Quantum power packs and 550EX

[robert_turner]

Believe it or not, I have searched the heck out of Photo.net for a

definitive answer to this question, and visited Quantum's webpage

(which is not exactly helpful) and now throw myself on the mercy of

this fine forum-

 

Is there a Quantum battery pack that plugs into the 550 using the

specific power plug (designed for Canon packs, I presume) covered by

the rubber seal, or must I resort to a connection using the four

dummy AA batteries.

 

I see in prior Photo.net posts and via Quantum that a specific

connector exists for the 550 and Quantum units (the "CZ" or "CCZ"

units, to be specific), but I can't find a picture of these

connectors so I don't know how it works. I would MUCH prefer a

connecton to the dedicated power port versus the dummy battery

solution.

 

Thanks for reading,

Robert

[raph]

Hi Robert,

I use the Quantum Turbo sinces years with flashs, since 3 or 4 years with the EX 550. it works. Look at the side of the flash there ist a connector place for the CZ(it's the same cord for the 540 EZ). You need 4 battery (or 3 with the Quantum dummy)to power the the screen, the internal motor...

 

Happy light

 

Best regards from France

[david_adams7]

Hi Robert:

 

Works fine with the 550EX, been doing it for > 2 yrs. Two cool things:

 

Scan EBay, you can usually find used Turbos for not a lot of money. Then, scan for people selling the replacement batteries - I have picked them up for as little as 30$US - and installing them is not too bad if you are good with a soldering iron.

 

Also, I just bought three of the Photogenix StudioMaxII's a 320w/s light that is AC or the Turbo. Cable is included with the light, and, works really well off of the Turbo.

 

dave

[will_perlis]

Robert,

 

You are aware there's a difference between using the power port and a Quantum Turbo or the like v. using the dummy AA cell technique?

 

The power port takes 300 volts and will recycle the flash almost instantly after a full-power discharge given a healthy power unit.

 

The dummy AA cell trick and external 6 volt supply can't recycle the flash any faster than fresh internal AA cells can tho' they can continue working for longer.

[robert_turner]

Thanks all- and also for the extra tips. I missed some killer shots at the Florida State HS XC meet last week, wairing on my brand new Duracell Ultra's ro recharge-- Not again!

 

Robert

[chip]

Robert,

 

For a sports shooter you gotta go with a high voltage pack like the Turbo for near instant recycle of the flash unit. What you DON'T want is an external battery pack that uses a module that replaces the existing battery cells and gives you more CAPACITY but about the same CYCLE times. Expect to pay $175-$225 for a used but Turbo battery with charger. You'll also need a Quantum "CZ" cable for your 550EX and Turbo Battery.

 

Cheers