Quantum batteries

OK so I am thinking of getting a 580ex to try some off camera strobist type stuff. I was looking at Quantum battery packs but I'm not sure which is the best fit. I dont have any experience with these packs so if someone could steer me in the right direction as far as size,weight and so on. I will probably mount it to the stand but may carry it in the future as I shoot an event from time to time.


Thanks

The following links will show you the characteristics of the Quantum Battery and Quantum Turbo series batteries so you can compare the different models:

http://qtm.com …et=yes&res=1280​&resh=1050
http://qtm.com …et=yes&res=1280​&resh=1050

And below is a link that will show you which batteries are compatible with the Canon 580EX flash (cick on "Canon" to get to the Canon flash page):

http://qtm.com …et=yes&res=1280​&resh=1050

In addition to the battery pack, you'll also need to get a cord to connect the pack to the flash unit since one doesn't normally come supplied with the pack.


If you haven't checked out the Canon CP-E4 battery pack, it might be another option to look into.

I'm also looking at the Quantum battery packs and would like to know the difference between the battery 1 and 1+. I've been searching everywhere and still can't find anything explaining the difference. I know where I can get replacement batteries for the 1+, but I only found 1 used 1+, but I see several used 1s for sale.

I just got the Turbo, and it is awesome in power, but beastly in size...over 2lb I believe. I may trade it for the slim, but aside from the size am a mega activations happy with it.

tadrscin wrote in post #4889196
I'm also looking at the Quantum battery packs and would like to know the difference between the battery 1 and 1+. I've been searching everywhere and still can't find anything explaining the difference. I know where I can get replacement batteries for the 1+, but I only found 1 used 1+, but I see several used 1s for sale.

Have you looked here yet? http://qtm.com …et=yes&res=1280​&resh=1050

Yeah I've seen that, but all it shows is what cables work with which batteries/flashes. It doesn't explain the difference between a battery 1 and a 1+. I can't find any description of a Quantum Battery 1 on their site.

I was looking at the turbo slim here http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …urbo_SC_Battery​_Pack.html

Its kind of pricey but I think it would work better if I decide to carry it, plus this on comes with the cable.

Anyone used it?

tadrscin wrote in post #4889918
Yeah I've seen that, but all it shows is what cables work with which batteries/flashes. It doesn't explain the difference between a battery 1 and a 1+. I can't find any description of a Quantum Battery 1 on their site.

OK, Sorry, I thought you were referring to Battery 1 Compact.

I suppose Battery 1 has been discontinued since the only reference I've seen of Battery 1 in the Quantum side is the Battery 1 Compact.

Just wanted to pop in and tell you of another option. Al Jacobs out of FL makes a killer battery that I have been using for about 6 months now. It is small light weight and packs a bunch of power for its small size.

http://www.aljacobs.co​m/packtuxedo.htm

If you need more power for longer shooting assignments he also makes a larger set up.

http://www.aljacobs.co​m/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.ht​m

He has an excellent product and there is also a load of information on his website that is very educational.

Yeah I found his web site from another search and they look very promising.

Photodawg1 wrote in post #4889233
I just got the Turbo, and it is awesome in power, but beastly in size...over 2lb I believe. I may trade it for the slim, but aside from the size am a mega activations happy with it.

Keep in mind that the Turbo has about 50% more full power flashes, and has recycle time up to 50% faster than the Turbo SC. Depending upon what you shoot, you might not be served adequately with the smaller SC.

Hi Wilt...Yeah that is why I went with the beast. Guess when I get the strap for it that will help. Also may be time to invest in a one of those vest that so many togs wear...Like I don't already look geeky enough.

Photodawg1 wrote in post #4897366
Hi Wilt...Yeah that is why I went with the beast. Guess when I get the strap for it that will help. Also may be time to invest in a one of those vest that so many togs wear...Like I don't already look geeky enough.

I've always had mine on a camera strap. And if you are wearing a sportcoat or suitcoat while shooting as the hired pro, having it on a strap with the coat over it both serves to hide it and also keep it on the shoulder.

NVcameraman wrote in post #4890566
Just wanted to pop in and tell you of another option. Al Jacobs out of FL makes a killer battery that I have been using for about 6 months now. It is small light weight and packs a bunch of power for its small size.

http://www.aljacobs.co​m/packtuxedo.htm

If you need more power for longer shooting assignments he also makes a larger set up.

http://www.aljacobs.co​m/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.ht​m

He has an excellent product and there is also a load of information on his website that is very educational.

I've got two black boxes and have been using them both for 9 months now and absolutely love them. Keep in mind though that these are NOT intended to speed up cycling rates on your flash, rather they are meant to keep you firing longer. Al explains it all on his website and talks about burning up a flash if you abuse fast cycling type battery packs. I think of his packs as having a fresh set of AAs in the flash for around 1,000 full power flashes. I've shot many weddings, long receptions, without ever needing to charge these things up in the middle. i use one for on camera flash and one for an off camera flash, they work flawlessly.

Yeah I read that and didn't quite understand what he meant. Your AA analogy makes perfect sense now if I understand it right. With the Black Box my flashes will work the same as with AAs, but I'll get 1000 flashes out of one charge. If that's right, then I'll go with them. I don't need any more speed than with what I get with AAs.