Used Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack

2016-04-26T01:57:14

Light weight battery pack for flash unit that works well with Canon flash units that support external battery pack. I tried some of the off band units but they did not hold up over time. I've had no problems with the Canon units.

Gary C.

2016-04-08T09:16:52

For the price, great little product. Back up batteries will power your 580Ex II or other flash head for a lot longer than just the four in the flash. Lasted through a recent four hour event for me. Just be careful if you're shooting rapid bursts at full power....you could burn out your strobe. What I like about it is the compact size. If I HAD to complain about something, I would prefer a slightly longer cord.

Wayne F.

2013-06-24T21:00:00

The limiting factor with flash seems to be the heat buildup on the strobe, itself. Having this external pack certainly gives you more battery life, but the main reason that I bought it was so that I wouldn't *literally* fry my flash unit when shooting wedding receptions. I had lithium AA's in my 580EX-II once, and they got so hot they actually melted the plastic inside my flash, along with frying the electronics. External power helps with that...but you still can't shoot more than about 20 flashes in a row, because the flash head still gets hot. Worth it? I don't know, but at least I can sleep better knowing that the batteries won't melt the inside of my $600 flash! As for the unit, itself, it's a bit cumbersome and has some design flaws. Having that coiled cord attached is annoying, because it's too short and gets in the way. Be careful with this thing, because the batteries don't snap into the cartridge. That is, if you turn it upside down, half your batteries fall out. You could never keep a spare cartridge full, ready to swap out. Remembering to "keep this side up" during an event where you have a thousand things on your mind is tough...bad design. Last, but not least, it's a real pain to tell your speedlite to use external power only. You need to manually switch that in the custom functions, which is not exactly convenient. No reason the speedlite can't this auto-sense the presence of the CP-E4. Come on, Canon! All in all, this could use some updating. Bottom line? If you are looking to stop swapping out batteries over a long period of time, this will do the trick. You might get a whole day's worth of flashes out of it. However, if you want rapid flash recycling, this will do it, but you will still encounter heat build-up in the strobe, which kind of defeats the purpose. This will keep the internal batteries from getting too hot if you switch your strobe to external power only.

WILLIAM A.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

If you shoot weddings and worry about your batteries dying then purchase this device. I have shot over 850 photos and still had plenty of power left. Get peace of mind and buy this device you won't be sorry.

NORMAN T.

2012-02-13T19:00:00

This battery pack does take an additional 8 batteries to fill, plus the four in the flash, for a total of 12. But that means you are able to have a lot faster recharge time. I can use this with a 7D at 8 fps if I have the flash dialed down to around 1/8 power. I tend to use the flash as more of a fill, but on full power recharges, the time is greatly improved too. I like know I am not going to miss something because my flash is recharging.

Mac

2012-02-13T19:00:00

Allows the event photographer more time between battery changes when using a speedlite. And with batteries in the speedlite and the attached battery pack the recycle times seem quicker. I've notice less "non-firing" flash images in rapid fire situations.

ProDigi A.

2011-12-18T19:00:00

Works exactly like the CP-E3. I bought as a replacement. Seems nice and sturdy and works fantastic. Can't go wrong.

JON B.

2011-12-06T19:00:00

I like this unit so much i purchased another one for my son. Now, I'll have to buy him a Canon speed light to go with it.(He has a 4 series speedlight that doesn't accept ths unit... that would be my only complaint about it) The unit has to be connected to the flash to turn on, as there is no off-on-switch. Which is fine with me. Want to turn if off.. turn off your main unit, or simply disconnect it from your flash. I also like the fact that I can use both recargeable and non rechargeable batteries in it. I've taken as many as 500 shots with it, and still had power to spare. Be sure to set your flash to CF setting that permits the batteries in this unit to be exhausted before the ones in your flash. In this way you'll have a reserve to work with before completely running out of power. Wished that Canon made this compatible with the 430 ex as well. It's so cost effective when compared to alternatives.

SANDY H.

2011-09-27T21:00:00

When shooting high school football, this is attached to my monopod to power my 580II. Changing the battery clip is easy and I suggest you buy a second clip. The only complaint is that in cold weather the recycle time is slower than I like

MICHAEL R.

2011-09-25T21:00:00

For the the size it's OK, knock at least $50 off the price. It's definitely not as responsive a a Quantum pack but good enough to get thru an event at about three consecutive flashes if your bouncing light, you may get more for direct flashes. I wouldn't recommend it for press functions like a step and repeat red carpet stuff. For the amount of gear I carry for the size and weight it's worthwhile.

2011-09-10T21:00:00

So far it has not failed me yet.

PADINI S.

2011-07-06T21:00:00

Canon made a great improvement on the CP-4 magazine battery clips (over the CP-3)and thus I now have a very reliable unit for my 550 & 580 XE II flashes. If you want to shoot continous burst w/flash you need this unit. I shoot a lot of indoor sports and activities such as dance routins where sequential shots are necessary. This unit has never let me down, and the light weight makes it easy to carry for long periods of time. The only improvement I can think of would be a belt clip instead of the belt loop

MUSTAFA A.

2011-03-26T21:00:00

The CP-E4 is a great compact battery pack for the 580EXII. It reduces the recycle time greatly and allows you to get more pops. I've configured my flash (through custom functions) to draw all power from the pack. So when the flash slows down, I unplug the pack and still have 4 semi-fresh batteries in the the speedlite. My only change would be for a belt clip instead of a belt loop.

Marky B.

2011-01-23T19:00:00

Works as described. In most cases I can shoot a whole wedding or event without having to change batteries. Comes with a convenient belt holster or can be mounted on the bottom of the camera body or bracket. The cord is plenty long enough and very flexible. If you shoot weddings or events lasting six hours or more, buy it! You won't be sorry.

DEAN N.

2011-01-13T19:00:00

Flashes can suck batteries dry pretty quickly. The CP-E4 battery pack gives you extended work time. That's a convenience that allows you to get everything done without having to stop and change batteries. The soft case allows you to easily attach the battery pack to a tripod or your belt. The cable stays out of the way for the most part, but like any cable, it can be a nuisance at times. You can attach the battery pack to the bottom of the camera if you need that flexibility. (I already have a camera battery pack and tripod mount on the bottom of the camera, so I don't do it. The whole thing would weigh a ton!!) I like the convenience of extended shoot times without having to mess with batteries. The CP-E4 battery pack is an essential piece of equipment for me.

RICHARD R.

2011-01-12T19:00:00

I bought the battery pack to cut down on flash recycle time and it performed perfectly. However, I was unaware that a total of 12 batteries is required: 4 in the Canon 580 EXII I use, and 8 in the battery pack. Since I use rechargeable batteries, plenty of time ahead of the event I shot was required to charge the batteries. 2 rechargers would help for anyone interested in purchasing this battery pack and using rechargeable batteries.

MICHAEL L.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

If you shoot any kind of indoor action photography that requires the use of a flash this is amust have item. I do a lot of indoor sports mostly in either poorly lit older high school gyms or newer well lit high school and college gyms that use mercury vapor or other color casting light. Shooting on contiuious burst with a flash requires a battery pack for the flash to recycle fast enough to keep up with my 50d & 40 cameras. The CP-E4 does the jop well and it's lighter weight than the 510 packs I used to use with a handle mount Sunpak is an extra blessing. I suggest getting an extra magazine. I use recharable batteries most of the time but get good results with both. The only cons I have are the strap mounts, I would prefer loops that allow spring clip type straps. Mounting the pack to the bottom of the camera with a power grip attached is just to heavy for shooting long events, a confortable strap is necessary especially when using two cameras.

MUSTAFA A.

2010-08-31T21:00:00

Nothing other than a great piece to have for the cost .. after 2 sessions with one I went and purchased a second for a spare. Added life and speed to the speedlite

WForrest P.

2010-04-24T21:00:00

I purchased two of these battery packs for my Canon 580EX-II flash units. I recently shot a wedding with these battery packs. They preformed as expected for all of my pre-ceremony pictures. I also used them for all of the reception photos. For the off camera flash/battery pack, I added a Velcro ribbon through the belt loop of the pack case to make it easier to attach and move between my light stand and my mono-pod. I attached the second pack to the battery grip of my camera for my on camera flash. This added considerable weight to the camera but I preferred the added weight to attaching the battery pack to my belt and having a dangling cord

James C.

2010-04-10T21:00:00

I did my first wedding using the CP-E4 and I could kick myself for not getting one earlier. At times, I shot rapid-fire photos and the flash kept up with my 1Ds Mark II. I never had to even glance at my flash to see if it was ready to shoot. The belt loop on the battery pack is sturdy and secure. I wore it all day long. I will never again shoot an event or wedding without the CP-E4.

DAVID Y.

2010-02-21T19:00:00

The only thing I worry about with this set up is the durability of the plug going into the flash. The flash has two spring clips that drop into a groove on each side of the plug. When inserted, the plugs is held very firmly. I noticed upon removing the plug from the flash that the spring clips had chipped off some plastic from the sides of the groove. Maybe the plug has to "wear in" to the clips. Hopefully this will not be a problem in the future. Other than that the unit is perfect. The number of flashes you can get without the batteries going dead is really a plus for flash photography. Get one for each flash. This is a must have piece of hardware.

RICHARD R.

2010-02-20T19:00:00

Best four wedding events

Jose S.

2010-02-03T19:00:00

It's a bit on the pricy side, but it does exactly what it's supposed to. The battery tray, as reviewed elsewhere, feels a bit on the flimsy side, but the pack as a whole is well built & allows the 530ex II to refresh incredibly quickly, helping to make sure you won't miss a shot due to the flash not being ready.

ANDREW B.

2010-01-09T19:00:00

Used with alkaline batteries or rechargeable batteries, this compact 8-battery pack extends flash sessions and shortens flash-recycle time. The unit can be hung from the belt or hung on the tripod. There is a slot on the top of the unit to string a shoulder strap, and there is a hole through the unit and a quarter-inch screw for mounting the pack to the bottom of camera battery packs or to the larger multiple-battery Canon cameras using the tripod mount hole, but this adds a great deal of bulk to the camera. Even for routine shooting, the battery pack significantly shortens recycle time. I particularly like to use the pack with Canon ring lights for macro work.

ROBERT P.

2009-09-03T21:00:00

This is a must have for bird flight photography - it was a joy to have my flash ready at any moment.

MICHIE W.

2009-08-18T21:00:00

I found it to be very reliable. I just used it to photograph a wedding. With the flash on during the entire day, the battery pack performed consistently. The flash recycled very quickly, and I was ready for every shot--no delays. It is very light and has a long cord. An "on/off" switch would be good to add to it.

ROBERT C.

2009-07-12T21:00:00

No more 3-5 seconds waiting time between flashes! The flash can now keep up with my camera (50D). I'll never miss a shot again. I use it with 2500mAH NiMH batteries for both the unit and the flash and haven't run out yet during a shoot. The battery tray could be constructed a little better (hence the 4 stars), but spares are available.

M.G.J E.

2009-07-07T21:00:00

I can shoot High school football all night long and never worry about running out of battery power. It helps in the recycle time too, for those fast action shots.Great for wedding too!

JEFF Q.

2009-07-07T21:00:00

This battery pack is the best thing you can buy if you own a 580EX ll flash. The worry of running out of power is history. Now you can concentrate on your picture taking. I was concerned about the reviews of how weak the battery holder tabs were if you take care in removing the batteries you should have no problems. I am happy with this product.

Camera E.

2009-06-30T21:00:00

I was impressed on June 6 when I used the CP-E4 in a wedding shoot.It performed the way expected.No shot to miss due recycling problems.I did like the sounds of my shutter in multiple shot mode.Well this could turn to be addictive and I just got my 5DMII and I don't want to trade it in for the fast 1D M III.Not any time soon. I love the CP-E4 .Great item for my bag.

JOSE F.