Flash Battery Question

[Txmason]

Hi Everyone!

I'm Jerry and I have a Quantum Turbo 4x4 battery pack that I use with a Canon 550 EX flash. The problem I am having is that after I hook up the battery pack to the flash and take a photo, it seems to take the flash the same amount of recycling time when I use the battery pack attached to the flash until I can take a new photo.

Is there a setting I should set the flash to? Such as high speed synch etc?

Also, I have a canon 550 ex flash and I want to get another flash, should I buy a canon 580exii? Also, what do I need to make both flashes fire? Pocketwizards etc? Thank you for all your help:)

Best,
Jerry

[tc95]

Jerry...if your doing this a a pro..get the pocket wizzards....if your just doing it for you get the eBay cheapy set...for $60.00...I would turn down the flash to 1/2 - 1/4 or 1/8 power...normally I shoot at 1/4 to 1/16 power if you are using more than two flashes...and 1/2 to 1/8 for two or less...I only use my flash on full power when I bounce it around a room for a Real Estate shot....

Also...you might want to get NiMH batteries 2300mah or better...they seem to last longer and have a better power out-put...

I don't know about the Canon-Flashes...I use Sigma DG 500 & 530 Supers...personally...

This is the newer look for the ones I have...



Happy Shooting...

[Txmason]

Is there a way to make sure my flash is working with my quantum battery pack? Do I need to set my flash a certain way?

[KdLaneJr]

The 550ex doesn't have a custom function to let it know the battery pack is there. The 580exII does, and offers you the option of letting the quantum battery do all the work (deceptive, as 4 AA's are still required) or battery sharing. On the 550ex I never use the SE mode on the power switch. On the 580exII I set the appropriate custom function to not let the flash "sleep". The 580exII requires a specific procedure to use a quantum turbo 2x2 with it as the power supply and letting it sleep disrupts this. The info is available on their website.

The easiest way to test your 550ex with the quantum turbo is to set the flash to manual full power (1/1) and fire a couple test flashes, noting the recycle time. Now do the same thing with the quantum connected and powered up. You should see a significant reduction in flash recycle time following a full power dump. If you don"t, you either have amazing AA'a installed or you have a defective quantum battery. The last potential point of failure is the quantum battery to flash cord. (CZ, I believe)