Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E3

[danzel_c]

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.

[night73]

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.

[gpb]

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.

[allen_d.]

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.

[grant g]

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.

[danzel_c]

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!

[jimstrutz]

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.

[martin_fuchs2]

Does anybody know if this can be used with the 430EX as well?

 

Thanks,

Martin

[jimstrutz]

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.

[martin_fuchs2]

ah well... i didn't know that. thanks for the answer.

 

martin