I'm just starting to conquer my intimidation of my 580 and get serious about learning how to use this thing - especially since I have a wedding this fall where I'll need to rock it paparazzi-style.

Two initial questions I had/was in search of some feedback on are:

1) What kind of batteries are you guys using for your flash? Any rechargable brands I should be on the look-out for? There was a brand (Sanyo eneloop) I tried buying off Amazon and B&H but it was sold out, so now I'm using ones I know I shouldn't be on this thing!

2) Is there a battery pack available for the 580 that will let me extend its life/ability to refire quickly?

Duracell AA batteries + Quantum Turbo 2x2 pack... 4 AAs will last me an entire wedding while using the Quantum 2x2.

Best of luck!

PS. Do a quick search of the forums for Quantum 2x2 and you'll turn up lots of results. Also you can search B&H Photo (http://www.bhphoto.com) for more information on the 2x2.

THANK YOU!! I definitely will!

http://www.opensourcephoto.net/forum/index...c=32212&hl=

Mario

apples and oranges. Your "comparison" makes no mention of the turbo 2x2... You review the quantum turbo which is the older, heavier, much slower model.

Thanks, Trevor.

Feel free to send me a Turbo 2x2, and I will test it :-)

Sorry, don't own a 2x2. Just wanted to compare those I have.

Mario

if you want just rechargeables I would suggest maha powerex 2700s you can get them here... www.thomas-distributing.com I like the 8 pack with the charger.

I've never had to change batteries at a wedding with these.

+1

Gail, whatever I borrowed from Mike last Friday is what you want. The rechargeable battery pack thingy. It was a dream compared to my janky set up. I'll get you details as soon as I get a chance to ask him. He's the sweetest guy ever so I'm trying to give him at least 5 minutes before I pick his brain again. ; )

You will be very happy once you get it rolling. I was. Now I just need to buy my own. Not sure when that will happen, but knowing me and my gear shopping problem, not too far off.

Dave from strobist.com recently posted on high speed battery packs for hot-shoe flashes:

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/06/high-...al-battery.html

some interesting comments from other readers rating the quantums vs canon etc. Aljacobs looks like a good option but I dunno about having the battery door open while shooting...

Jonathan

So I just took a look at the Quantum on B&H and I had NO idea that they were this expensive!!!! Almost $600!!!??!!! I wish I could afford that ... I was hoping for something more in the $200-$300 price range. Can you rent those things? I would have no other reason for it outside of upcoming weddings and I can't justify the cost of that in my (early) business yet.

(And I guess if I was gonna shell out $600 for lighting, I'd focus on ability to go off-camera first ... dang)

You can absolutely rent them!

At ~$600 the quantums are pricey, but SO worth it. They'll pay for themselves many times over as they last FOREVER.

Depending on your local rental place, you should be able to rent one for pretty cheap. They should have a cord for the 580ex as well.

PS My family is from Muncie Indiana!!! Namely my dad's parents... I wonder if you recognize my last name

That was me comparing the different batery packs, like I did there:

http://www.opensourcephoto.net/forum/index...showtopic=32212

Mario

I have a Sunpak TR-2000 rechargable battery pack. I love that it is both high and low voltage, so you have options on using the cable that replaces the battery door, or using the high voltage tap built in to the front of my Nikon SB800.

It uses "standard" Quantum style cables. You can get them everywhere.

It has a belt clip and a shoulder strap.

Light weight.

Replacable batteries...get an extra for $70, and you are invinceable.

Plenty of power so the pack lasts a long time. I have not used a whole pack for a single wedding yet.

"Fuel Gauge" so you have an idea if you should send your assistant to the store for AA batteries as a back up.

Relatively inexpensive. I paid $250 including the cable at B & H.

Relentless. In high voltage mode, I am pretty sure your flash will give out before the battery will.

The Sunpak is no longer available. I guess it was to cheap :-)

I use the energizer rechargeable NiMH batteries and a Quantum Turbo battery pack. There may be better solutions now, but I've been doing that for about 5 or 6 years with fast recycle times and without having to change batteries at a wedding, so, if it ain't broke...