Question For Event Photographers Using Flash - RE: Batteries

I have a few questions for event photographers that use flash. I have my flash off camera and on a bracket.

1. Are you using replacing your AA batteries when they start to drain and slow things down?

2. Are you using an external battery pack?

3. If you're using an external battery pack, how do you manage being tethered from your flash to the pack?

I own battery packs but haven't used them when I have my flash on a flash bracket mounted to the camera. I can think of a million places to attach or hang the pack but can't seem to find anything that is convenient and not cumbersome when I have the cable connecting the pack to the flash.

Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions based on use?

I use rechargeable AA batteries... I always have 2-3 sets charged and waiting... I'm not a big fan of battery packs.

The coiled cable between the plug and the battery pack on mine is long enough, I just drop it in a pocket when shooting with it on / close to camera - it's a good reason to stick with cargo pants / shorts - more pockets!

Having said that, I only use it when I'm shooting rapidly (ie: sporting events) - otherwise I just use the onboard batteries and switch them out when I start getting misfires.

Thanks for the fast response, guys.

That's what I was thinking. The cable length isn't an issue as much as the tethering. You have to think much more about movements and you can't put the camera down and I would imagine it might be a problem or get tangled if you're shouldering the camera when not in use.

I just wasn't sure what others are doing but I think I'll stick with rechargeables that I swap out on the fly.

TMR Design wrote in post #13091214
Thanks for the fast response, guys.

That's what I was thinking. The cable length isn't an issue as much as the tethering. You have to think much more about movements and you can't put the camera down and I would imagine it might be a problem or get tangled if you're shouldering the camera when not in use.

I just wasn't sure what others are doing but I think I'll stick with rechargeables that I swap out on the fly.

I guess I never put the camera down - I have it on an RS-5, so even when it's "down", it's still hanging off me ... if I'm walking away from it, I'll just pull the battery pack out at the same time.

Real talk: Lumedyne VHUF Ultracycler battery pack. Battle tested @ the OSCARS, Emmys, SAG Awards, Sundance Film Festival and the Super Bowl. I can bang through 2500 frames without putting a dent into the recycle rate. It's a little big and kind of bulky on the bulky side but in all my years of doing this I haven't found anything better. Some people swear by the Quantum Turbo packs which are fine but when it comes to serious event shooting the only pack I trust is the Lumedyne.

I'm not really concerned with which brand or type of pack.

For me it's all about the method of carrying the pack, how it's tethered to the flash, and the cable management.

I'm sure this is an unreasonable request but I wish I could see photos of photographers using this type of rig.

I don't use a bracket.
I use battery packs for my 580EXII and usually have it in my back pocket. The cable is long enough that it never hinders movement. I just have to remember to take the damn pack out of my pocket before putting my camera down and walking away!

Hey Nick,

Why are you saying not to use a bracket?

hooookup wrote in post #13095711
Real talk: Lumedyne VHUF Ultracycler battery pack. Battle tested @ the OSCARS, Emmys, SAG Awards, Sundance Film Festival and the Super Bowl. I can bang through 2500 frames without putting a dent into the recycle rate. It's a little big and kind of bulky on the bulky side but in all my years of doing this I haven't found anything better. Some people swear by the Quantum Turbo packs which are fine but when it comes to serious event shooting the only pack I trust is the Lumedyne.

Out of curiosity... which pack are you using? I looked at all the Lumedyne packs and I'm not seeing anything that boasts more than about 400 pops.

How are you getting 2500 pops?

TMR Design wrote in post #13095864
Hey Nick,

Why are you saying not to use a bracket?

Sorry...I meant to say "I don't use a bracket"! Corrected my post.

I have 2 battery packs and also keep 3-4 sets of batteries ready to go in case I run out of juice.

I have a CP-E4 but I find I don't have to use it often, I don't need the recycle speed for the events I shoot and it just gets in the way. I just make sure I have a few sets of ansmann rechargables with me.

TMR Design wrote in post #13095871
Out of curiosity... which pack are you using? I looked at all the Lumedyne packs and I'm not seeing anything that boasts more than about 400 pops.

How are you getting 2500 pops?

Lumedyne VHUF Ultracycler

400 full power pops maybe... Most of the time im shooting @ 1/16th power. For a big event or big red carpet I might blow through 2 packs but that's with heavy shooting and shooting in the daylight.