danzel_c Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 Does anyone use the Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E3 with their Canon flash such as the 580 EX at weddings? I usually rent a Quantum Battery pack to use with my 580EX from Helix Camera, but I am thinking about purchasing one and the Canon one cost less than the Quantum. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
night73 Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 I do and it works great. Actually have two of them, one for the on-camera flash, and one on a 550ex remotely fired using radio slave and hotshoe sync. I usually don't need to change the batteries at all but if you do you can always get a spare battery magazine that easily slips in when needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpb Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 I use 2500mAH PowerEx batteries in my 550 EXs, and they tend to last about 4 hours before I need to swap them out. Carrying a few extra sets of batteries in my bag is much more convenient than lugging around CP-E3s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allen_d. Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 I use the CP-E3, with some NiMH's and they will last all day in it. Flash recycling time is less than a second when used at less than full power, which is probably most of the time. It may take about 2 secs at full power. Highly recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grant g Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 I use two and a spare magazine. One in my pants pocket for the camera mounted flashes and one for a remote. I rarely need the magazine, but have gone to it after several hours of shooting with two cameras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danzel_c Posted January 15, 2006 Author Share Posted January 15, 2006 Sounds like the CP-E3 is the way to go. It's smaller, and less expensive than the Quantum I rent. I have 5 weddings booked so far for this year and four rentals of the Quantum can pay for one CP-E3. it makes sense to buy one instead of keep renting. Recycle time was my main concern. I never missed a beat with the Quantum. The recyle time is almost unnoticeable. Appears the the CP-E3 is too except when used at full power. I suspect that the quantum would have some noticeable recycle time if used at full power too. Thanks everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstrutz Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 The several test I've read of the Turbo indicate just under 1.5 seconds to do a full power recycle on a 550EX or 580EX. My experience is the same. The CP-E3 takes nearly 2 seconds to do the same. The CP-E3 is less weight and 1/3 the cost. I think it's a good trade for that half second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin_fuchs2 Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Does anybody know if this can be used with the 430EX as well? Thanks, Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstrutz Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 The 430EX does not have a high voltage port, required for the CP-E3. High voltage packs (Turbo, Jackrabit, CP-Ex) all require the high voltge port found on the older 430EZ & 540EZ, as well as the newer 550EX & 580EX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin_fuchs2 Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 ah well... i didn't know that. thanks for the answer. martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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