Thoughts on the Canon CP-E4?

<p>Hello. I'm going to upgrade to the 580 flash very soon and I have been looking at external battery packs such as the Canon CP-E4 mainly for the fast recycle times. I'm missing too many shots even with high capacity AA's. What are everyone's thoughts on the Canon CP-E4? Worth the money, or go for a knock-off version? How do you manage carrying it on your person and the fact that there is a cable running to your flash?</p>

<p>I have a pair of CP-E3 packs which also hold 8 cells. I'm not sure what the difference is between the CP-E3 and CP-E4 but mine work fine. They lower recycle times and extend the number of flashes. I got a Domke shoulder strap on mine just like the ones on their bags (with the rubber thread woven in so it doesn't slip off my shoulder). I got the narrower strap and it fits perfect under the packs cover. See photo.</p><div></div>

<p>When I use it, I simply put the pack in either the inside jacket pocket or pants back pocket. The cord is long and flexible enough that it doesn't hinder any shooting position.</p>

<p>I have one and wish I would have bought this knock-off instead http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0155/index.shtml to save money. They are virtually identical.</p>

<p>I wrap mine around a Stroboframe flash bracket or stick it in my shirt pocket. </p>

<p>"I'm not sure what the difference is between the CP-E3 and CP-E4"</p>

<p>According to Amazon the CP-E4 is weather sealed to match the 580EX II.</p>

<p>I have the CP-E4, and I still use it occasionally. But the biggest improvement in recycle time came not with the battery pack but rather my move to NiMh batteries. Although they charge to slightly lower voltage, their ability to quickly discharge will leave conventional alkaline AA's in the dust. Try that first.</p>

<p>Standard NiMH batteries do recycle the flash significantly faster than alkalines, but the CP-E3/E4 is still faster. You can get full power recycles in just <strong>over</strong> 1 second with the external pack. If you need faster than that a Quantum Turbo will do the same in just <strong>under</strong> 1 second. For the difference in price & weight I prefer the near similar performance of the Canon pack.</p>

<p>Also, the 580EX II is significantly faster than the older 580EX when using just the four internal batteries. With a high voltage external pack like the CP-E3/E4 they are both about the same.</p>