Should I get a Canon CP-E4 or a Quantum battery pack to speed up 580EX II flash recycle time?
Asked 10/31/2010
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2 answers
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I use a Canon 580EX II on-camera and sometimes a 580EX off-camera. In fast-paced shooting, the 4 AA batteries in the flash can overheat and recycle too slowly. I'm considering an external battery solution for faster recycle times and better endurance, and I'd also like something I could potentially use with an MT-24EX for macro work.
Is the Canon CP-E4 the better choice for improving recycle time and reducing battery strain, or is it worth stepping up to a Quantum battery system now? I'm especially interested in practical differences in recycle speed, portability, and long-term usefulness.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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I own both several Quantum T5Ds and one CP-E4. My vote is get the CP-E4 for now, its almost 1/10 the price of a Quantum setup and will vastly improve recycle time. Once you stick a CP-E4 on there the recycle time will essentially be instant, you'll no longer be thinking 'is the flash recycled?' you'll just keep shooting. Also, getting the CP-E4 is a good investment either way since the Quantum recycles slower than a 580EXII + CP-E4 so if you have both options in your kit you'll be more versatile.
The Quantums are amazing light sources, it really is like you have a studio quality light with you, wherever you go, including attached to your camera. Its smooth, enveloping, powerful lighting especially paired with a softbox. But it has its downsides, its much bigger and much heavier and will recycle slower than a 580EXII + CP-E4.
So I say get both and start with getting a CP-E4 now and perhaps try renting a Quantum setup down the road.
Originally by user1819. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1819
15y ago
0
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Based on the experience shared, the Canon CP-E4 is the better choice for now.
It’s much less expensive than a Quantum setup and gives a major improvement in recycle time with a 580EX II—fast enough that you’re unlikely to be waiting on the flash between shots. It also helps reduce the stress on the internal AA batteries during heavy shooting.
A Quantum system can be excellent, but it’s a bigger step. Its advantages are more about providing a powerful, portable flash system overall, not just improving your current Speedlite’s recycle time. It’s also larger, heavier, and a more substantial investment.
So if your goal is mainly to make your existing Canon flashes recycle faster and work more reliably in run-and-gun situations, the CP-E4 is the practical buy. If you later move into a Quantum flash head system, the CP-E4 can still remain useful in your kit, since the answerer noted a 580EX II with CP-E4 can recycle faster than the Quantum setup alone.
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