External batteries

[scobols]

I bought two of the FlashZebra units and used them at a wedding and location shoot, no problems at either event. I would definitely recommend them.

Scott

[Gordon]

Any recommendations for where to get a shoulder-strap-sort of arrangement for this battery pack? I have two and wish they'd come with one. Attaching underneath the camera is way to awkward as well as trying to attach it to a belt. Other than the problem of how to carry it around for on-camera flash, it's worked great for me.

Gordon

[Pittspilot]

I wear it on my belt

[curtscamera]

I came accross this $40 power source in the Mpix forums other day. It looks like a fun project if you are the do-it-yourself type.

http://community.mpix.com/forums/p/4...82.aspx#360182

[PeteQ]

I came accross this $40 power source in the Mpix forums other day. It looks like a fun project if you are the do-it-yourself type.

http://community.mpix.com/forums/p/4...82.aspx#360182

There are several DIY solutions like this but the things about this type that steer me away (and I like building stuff) are:
A. If you forget to recharge it or you use it up mid-day you are screwed. Same as any proprietary battery pack. The Canon and other knock-offs use AA batteries which you can get anywhere in a pinch.
B. That is larger, and I am betting heavier, than the Canon or knock-offs.
...so spending the extra $20 (give or take) to get a ready to go solution from FlashZebra is worth it IMO.

And with ANY external pack, be aware that you can burn up your flash if you get carried away with things. Many sequential high-power pops will start to do damage to the internals and the plastic lens on your flashgun.

Good shooting!

[curtscamera]

Never actualy tried an external power source myself. How many rapid pops does it take before damage occurs?

[PeteQ]

It depends on the output power that is being used but it is not uncommon for overzealous wedding photographers to burn up their flash units. The higher the power the lower the amount of flashes it would take to start doing damage. Do 4-5 full power pops and see how hot that front plastic lens gets and then imagine doing 100+ rapid fire with these high capacity or high voltage batteries.

The 580 manual has a blurb "To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not fire more than 10 stroboscopic bursts. Then allow the Speedlite to rest for at least 10 min." that applies to stroboscopic use but from it one can infer that a large series of high power burst can cause problems...

[larsdahlin]

I use the Quantum Turbo 2*2. It recycle the 580 II @ one second. It has a sturdy feel to it and I can really recommend it.

[Parker]

I have 2 Pixel TD-381 units and LOVE them! I just used them at a wedding last night. We started about noon and ended around midnight and never once changed the batteries! (Powerex 2700 mah rechargeable) We used flash before the wedding, during the ceremony, for some portraits, and all of the reception. The power was there when we needed it.

I have no experience with FlashZebra but I can tell you the Pixel units kick some flash!!!

[Crystal City]

I bought 2 Opteka External Flash Battery Packs in August and have been using them regularly. They were $40 at Amazon. The flash recycle times are quick and I have had no problems electronically with the units.

The only issue I have had is that one of the 1/4-20 bolts is not right and won't screw in properly. It hasn't been a problem for me since I usually either have the unit in my pocket or taped to a support. I could replace the bolt. I just haven't taken the time.