Battery Packs

[Jay Gould]

I have been looking/considering the Quantum Turbo 2 x 2 as you can connect both the camera and the flash at the same time.

Seems like it would eliminate a lot of extra batteries that would be camera specific as well as lots of AA batteries for your flash.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

[Dave Hassell]

Jay,
It is a great battery and I use one with 2 EX580II's but you will still need AA batteries to power the LCD screens on the flashes.
The Turbo recycles the flashes very fast and it lasts for ages.
Cheers,
Dave Hassell.

[James Shadle]

Jay,
IMO an external battery for the camera is overkill. The new lithium ion batteries are very capable.
You will have to deal with extra weight, mounting the battery, cables and forget about using it when you are working low in wet areas.

For the flash, I recommend using rechargeable Nickle Metal Hydride batteries.
If you want more run time, you can use the Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E4. It also improves flash recycle times. If you really want to improve you recycle times, I like the Lumedyne VHTF VAX High Voltage Cyclers.

James

[Rocky Sharwell]

I had a Turbo 2x2 when went to Nome in 2003--It worked fine but that was back in the days of the old 1D MARK 1 which was a pig on batteries. I think the newer Canon batteries and the CP-e4 are a better compromise. I never liked putting all of my eggs in one basket--If you are a long walk away from the car--and something happens to the 2x2 (dropped in water)-you are sunk...

[Jay Gould]

Jay,
IMO an external battery for the camera is overkill. The new lithium ion batteries are very capable.
You will have to deal with extra weight, mounting the battery, cables and forget about using it when you are working low in wet areas.

For the flash, I recommend using rechargeable Nickle Metal Hydride batteries.
If you want more run time, you can use the Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E4. It also improves flash recycle times. If you really want to improve you recycle times, I like the Lumedyne VHTF VAX High Voltage Cyclers.

James

Thanks James, I will wait and discuss further when I see you next month!

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

I agree Jay but if you use NIMH rechargables write the date of charge on then as they do discharge at about 30% per month (I think).

They do however recycle my 580EX2's quicker than gold tops.

[Jay Gould]

Revisiting this topic, those of you traveling and carrying two or more bodies, are you carrying 4-6 batteries for each body plus how many AA batteries are you carrying? How many chargers for the AAs are you carrying? Which AA battery chargers have you found reliable and quick?

The Quantum Turbo 2x2 weighs 32oz; I haven't added up the weight of so many camera and AA batteries.

[James Shadle]

You need two sets of AA batteries.

Stay away from the 15 minute chargers. Batteries get to hot. Heat is a battery killer!

James