580ex II need a better power solution

[Trackerxx]

I have recently been hired for a lot of gigs where I need to use flash to photography people at events. Faster recycle times and changing batteries less frequently would be great.

I am looking at a Quantum 2x2. Is this overkill? I don't need to power my camera since it is gripped. The Canon CP-E4 may be all I need.

Does the Quantum unit have replacable batteries? (So I can have one on the charger).

Thanks.

[dmward]

Here is a great option: http://www.flashzebra.com/8AACellBatteryPacks/index.shtml

They are Chinese knockoffs of the Canon CP-E4. I have two CP-E4s and two SF-18s (which I think are the same as these from FZ.)

They are essentially Identical. Reduce recycle time from well over 2 sec to about 1.5 sec at full power. TTL is nearly instantaneous at 5-10 ft.

I use rechargable batteries. I have a couple different brands. There are threads here discussing batteries you can search.

I also have two Turbo batteries. I used to use them with the 580EXs but they don't offer substantially better recycle time and are heavy. I how use them with my Qflashs.

I have yet to exhaust a set of 8 freshly charged NiMh batteries during a wedding with up to a 1000 TTL flashes on a single battery set.

[Trackerxx]

Thank you! You gave me a lot of good info.

It's good to know I may be able to use the CP-E4 without going to the more expensive Quantum option.

I will research the forums to check opinions on rechargable batteries.

[FTL83]

Here is a great option: http://www.flashzebra.com/8AACellBatteryPacks/index.shtml

They are Chinese knockoffs of the Canon CP-E4. I have two CP-E4s and two SF-18s (which I think are the same as these from FZ.)

They are essentially Identical. Reduce recycle time from well over 2 sec to about 1.5 sec at full power. TTL is nearly instantaneous at 5-10 ft.

I use rechargable batteries. I have a couple different brands. There are threads here discussing batteries you can search.

I also have two Turbo batteries. I used to use them with the 580EXs but they don't offer substantially better recycle time and are heavy. I how use them with my Qflashs.

I have yet to exhaust a set of 8 freshly charged NiMh batteries during a wedding with up to a 1000 TTL flashes on a single battery set.

How much weight does that cool off state hold in the description. I wouldn't mind having some extra power when I need it. But it says not to shoot more than 15 shots before cool down? What kind of heat build up do we have and how long of a cool down. I'm assuming from your wedding photography taking a picture waiting a few seconds and taking another isn't likely do damage anything?

[MT Stringer]

How much weight does that cool off state hold in the description. I wouldn't mind having some extra power when I need it. But it says not to shoot more than 15 shots before cool down? What kind of heat build up do we have and how long of a cool down. I'm assuming from your wedding photography taking a picture waiting a few seconds and taking another isn't likely do damage anything?

What the 580 EX II manual says is after 15 consecutive shots (rapid fashion), the flash needs to cool down. I don't think that would be a problem. I use the battery pack from Flash Zebra for night football and haven't had any problems at all. I usually get two or sometimes three shots off pretty quickly if the play comes to my side of the field.

Also, I shot a senior recognition night at a volleyball game. I shot one shot after the other until all the players and parents and cheerleaders had been recognized. About 75-80 shots bounced off the gym ceiling. Never had to wait on the flash to recycle or wait for it to cool down.

Now if you shoot 6 frames per second for a short burst, you might heat the flash up.

Note: I have been using Powerex 2700 batteries in the pack and Energizer 2500's (because I already had them) in the flash. Actually, I have two battery packs and batteries and an 8 cell MAHA charger from Thomas Distributing.

Good luck.
Hope this helps.

[FTL83]

What the 580 EX II manual says is after 15 consecutive shots (rapid fashion), the flash needs to cool down. I don't think that would be a problem. I use the battery pack from Flash Zebra for night football and haven't had any problems at all. I usually get two or sometimes three shots off pretty quickly if the play comes to my side of the field.

Also, I shot a senior recognition night at a volleyball game. I shot one shot after the other until all the players and parents and cheerleaders had been recognized. About 75-80 shots bounced off the gym ceiling. Never had to wait on the flash to recycle or wait for it to cool down.

Now if you shoot 6 frames per second for a short burst, you might heat the flash up.

Note: I have been using Powerex 2700 batteries in the pack and Energizer 2500's (because I already had them) in the flash. Actually, I have two battery packs and batteries and an 8 cell MAHA charger from Thomas Distributing.

Good luck.
Hope this helps.

Cool. Thanks for the examples it gives me a good idea of how it can be used and the way it reacts.

Thanks again. I have this booked marked so I can pick one up soon.

[tim]

Yep the CP-E4 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) works great. Personally I use Canon rather than Chinese knockoffs, though the aftermarket units are meant to be fine.

[BrianMc3]

I use both Quantum Turbo SC and 2x2. The SC will last you all day (I use it for weddings). I got the 2x2 for when I fire two flashes from same location. You can not replace to batteries, (I'm pretty sure of that but there is probably a site out there that tells you that you can.

[dmward]

The Quantum Turbo has a SLA battery that can be changed but it requires disassembling the unit. Not something to do in the middle of an event.

The SC has NiMh and also must be disassembled.

One thing I like about the SF-18s is that the battery tray is interchangable with the CPE4 tray.

Changing batteries in a tray takes about 10 seconds.

I put the packs in my pocket, one for each flash if I have two cameras on me.

The Turbo is probably equal to two CPE4s in terms of the number of exposures it will provide. Recycle time is about the same.

I agree that doing events, its unlikely to run up against the heat problem. I never have.