I need to find a good and cheap battery pack for my canon 580s when using them with my pocket wizards. The batteries seem to be running out so quickly and it is driving me crazy. Can anyone suggest what I should get. Also, I have a big huge video light battery...I'm assuming you can't modify it to work-i.e. specific batteries go with specific lights. THanks, Ashley

Have you looked at the Canon CP-E2's? So much wonderful flash juice with 16 batteries total (8 in the pack 4 in the flash) I can shoot a full wedding (12hrs+) without ever changing batteries

Well the best is a quantum battery. you can even get a 2x2 and have it power the camera too

the cheepest is the Canon menioned above or the tuxedo's: http://www.aljacobs.com/packtuxedo.htm

I rent a quantum for now, $10 for the weekend, less than a 4 hour charge and can be charged at any point, fast recycle and will last all day.

I've been using the Canon cp-e3 and it's been great so far. way more affordable (and lighter!) than a Quantum Turbo. recycle time is quick and it lasts all night. i think there is a new cp-e4 that is coming out that is supposed to be better sealed for weather.

I have three Sunpak TR2000's that are awesome, but I'm switching to Powerex batteries because I'm tired of my camera being tethered to my waist. We just used the Powerex rechargeable batteries on our last wedding and they worked great.

I should point out, the Powerex "AA" batteries. The CP-E4 looks promising as well.

Try using Powerex 2700 mAh AA batteries from Thomas Distributing first.

If you MUST have an external pack, try the Black Box.

I also use the CP-E3 with great sucess. I load it with rechargable AAs from Wally World. (That's 12 total per flash, not 16).

Regarding weather sealing- both of mine were completey submerged in a pond for several seconds last year when the wind took my double flash/single umbrella rig crashing down. The CP-E3s were completely saturated, but work just fine now. The two 550EXs didn't fare as well.

Another vote for the CP-E3. You can even screw it on the bottom of your camera's tripod mount.

Best = Quantum 2x2

Cheapest = Canon CP-E3

They CP-E3 will end up costing you a lot of extra money in the long run, since you keep having to refill it with AA batteries. I used one shortly after they came out and I was not impressed at all. The Quantum will cost you about $550 up front, and it lasts FOREVER (I can shoot all day with it, and it maybe goes down to half power) and it's rechargeable.

If you want an honest opinion - don't skimp. Buy once and buy right. The quantum's the way to go.

I have to mention the Al Jacobs battery pack - great value: http://aljacobs.com/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.htm

You can't load it with rechargables?

Jacob,

Does 8 + 4 = 16 in Canada???

I've thought about getting one of these too. I'm glad to hear a good review about it...even from someone who can't add. LOL

sure you can, but once those rechargables get charged and discharged a bunch of times in the high-drain way that flashes work, those batteries will crap out. i used to use a CP-E2 and bought a set of high-end rechargables... they lasted a month of shooting every day before they wouldn't hold a charge at all.

i'm not gonna argue - but i certainly will try to help people toward the direction of making the right decisions. in my opinion, and from my experience, the quantum is the only way to go.