenly find that I am standing there like a muppet unable to take flash pictures for half of the show! :-)

[tim]

I will often shoot a reception on 1/2 power with a CP-E4, sometimes i'll do five shots in ten seconds, but it usually has some cooling time. By the end of the speeches (20-60 minutes) the batteries in the flash and the CP-E4 can be quite hot, as can the flash heads (550/580 v1/580 v2) and the battery pack casing. I haven't managed to burn anything out yet though.

[msowsun]

I just bought a Yongnuo "Clone" CP-E4 on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.ca/Battery-Pack-for-Canon-580EX-II-550-EX-CP-E4_W0QQitemZ310131772892QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Came rasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraFlashUnits_JN?has h=item310131772892&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

It uses 6 AA batteries, and cuts the re-cycle time down to about 2 seconds for a full power flash on my 580EX II. Without the External power the 580EX II was actually pretty fast as well. It would only take about 3 seconds using Hybrid NiMh AA's.

It doesn't resemble a CP-E2, CP-E3, or CP-E4 at all. It is actually a copy of a Nikon SD-8A external power unit.

Yongnuo "Clone" CP-E4
http://atnexthk.com/ebay/PT%20SF17%201.jpg

Nikon SD-8A
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Newer/nikon_sd8a_battery_pack.jpg

EDIT: Opteka now makes a "Copy" or "Clone" as well: http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-External-Battery-MR-14EX-Speedlite/dp/B0023UCGE8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239633467&sr=8-3
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Newer/OptekaCP-E4.jpg

[jcw122]

There's no way you can say that these are "bad" or "risky" until you backup your statements with electrical readings and tests to see how the numbers are. That's also a good reason NOT to buy one unless your going to test it, or if you have seen someone prove they are safe.

[acousticvibrations]

There's no way you can say that these are "bad" or "risky" until you backup your statements with electrical readings and tests to see how the numbers are. That's also a good reason NOT to buy one unless your going to test it, or if you have seen someone prove they are safe.


Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

[jcw122]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

No problem :D

Also, it's not like Opteka is a completely unknown brand. They are known for their 3rd party camera grips.

[msowsun]

Are you saying it should be more reliable because it is Opteka?

In this case it looks like Opteka has just re-branded the Yongnuo SF-17. Would you not agree?

[acousticvibrations]

Are you saying it should be more reliable because it is Opteka?

In this case it looks like Opteka has just re-branded the Yongnuo SF-17. Would you not agree?

Opteka is very reliable for the grips. i have 2.

most people in this post are not comparing the clone backed by testing it, just saying it looks different, so it must be crap.

[mmahoney]

Actually YongNuo makes great quality Canon accessories, I own several of their OC-E3 cords and they are just as good as the Canon ones. You can get the CP-E4 clone as low as $35, that is over $100 lower then the one made in the factory next door to YoungNuo ;)

I just received my Yongnuo CPE4 this morning (10 days from Hong Kong to Canada .. fast shipping) and the build quality is great, as has been my experience with their off camera shoe cords. My cost was $65 CDN shipped, versus the totally obscene $275 the Canadian retailers ask for teh Canon unit. That's 4 for the price of one.

The recycle time is certainly shorter but I have a slight beep and clicking sound coming from the unit .. is this normal? .. mind you, it's barely audible so not a concern but I am curious if others make the same sound.

[thebishopp]

I just received my Yongnuo CPE4 this morning (10 days from Hong Kong to Canada .. fast shipping) and the build quality is great, as has been my experience with their off camera shoe cords. My cost was $65 CDN shipped, versus the totally obscene $275 the Canadian retailers ask for teh Canon unit. That's 4 for the price of one.

The recycle time is certainly shorter but I have a slight beep and clicking sound coming from the unit .. is this normal? .. mind you, it's barely audible so not a concern but I am curious if others make the same sound.

I don't hear any noise from mine but then again you say it is barely audible so...

[msowsun]

If you want to hear some sound, put it on Manual 1/1. You will hear the high-pitched "whine" or "squeal" as it re-cycles. It gets quieter as you dial down the power. At 1/4 it is barely audible and at 1/8 it is silent.

I don't hear any clicking, only the typical high-pitched "whine"or "squeal" of a flash re-cycle.

What is the proper term for the sound a flash makes?

[thebishopp]

If you want to hear some sound, put it on Manual 1/1. You will hear the high-pitched "whine" or "squeal" as it re-cycles. It gets quieter as you dial down the power. At 1/4 it is barely audible and at 1/8 it is silent.

I don't hear any clicking, only the typical high-pitched "whine"or "squeal" of a flash re-cycle.

What is the proper term for the sound a flash makes?

is it "pop"?

[mmahoney]

The noise is coming from the battery pack, not the flash. What would be in a battery pack to make a noise?

[acousticvibrations]

I just received my Yongnuo CPE4 this morning (10 days from Hong Kong to Canada .. fast shipping) and the build quality is great, as has been my experience with their off camera shoe cords. My cost was $65 CDN shipped, versus the totally obscene $275 the Canadian retailers ask for teh Canon unit. That's 4 for the price of one.

The recycle time is certainly shorter but I have a slight beep and clicking sound coming from the unit .. is this normal? .. mind you, it's barely audible so not a concern but I am curious if others make the same sound.

can you compare it to lithium AAA's batteries in a flash?

[mmahoney]

The sound is unique .. never heard anything like this before when using a flash.

It's a ticking sound, probably related to the red light which is quickly cycling on and off. I didn't even know there was anything in a battery pack to click? .. just batteries I thought? Specifically there is a series of 8 clicks, which are simultaneous with a dim light flashing 8 times (the series of 8 takes about one second), then these 8 clicks are followed by a single louder beep, which is accompanied by a brighter red light flash. All the while the amber light maintains a low glow. The red light and the clicks seem related to the state of the batteries because the clicks quicken after firing the flash.

Probably a bit louder than I first thought, it's now sitting on a desk six feet away and I can still hear it.

It's definitely coming from the external pack, not the flash itself and I've sent a message to the ebay seller asking if it's normal.

[msowsun]

I think you have a bad unit. The red light should come on steady as the battery pack charges your flash. The Yongnuo CPE4 battery pack has lots of complicated circuitry and that is what makes the sound. But it should not click, only a high pitched whine like a flash.

[mmahoney]

I think you have a bad unit. The red light should come on steady as the battery pack charges your flash. The Yongnuo CPE4 battery pack has lots of complicated circuitry and that is what makes the sound. But it should not click, only a high pitched whine like a flash.

Thanks Mike .. the only time I see the red light on steady is for a brief second after a full pop discharge of the flash, then it goes back into the clicking / light pulsing mode. The amber light right next to the red one does seem to stay on all the time.

[lancemoreland]

Thanks Mike .. the only time I see the red light on steady is for a brief second after a full pop discharge of the flash, then it goes back into the clicking / light pulsing mode. The amber light right next to the red one does seem to stay on all the time.

Make sure you don't have any batteries in upside down.

Lance
www.lancemoreland.com

[mmahoney]

Yeah .. I've checked the battery orientation several times, and tried two different sets of fully charged batteries. Still the same noise.

There seem to be several different types of these, so I've shown mine here .. takes 8 batteries. The bottom closeup shows the light that rapidly blinks in concert with the clicking noise. This light is actually two parts .. the left side is the flashing red, and the right side has a constant amber light.

The unit itself is very well made, I can't imagine how it could be constructed more solid .. but the flashing light thing has me a bit concerned.

It works fine, recycle times seem to be less than a second after a full pop, almost instant. Very nice.

[mmahoney]

And a shot of the whole unit

[msowsun]

That is very different from my Yongnuo "Clone" CP-E4.


http://atnexthk.com/ebay/PT%20SF17%201.jpg

[mmahoney]

That is very different from my Yongnuo "Clone" CP-E4.


http://atnexthk.com/ebay/PT%20SF17%201.jpg

That looks nothing like an actual Canon CPE4, where the one I have seems to be an exact copy. Where did you buy yours, and how long ago?

[CliveyBoy]

That is very different from my Yongnuo "Clone" CP-E4.
That looks like a clone of the Canon CP-E2, at least in external form. The performance of the electronics could be a different question.

[mmahoney]

The noise is normal .. here is the reply from the ebay seller:

"Thank you for your email.
We have just tested the battery pack with our Canon 550EX, and we just notice that is a small sound and LED flashing when the battery pack plug into the flash unit (the LED and sound will turned off when the flash in power save mode), so it is normal."

[tim]

And a shot of the whole unit

That looks like a genuine CP-E4 to me.

[msowsun]

That looks like a genuine CP-E4 to me.

Yes,

The old CP-E4 "Clone" was named the Yongnuo SF-17 and was a copy of a 6 AA battery Nikon SB-8A but designed to work with a Canon flash.

This new CP-E4 "Clone" is named Yongnuo SF-18 and sure looks like an 8 AA battery Canon CP-E4.

The Yongnuo website shows that both are still available. http://hkyongnuo.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008827241400/Showroom/3000000149681/ALL.htm

[tim]

I'd near identical physically. I bet the electronics are very similar too, probably with a bit of cost cutting involved though. Still, for the price, so long as it works it's good value.

[alphonsis]

Thanks for the pictures Mike. Looks like I'll be picking one up for myself as well. SF-18 here I come!

[Rudi]

I have the 6-cell Yongnuo pack, and it's a great solution at 1/4 the price of a CP-E4. Much less fussy with the battery change than the drawer system of the CP-E4 clone, IMO (not that I've had to change batteries yet - they easily last all day, and at some pretty intensive event shoots, too). I only bought one to try out, but after several days' worth of work (and not a single hiccup) I am now ready to order another one or two.

[joosay]

I will be getting this also! :)

[Jannie]

How are these units with their warranty and where can you get them repaired. My experience with anything that has cords is that eventually they will wear out, come undone from all the flexing and I've seen too much stuff on set where one of the crew would take it apart only to call people over to look at the crummy soldering job, I've heard the term "cold soldered" many times but don't really know what that means.

Just like I sometimes feel that accessories from the main manufacturer are overpriced, I also get the feeling that if it's a company that makes good camera gear, then they probably have the same level of quality control for their accessories. Then again I don't see most third party accessories trying to make or becoming successful making high end cameras that people put their faith and their money into.

Some companies do distribute pretty good third party gear and I get the impression that they really back it up, what comes to mind is Flashzebra.com. I've bought from them several times and there is someone there to contact if I have a problem and that is worth a lot to me.

How easy is it to return merchandise on warranty to these companies in China? Not saying China isn't capable of making really good stuff because they are but when buying off ebay, do most of you feel you can go back to the seller if it breaks?

[msowsun]

Warranty? Who cares.... if the cord breaks, fix it yourself. If the unit smokes itself, buy anther one. They are cheap! :lol:

[CliveyBoy]

Now, anyone considering a battery pack for Canon Speedlites should consider the Pixel unit. At US$57, it is a great buy. See
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=807544&highlight=TD-381

[tim]

My genuine CP-E3 unit has been working fine at 30 weddings a year for 3-4 years. No idea about the clones.

[Rudi]

It's hard to say, Jannie! I have used the Canon CP-E4 on several occasions (costing nearly $300 AUD locally), and my 6-cell Yongnuo pack (costing under $70 AUD), and the cords and attachment points look the same to me - same quality. Considering that the Yongnuo pack has been working flawlessly, and that I can get four four of them for the price of one Canon-branded pack (also made in China, IIRC), I know which *I* would rather buy...

[airbutchie]

To add to the conversation... I've had/purchased the Opteka compatible version of the CP-E4... Although it's only a 6-battery AA unit, it still recycles pretty darn fast (per discharge)... It performed so well on the first two weddings I shot, I ended up purchasing another one for my other 580EXII (both bought for under $60/each)... So I basically purchased two Opteka's for the price of almost one Canon CP-E4... So far, so good... 6 weddings to date (with two more this month) and it's still working admirably... Anyhoo... Food for thought...

- airbutchie

[aerosmith9110]

just ordered 2 units... cost here about 50 usd. ea. Jusy want to ask anyone moded the 8 cell version to connect a 12v SLA? :D think this would be a very good combination... if this could be done then this would be comparable to some high end batt pack perhaps quantum?
- havent gotten mine but I'm planning to do so.. imagine 12v at 4amp to how big you can handle ... :D vs 9.6 at 2.7 amp!

[CliveyBoy]

The Canon CP-E2 is a 6-battery unit, so any 6-battery "clones" are of the CP-E2, not the Canon CP-E3 or CP-E4 8-battery units. Eight batteries provide significant improvement over the six-battery versions, so take the lower performance into account when comparing prices.

As Tim says also, my CP-E2 has been going for years without fault. So far so has my new 8-battery Pixel battery pack, which is so much faster to recharge the flash. Excellent price, but atrocious soldering.

[dcmiles]

I've had two of these http://cgi.ebay.com/External-Flashlight-Battery-Pack-for-Canon-CP-E4-03_W0QQitemZ310194260174QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_ Flash_Accessories?hash=item483904c8ce#ht_2691wt_94 0 for over 6 months now. they are built just as good as canon or anyone else's for that matter. they see daily use. I cannot recommend these enough.

[tim]

just ordered 2 units... cost here about 50 usd. ea. Jusy want to ask anyone moded the 8 cell version to connect a 12v SLA? :D think this would be a very good combination... if this could be done then this would be comparable to some high end batt pack perhaps quantum?
- havent gotten mine but I'm planning to do so.. imagine 12v at 4amp to how big you can handle ... :D vs 9.6 at 2.7 amp!

Might work, might explode, you're asking for trouble!

[msowsun]

The Canon CP-E2 is a 6-battery unit, so any 6-battery "clones" are of the CP-E2, not the Canon CP-E3 or CP-E4 8-battery units. Eight batteries provide significant improvement over the six-battery versions, so take the lower performance into account when comparing prices.

As Tim says also, my CP-E2 has been going for years without fault. So far so has my new 8-battery Pixel battery pack, which is so much faster to recharge the flash. Excellent price, but atrocious soldering.

EDIT: The 6 battery CP-E4 "Clones" are mis-named They don't resemble a CP-E3, or CP-E4 at all. They look like copies of a Nikon SD-8A or Canon CP-E2, external power unit.

Yongnuo SF-17 "Clone" CP-E4
http://atnexthk.com/ebay/PT%20SF17%201.jpg

Nikon SD-8A
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Newer/nikon_sd8a_battery_pack.jpg




The old CP-E4 "Clone" was named the Yongnuo SF-17.

This new CP-E4 "Clone" is named Yongnuo SF-18 and looks like an 8 AA battery Canon CP-E4.

http://akamai.globalsources.com.edgesuite.net/f/593/3445/5d/pdt.static.globalsources.com/IMAGES/PDT/BIG/443/B1015516443.jpg

The Yongnuo website shows that both are still available. http://hkyongnuo.manufacturer.global...149681/ALL.htm (http://hkyongnuo.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008827241400/Showroom/3000000149681/ALL.htm)

[aerosmith9110]

Might work, might explode, you're asking for trouble!

lol.. :D but here's what i'm thinking... it accepts 8 AA right so... at 1.2v that 9.6v.. but at 1.5v ( alkaline and the likes ) its 12V! so... why would it expload if SLA?

[aerosmith9110]

I'm going to use this on my nissin di 866.. just want to see the connectors for nikon and the canon anyone got pics? cause there is a version for nikon / canon cam.. not sure what kind of connector is compatible for my flash. but manual listed canon cp-e4.. the problem is that nissin also produces for nikon mount... its possible they jumbled the connectors of the HV batt..

[msowsun]

I'm going to use this on my nissin di 866.. just want to see the connectors for nikon and the canon anyone got pics? cause there is a version for nikon / canon cam.. not sure what kind of connector is compatible for my flash. but manual listed canon cp-e4.. the problem is that nissin also produces for nikon mount... its possible they jumbled the connectors of the HV batt..

It appears that both Nikon and Canon external power packs will fit.

http://dpanswers.com/content/rev_nissin_di866.php


The power contact is identical to the a three pin external power contact you also will find on the front on the Nikon Speedlight SB-800 and SB-900. The manual lists compatibility with the following external packs:

Nissin Power Pack PRO-300
Nikon SD-8AWhile the contact is compatible, the Nissin product page (http://www.nissindigital.com/en/Di866-2.html) says the Di866 should not be used with the Nikon SD-9 power pack.

While the the Nissin product page (http://www.nissindigital.com/en/Di866-2.html) says you can't use the Nikon SD-9, it DOES seem to imply you can use a Canon caompatible external power pack.

External power pack socket : Nissin Power Pack PS-300, Canon original pack, Nikon original pack (except Nikon SD-9)

http://dpanswers.com/images/nissin02.jpg

[aerosmith9110]

You will need to get a Nikon SD-8A clone.

http://dpanswers.com/content/rev_nissin_di866.php



http://dpanswers.com/images/nissin02.jpg


tnx..

here's the thing.... the one that he reviewed was for the nikon version.. I have the Canon version... and the " Manual " says canon cp - e4 is compatible... does this mean the Nikon SD-8A clone = CP -e4 same connector?

[msowsun]

I edited my post when I saw that the specs say you can use either. But I think the plugs are different.

The Nissin receptacle has the center pin offset, while the Canon center pin is centered and has a "key".


580EX II
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/IMG_2310_640.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Clipboard03.jpg

[dcmiles]

you want the SF-18 if your flash is "Canon" compatible. the plug is canon, the case only looks like an SD-8A from nikon, but is def meant for the canon 580ex and 580exII's and some 3rd parties like Nissin

[aerosmith9110]

now I'm confused....

My di866 doesn't have that key its more like the nikon... damn... too confusing... .. confusing enough to email the manufacturer to clarify.. but i think i need the nikon version!

if worst come I'll need co convert the canon version to fit my connector... now I need the voltages! which is positive and the negative! WTF!

[CliveyBoy]

The 6 battery CP-E4 "Clones" are not copies of the CP-E2.

It doesn't resemble a CP-E2, CP-E3, or CP-E4 at all. It is actually a copy of a Nikon SD-8A external power unit.

Yongnuo SF-17 "Clone" CP-E4

Nikon SD-8A
I am sorry, but I think you are wrong. As I said in my previous post, I have a Canon CP-E2 - it is in front of me now, having just been prepared for a weekend wedding. It looks exactly like the first two images of your post - 6 batteries, side loaded.

The phrase "CP-E4 clone" cannot be used if it is a 6-battery unit. That is false, dishonest, and should not be perpetuated. "CP-E2 clone" could be accurate.

In fact, if the 8-battery clone is not waterproofed, it is a CP-E3 clone and not a CP-E4 one!

[msowsun]

I am sorry, but I think you are wrong. As I said in my previous post, I have a Canon CP-E2 - it is in front of me now, having just been prepared for a weekend wedding. It looks exactly like the first two images of your post - 6 batteries, side loaded.

The phrase "CP-E4 clone" cannot be used if it is a 6-battery unit. That is false, dishonest, and should not be perpetuated. "CP-E2 clone" could be accurate.

In fact, if the 8-battery clone is not waterproofed, it is a CP-E3 clone and not a CP-E4 one!

Thanks for clearing it up. I had never seen a Genuine CP-E2 and the photos I saw didn't look like the ebay "clones". While not correct, there are still many ebay sellers calling their 6 battery clones, "CP-E4". I suppose this dates back to when there were no 8 battery clones.

What is interesting is that the 6 battery clones, the Canon CP-E2, and the Nikon SD-8A all appear to be of the same basic design. I am surprises that Canon and Nikon would share a design.

Canon CP-E2
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Photo1/_CP-E2a.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Photo1/_CP-E2b.jpg

Yongnuo SF-17 "Clone"
http://atnexthk.com/ebay/PT%20SF17%201.jpg

Nikon SD-8A
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Newer/nikon_sd8a_battery_pack.jpg

[tim]

lol.. :D but here's what i'm thinking... it accepts 8 AA right so... at 1.2v that 9.6v.. but at 1.5v ( alkaline and the likes ) its 12V! so... why would it expload if SLA?

You also have to consider the current going through the electronics. It should be ok, but you never know. I had a modified flash start to smoke at a wedding once, which is when I decided to use only Canon equipment, not my own dodgy modifications!

[aerosmith9110]

got the response... guess I need the canon mount and i just noticed I got the key thing...the small notch. :D

Dear Paul,

Thank you for email.

First we would like to ask you to clarify the flash you own is Canon mount
or Nikon mount?
Because the picture you sent actually is Nikon mount.

The Di866 has two mount, for Canon and Nikon.

The Di866 Canon mount can be used in Nissin original Power Pack PS300 and
Canon CP-E4.
The Di866 Nikon mount can be used in Nissin original Power Pack PS300 and
Nikon SD-8A and SD-9.

Kindly advise, thank you.
Nissin
www.nissindigital.com

[aerosmith9110]

Got mine today... Nice build excellent performance... my recycle time halved! Nissin Di 866 recharged about 2 sec or so full pop! nice pouch.. everything is good. almost as fast as 6.5 fps I can make 3-4 shots without flash miss!

[Sports_Dude]

For those with the SF-18 (CP-E4 Clone), are any of you using a strap to sling the battery back around your neck / across your chest? If so, what are you using? A friend of mine has a quantum turbo back and his came with a strap.

[sando]

Just to let people know, I picked up a Pixel TD-381 for my 580EXIIs and they're great. Only £40 or so, in the UK.

There is the 'clciking' though, when the unit's not doing anything, but if you can live with that (I can, as it'll be used off-camera) then it's fine. bargain! I'm going to get another soon too.

[barronchung]

So, do you still need to put AA's in your flash to be able to use these packs? Also, how does this solution compare to one of those SLA mod battery packs?

[dmward]

The high voltage packs require that 4 AAs are in the Speedlite.
The SLA packs are 12v packs which provide many more flashes but the same recycle time.
The CP-E4 and equivalent packs use the high voltage plug and reduce recycle time along with many more flashes.

As for the strap question. I put quick ties through the belt loop thingy and hang them from the lightstand thumb screws. If its for the Speedlite on camera I just put it in my back pocket.

[tim]

So, do you still need to put AA's in your flash to be able to use these packs? Also, how does this solution compare to one of those SLA mod battery packs?

Yes. SLA aren't high voltage, they put a fake battery into the flash which is a bit of a kludge. I prefer the CP-E4 type packs.

[smillymike]

Hello,

I was tired to found my batteries low into my 580EXII. So I saw a exernal power connector for the CP-E4.

I decided to find out the Pinout but nothing on the web.

I opened it and draw the pinout with the information I found that the power connector for the CP-E4 was not intended for supplying more voltage current with more powerfull batteries, but was made exclusively for external high voltage boost converter.

So here finally the correct pinout I draw but not tested with a CP-E4 pack.

http://www.3pgmarketing.com/photo/publique/580EXII_power_pinout.jpg