Which external battery pack for 580EXII

[Jannie]

I've read that third party external battery packs can cause your strobe some serious malfunctions but for the Canon speedlights I've only seen one listed which is a third party for around $70 and holds 6 AA batteries. I have seen reference to one made by Canon an I think someone said they were $150 but unsure.

What is best to do, I don't think I'd need a huge pack but something that holds around 6-8 AA's would probably be fine.

Also can you have one plugged in and have a new set of batteries in the speedlight and have the unit draw power from both until all batteries are expended?

[bobbyz]

I use canon cp-e4. It hold 8 AA and last long time. Also reduces recharge time a lot. There are chinese knock offs on eBay whicha re cheaper but hold less than 8 batteries.

[GH_ATL_GA]

Some of your options for external battery packs:

Quantum, the top of the heap, performance- & cost-wise:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/502464-REG/Quantum_Instruments__Turbo_SC_Battery_Pack.html

or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/268860-REG/Quantum_Instruments_T2X2_Turbo_2X2_Ni_MH_Battery.h tml
(plus cable)

or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/43375-REG/Quantum_Instruments_QTB_Turbo_Battery_with_115V.ht ml
(plus cable)


The Canon battery pack:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html

spare magazine for CP-E4
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=498741&is=REG&friendly=Canon_1948B001_CPM_E4_8_AA_Battery.html

There are also a couple of other popular options:

Jackrabbit power pack ('Quantum like')
http://www.adorama.com/JRBP2.html

Al Jacobs Black Box:
http://www.aljacobs.com/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.htm

My personal preference is the CP-E4 (CP-E3) as it has ample capacity for all but the most protracted shoots & with a spare magazine or 2 loaded you could get through anything you'd likely be able to survive yourself. The Quantum might have an edge in recycle time, but it's small, if much at all, in many people's expereince. The CP-E4 + 1 magazine will set you back appx $200, about half the cost of a Quantum. (There's the cost of the AAs, of course.)

You can sometimes find used Quantum Turbos at very good prices. You may find the battery is marginal - or worse - but it can be replaced rather economically. There have been posts on this forum covering that.

The 580 can be set to recycle the flash using only the external battery or both internal & external batteries via CF-12 (EXII) or CF-07(EX). Most typically one would use only the external battery to recycle the flash. Even with a battery pack the internal batteries are required to power the control stage of the flash.

George

[Jannie]

Perfect, thank you!

[Jannie]

Is there someone else that carries the Canon battery pack, I think BH only uses PayPal and I don't do business with them.

[GH_ATL_GA]

Is there someone else that carries the Canon battery pack, I think BH only uses PayPal and I don't do business with them.

I'm sure places like Adorama, Canoga Camera, Calumet, Samy's etc carry the them. I'm also pretty sure B&H accepts credit cards other than through PayPal.

[GH_ATL_GA]

Here are a few links:

http://www.canogacamera.com/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=cp-e4&All=True

http://www.adorama.com/CACBPE4.html?searchinfo=cp-e4

http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?item=11102

I can't find it at Calumet, but I can't imagine that they don't carry it. I only find the CPM-E3 magazine, but I'm not sure if that fits the CP-E4 pack. I suspect it doesn't. At $39 it's a good deal for anyone w/ a CP-E3.

[Jadam]

I'm a big fan of the quantum turbos. They have always done a great job every time I've used them with my 580s. Good recycle times too.

[Jannie]

Thanks, I've bookmarked the Canon one at Adorama in my Strobist wish list folder. When it happens I think I'll go with that one, I've seen a case for it somewhere also but that can wait, at least I know what I want. Just have to decide what to buy first, second and third, can't really do it all at once.

[SYS]

Is there someone else that carries the Canon battery pack, I think BH only uses PayPal and I don't do business with them.

I bought my Canon CP-E4 from Amazon.com. I really like this battery pack...

[GH_ATL_GA]

Thanks, I've bookmarked the Canon one at Adorama in my Strobist wish list folder. When it happens I think I'll go with that one, I've seen a case for it somewhere also but that can wait, at least I know what I want. Just have to decide what to buy first, second and third, can't really do it all at once.

The CP-E3 came with a soft-sided case & I believe the CP-E4 does as well.

Here's an inexpensive alternative, if you don't mind used gear, an EX condition older battery pack E for $76: http://************/dylouo

The battery pack E can be used w/ the 580 & uses C size cells. Here's a link w/ some discussion about its use w/ the 580:

http://photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00Caee

One caution with this is that the ad doesn't explicitly state that the cable is included & the cable is not attached as it is with the CP-E3(4), so it's worth a call to KEH to verify.

[msowsun]

I just bought a Yongnuo Chinese "Fake CP-E4" on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.ca/Battery-Pack-for-...1%7C240%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.

"Fake" 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

[tim]

The CP-E4 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) works very well, I have one plus the previous model CP-E3. The E4 is more robust.

Is there someone else that carries the Canon battery pack, I think BH only uses PayPal and I don't do business with them.

Why would you think the biggest photography store in the world only takes paypal? The'll take your money any way you want to give it to them - credit card, money order, cheque, cash, etc.

[Rudi]

I just bought a Yongnuo Chinese "Fake 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.

"Fake" 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

Interesting, Mike. How do you like it?

Anyone else here use one of these?

[msowsun]

I like my "fake" one. It is smaller and lighter than a Canon CP-E4 because it only uses 6 batteries. I just slip it into a pocket when I use it. It also has a rubber "boot" at the flash connection for weather sealing. It makes a little bit of sound when it re-cycles and the light comes on.

[Rudi]

Thanks Mike! I was looking for something just like this. Looks like I've found it, at 1/4 to 1/3 the price of the CP-E4! :)

[Peacefield]

I also own the Yongnuo version as well. I think I'm happy with it, though wish it could give me a little feedback regarding battery life. I've just made a practice of swapping those batteries when i swap them in the flash as well. Once I didn't and took my eneloops down to a charge of zero.

Mike, I don't detect any sound nor am I aware of a light. Are you talking about the light on the flash or do you have a light on the battery pack?

[PacAce]

I've read that third party external battery packs can cause your strobe some serious malfunctions but for the Canon speedlights I've only seen one listed which is a third party for around $70 and holds 6 AA batteries. I have seen reference to one made by Canon an I think someone said they were $150 but unsure.

What is best to do, I don't think I'd need a huge pack but something that holds around 6-8 AA's would probably be fine.

Also can you have one plugged in and have a new set of batteries in the speedlight and have the unit draw power from both until all batteries are expended?

Also can you have one plugged in and have a new set of batteries in the speedlight and have the unit draw power from both until all batteries are expended?[/b][/QUOTE]
The 580EX II has a C.Fn setting which will allow you to use an external battery pack with the option to either use the internal batteries only to power the flash or to also contribute power to charge the flash capacitors. Drawing power from all batteries, including the internal ones, to charge the flash gives you the fastest recycling time. However, it also gives you the shortest usage time before you have to replace the internal batteries.


Is there someone else that carries the Canon battery pack, I think BH only uses PayPal and I don't do business with them.

Thanks, I've bookmarked the Canon one at Adorama in my Strobist wish list folder. When it happens I think I'll go with that one, I've seen a case for it somewhere also but that can wait, at least I know what I want. Just have to decide what to buy first, second and third, can't really do it all at once.

Interesting that you won't do business with B&H but will with Adorama. I've always done business with B&H and have never ever had issue or problems with them in the 8 years I've ordered from them.

I did business with Adorama a few months ago and put in about 5 orders within a month and a half. It was the worst online shopping experience I ever had so I swore off of Adorama forever. :|
(To be fair, their customer service PR person was very nice and helpful. Too bad she isn't running the rest of the business.)

As others have said, B&H accepts credit cards, too.

[msowsun]

I also own the Yongnuo version as well. I think I'm happy with it, though wish it could give me a little feedback regarding battery life. I've just made a practice of swapping those batteries when i swap them in the flash as well. Once I didn't and took my eneloops down to a charge of zero.

Mike, I don't detect any sound nor am I aware of a light. Are you talking about the light on the flash or do you have a light on the battery pack?

There is a red light on the Yongnuo unit near the end with the wire. It is visible in the photos. The sound it makes is faint, but because the 580EX II is silent, you can hear it.

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

[tekstyle]

I like my "fake" one. It is smaller and lighter than a Canon CP-E4 because it only uses 6 batteries. I just slip it into a pocket when I use it. It also has a rubber "boot" at the flash connection for weather sealing. It makes a little bit of sound when it re-cycles and the light comes on.

Hello there, I am also interested in the yongnou batery pack as well. can you put a digital multimeter to the output terminals on the cord to see what volt it is giving off? I am curious to find out if it's just adding 6 more batteries in parallel with the internal batteries to extend total flash working time or is it providing 300-350V to basically eliminate the need for charging the capacitor via the use of an internal 9v to 350v inverter.

Thanks a lot!

[AlanU]

I use canon cp-e4. It hold 8 AA and last long time. Also reduces recharge time a lot. There are chinese knock offs on eBay whicha re cheaper but hold less than 8 batteries.

Hey Bobby,

check out the Yongnuo SF-18. Its virtually an identical 8 battery Canon Knock off.

I own one and just purchased another from "tetrode" (he received the wrong nikon version instead of Canon).

This version is lit dimmly and when fired it goes bright red.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/External-Battery-Pack-Fr-Canon-580EX-II-CP-E4-8xAA-bj05_W0QQitemZ270437017332QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamer a_Flash_Accessories?hash=item3ef74d66f4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Haven't used it at any events but so far very good feedback. The battery tray seems its weak point but I think even the original Canon's tray is not heavy duty. Yongnuo's cable is excellent in quality.

[msowsun]

Hello there, I am also interested in the yongnou batery pack as well. can you put a digital multimeter to the output terminals on the cord to see what volt it is giving off? I am curious to find out if it's just adding 6 more batteries in parallel with the internal batteries to extend total flash working time or is it providing 300-350V to basically eliminate the need for charging the capacitor via the use of an internal 9v to 350v inverter.

Thanks a lot!


The 580EX external power source inputs only accept high voltage so the Yongnuo must be putting out about 300 volts. It would not work at all if it did not.

[Redfire_Cobra]

Hey Bobby,

check out the Yongnuo SF-18. Its virtually an identical 8 battery Canon Knock off.

I own one and just purchased another from "tetrode" (he received the wrong nikon version instead of Canon).

This version is lit dimmly and when fired it goes bright red.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/External-Battery-Pack-Fr-Canon-580EX-II-CP-E4-8xAA-bj05_W0QQitemZ270437017332QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamer a_Flash_Accessories?hash=item3ef74d66f4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Haven't used it at any events but so far very good feedback. The battery tray seems its weak point but I think even the original Canon's tray is not heavy duty. Yongnuo's cable is excellent in quality.


Thanks for that link, I think I am about to order a couple of these.

How is everyone attaching these to their stands?

[AlanU]

Thanks for that link, I think I am about to order a couple of these.

How is everyone attaching these to their stands?

The Yongnuo has the same nylon case as the original CP-E4 so you can use the velcro stap to somehow attach it to a stand.

I still haven't had the opportunity to use it enough.

[Redfire_Cobra]

The Yongnuo has the same nylon case as the original CP-E4 so you can use the velcro stap to somehow attach it to a stand.

I still haven't had the opportunity to use it enough.

Thanks for the reply, that's about how I figured it would work.

[MT Stringer]

I skimmed through this thread quickly, but I'm not sure one of the OP's original questions was answered. Regardless of how you have your battery pack hooked up, you must have batteries in the flash in order for the electronics to operate. The default custom function on the 580EX II is to use external power if it is available, otherwise it will draw from the batteries in the flash.

So, depending on which battery pack you choose, you will need either 10 or 12 batteries - 4 for the flash and 6-8 for the pack!
Good luck.
Mike

[HelenOster]

I did business with Adorama a few months ago and put in about 5 orders within a month and a half. It was the worst online shopping experience I ever had so I swore off of Adorama forever. :|
(To be fair, their customer service PR person was very nice and helpful. Too bad she isn't running the rest of the business.)



Was this the cashback offer problem back in March?

I'm concerned, that however many months ago this happened it sounds as though we didn't put things right for you. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

[airbutchie]

Jannie...

I purchased two "Opteka" external flash battery packs about a month ago... Below is the link and a quick update on it's performance since I purchased them...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=723664

- airbutchie :D

[PacAce]

Was this the cashback offer problem back in March?

I'm concerned, that however many months ago this happened it sounds as though we didn't put things right for you. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Yes, it was but not just that. I sent an item back for an exchange and I ended up with the same unit again. :|

I also sent back another "damaged" item (a strobe head) and ended up with something that looked like it might have been water damaged based on the look of the box it came in (not the shipping box but the original box). I checked out the unit itself and it seemed fine but I just found it unnerving to see an item packed in a box that had clearly been water-logged at some point, not knowing whether the unit was also in the box or not at that time. :(

Thanks for your concern and I really appreciate your being so helpful and all but there's nothing you can really do for me at this point.

[HelenOster]

Thanks for your concern and I really appreciate your being so helpful and all but there's nothing you can really do for me at this point.

You are right; From the description of your experience, our service to you was severely lacking and unhelpful, and there can be little doubt that we deserved your criticism.
In your position, I think I'd also be reluctant to consider ordering from Adorama in the future, which is why we have begun to use poor customer experiences to help make better decisions going forward.

Since you placed that order - and as a direct result of customer complaints relating to previous incidents and practices - a new shipping manager was appointed, and as a direct consequence we have experienced a huge reduction in complaints re shipping delays and packaging issues.

It doesn't us excuse for messing up with your orders, but it does show that the Adorama management is now starting to really listen to customers, and respond.

[Wilt]

As a testimonial to Adorama, I can state that in ordering many things from them (approaching $10k from them alone) in the 1990's while I was shooting professionally on a regular basis, they were superb and the equal to the most reputable of the NYC stores...I could order from Adorama or B&H virtually interchangeably in terms of satisfaction and speed. But we all know that the quality of the people in certain positions is strongly inflential to customer satisfaction, even when the company ownership and management is the same. Adorama seems to be making the right moves to reestablish their ranking in the customer satisfaction area.