CP-E3 Battery Pack for my 580EX- thoughts?

I was thinking of picking this up, because I think it would be a welcome addition at weddings. I'm always worried I won't be able to get those damned AA's in fast enough. Now..I'm wondering a couple things. Does it come with just one AA magazine, or two? I would think, since it doesn't take anything else, they'd give you two. Also, just how long is the cord on it? ALSO, where the heck would I put it? I saw someone said it doesn't reach from their belt to their bracket. That's problem, I'd say!

Just wanted anyone's thoughts or opinions on this, especially those that may have it. Also, if anyone knows of a better option.

Btw, I use 2500mAh Energizer NiMH's (rechargable, of course)

I've pondered the CP-E3... then I read this: http://forums.robgalbr​aith.com …369748&an=0&pag​e=5#369748

I've got a couple of CP-E2 packs. They only accept 6 AA batteries... but no such problems with those as they don't use a magazine. With 2500mAh batteries, I've successfully shot several sporting events recently with them - quick and easy to change the batteries as well.

The cable is about 5 feet long when fully extended.

The alternatives are a Quantum Turbo - http://www.quantumbatt​eries.com …et=yes&res=1280​&resh=1024 - or a Digital Camera Battery - http://www.digitalcame​rabattery.com/Batterie​s.htm - or maybe an Al Jacobs pack - http://www.aljacobs.co​m/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.ht​m

---- Gavin

Yeah, I went to my local shop a little while ago and looked at a couple of quantums...hundreds of dollars, and lead acid. Not my thing. they charge "overnight" which is too long for me a lot of the time. Plus, I looked at the Quantum Battery 1+ which was $200, which is close to the CP-E3. However, if I stocked the E3 with my 2500 mAh AA's, I'd get about 1000 shots per magazine. With the quantum, I'd only get about 4-500. Secondly, I can slip another magazine in the E3 too, as opposed to the quantum, where I'm limited to what it is. The turbo is 400 bucks, too. I'm not paying $400 for a battery for my flash. Plus, I can probably mount the E3 on my bracket...have to wear the quantum on a belt or around neck. I really still don't know how big the E3 is, though. Can't seem to find the specs. Seems like the deal, though.

Only thing that bugs me is that I'm paying $200 just for something to HOLD batteries. That bothers me. Oh well.

There's a reasonable pic of the CP-E3 unit here: http://www.dpreview.co​m …081907canon_efs​_flash.asp (scroll down)

As for dimensions, the CP-E2 is 16cm x 7cm x 3cm in its case - so the CP-E3 must just be a little bit longer.

I've been looking at the Turbo as well (to improve on the performance of the CP-E2). I think the recharge time is only about 4 hours, it's lead acid so there's no memory effect, and the recycle times are good as well. But you're right about the price - it's certainly steep (£300+ in the UK)... but then again you're paying for the fact that it's robust as well.

If you do get a CP-E3, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know whether the battery magazines are as prone to breaking as they sound. I'd certainly rather spend £100 than £300 if the CP-E3 does the job!

---- Gavin

I have the CP-E3 and I attach it to my belt around my waist and the cord is long enough to reach the 580EX mounted on the camera hotshoe. Have not had any issues with the length of the cord - no tugging or pulling etc. I have tried mouting it underneath the camera (tripod mounting point) with the provided screw but this does not feel all that comfortable.

The closing mechanism of the magazine does not feel very secure. Inserting the magazine you seem to have to push the magazine in, hold down the button at the end of the magazine and slide the casing closed (hopefully I have explained that so it can be understood). It is the only issue that I have found - at least you don't have to do it very often.