Help! "Battery pack" for 550EX flash

[SuzanneCarey]

Hey guys! Someone had suggested to me once on a forum about using a "battery pack" of sorts with my 550ex to insure faster recycle time.

Does anyone know what it is called exactly?

Thanks!

Suzanne

[crc_408]

A few options:

Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

six 'AA, user replaceable. I have this one and use six rechargable 'AA'.


Transistor Pack E

Transistor Pack can be used with a choice of power supplies, including Battery Magazine TP which holds six C-size alkaline-manganese batteries and NiCd packTP, a rechargeable sealed battery pack. (includes Battery Magazine TP and Connecting Cord ET)


Transistor Pack E Ni-Cd Set

The Canon Transistor Pack E Ni-Cad Set comes with everything a professional photographer needs for a quality external flash power system. Combining a large amount of additional power with portability, the Transistor Pack E is compatible with the Canon Speedlite 430EZ, 480EG, 540EZ, 550EX, and MR-14EX flashes. The set includes a semi-hard case, rechargeable Canon Ni-Cad Pack TP and charger, as well as the Canon Battery Magazine TP and Connecting Cord ET.

[SuzanneCarey]

Hey guys, I just found some models on B&H...sorry did not think it would be so easy to find. Any experiences you have had using the battery pack...I would love to hear it! :) I have not been happy with my flash experience during some weddings I have done lately so I am hoping the battery pack will answer my prayers! :) To be more specific...the "problems" I have had is when doing formals...I take a picture and then take a 2nd to ensure a good shot. The 2nd picture is ALWAYS darker. And I even WAIT before I take the 2nd to make sure the flash is all ready. its a new flash too so I do not suspect its due to the flash...but batteries have to be a culprit. Currently I am using 2500 mAh NiMN batteries.

Thanks again.

[SuzanneCarey]

CRC...thanks for the options. I would LOVE to get the Transistor Pack E Ni-Cd Set but not sure if I can afford it right now, having just bought my my new 550ex. Do you think the battery pack with meet my needs for now?

[crc_408]

I was having the same problems of darker 2nd pics on my 420EX, so I upgraded to the 550EX and battery pack. Seems to work nicely. I use Energizer's 2500 mAh batteries for the battery pack and the flash and they seem to work really nice together. A total of 10 batteries charging the flash, pretty nice. The pilot light goes RED within a second or two.

The battery pack has a case which allows you to mount it on a belt or shoulder strap. A tripod-size screw is included to mount on the bottom of your camera or grip (via tripd mount).

http://www.photographyreview.com/Flash,Accessories/Canon/PRD_143188_4275crx.aspx

[scottbergerphoto]

I use two Quantum Turbo Z's.

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

I recently bought a quantum + and I love it, although the refresh from full blast is still arround 7 seconds on my 580EX the normal use is considerably faster.

[RIPhoto]

Quantum Turbo's are the way i went as well. Great recycling.

[SuzanneCarey]

I really wish the Quantum was in my budget, but at this time its not. I guess I will get the canon battery pack for now. That's better than just using flash on its own, I would assume. Thanks for the feedback!


The battery pack has a case which allows you to mount it on a belt or shoulder strap. A tripod-size screw is included to mount on the bottom of your camera or grip (via tripd mount).


What if I have to use it while its mounted on a tripod? And how do I use it using a bracket when my bracket screws in my tripod mount.

EDIT - Okay, I think I understand now. YOu can mount the pack to the tripod mount if you want to, but its just an option. Otherwise you can mount it on a belt or shoulder strap? Sorry for the dumb questions.:p

Suzanne