Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack
- Price: $149.95
- GBP 95.74
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- In Stock
Not compatible with the optional CPM-E3 Battery Magazine
The external Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E4 improves flash recycle times significantly and increases the number of firings before batteries need to be replaced.
The pack takes the optional CPM-E4 rapid-change Battery Magazine that serves as a replacement or backup battery. It can be loaded with 8 AA-size batteries - alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH - prior to a shoot to ensure fast and smooth transitions from one battery set to the next - important in critical shooting situations or to keep up momentum in the studio.
Updated from the earlier version, the CP-E3, the CP-E4 has been improved with better dust and moisture sealing at the contact points, to get it to match the weather-resistance characteristics of the 580EX II Speedlite.
| Weight | 0.98 lb (446g) including 8 Ni-MH batteries |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 215 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Reliable (161)
- Lightweight (151)
- Easy to use (121)
- Packs small / compresses (92)
- Strong construction (55)
Cons
- Poor quality (16)
- Heavy / bulky (8)
- Pricey / poor value (4)
- Expensive (3)
Best Uses
- Weddings (96)
- Family photos (57)
- Professional cameras (56)
- Sports/action (40)
- Travel (30)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (80), Semi-pro photographer (49), Professional (38), Photo enthusiast (21), Enthusiast (11)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (75)
Most Liked Positive Review
Why did I wait so long?!
After struggling through several weddings and missing critical reception moments because the flash wasn't recycling fast enough I finally decided to get the battery pack. Wish I had bought it a LONG time ago! ...Read complete review
After struggling through several weddings and missing critical reception moments because the flash wasn't recycling fast enough I finally decided to get the battery pack. Wish I had bought it a LONG time ago! The recycle flash time is amazing, no more waiting to take a picture because now I can just keep going. It also solves the problem of having to change my batteries three to four times during a wedding day...again sometimes happening during a critical moment. I use rechargeable batteries and even though they aren't drained halfway through the day I switch them out whenever I get some down time and never worry about my flash not being ready.
Currently I just wear the pack in the included case that has loops which you can put a belt through. I just wear a regular pants belt and loop it through but then have to leave it on the whole day. My plan is to buy one of the photography belts that goes over your clothes that you can snap on and off as needed. But my current system seems to work just fine.
The cord that attaches the pack to the flash has plenty of length which is very helpful. I use my flash attached to a flash bracket and with it being quite a bit higher I wasn't sure how the cord would be, but I haven't had any issues with it at all.
I am making sure to be very careful with the battery magazine after reading so many others having problems with it breaking. One of the battery slots seems to stick so I just take my time with it. I will eventually splurge and buy a second magazine to make my battery change even faster during weddings. Then I will just have to pull out the one and throw in the already filled one without having to remove and replace the eight batteries.
I also enjoy its compact size and it fits very easily into my camera bag. Another huge pro is that you don't have to worry about switching it on and off. Just plug it into your flash and when you turn your flash on the battery pack turns on. It had a red light on the top to show you that it's working. The pack itself is very light, so the only weight comes from inserting the eight batteries.
I definitely feel that this item is well worth the money. I've spent a lot more on things that didn't help me nearly as much. I highly recommend to anyone shooting weddings and using flash to get this, I'll never go without it again!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Priceworthy... but not for Professionals
But I would not recommend this to a real professional.
If your equipment is your job, then your work will only be as good as your equipment.
If you a...Read complete review
But I would not recommend this to a real professional.
If your equipment is your job, then your work will only be as good as your equipment.
If you are simply looking to improve your Canon flash’s recycle time without spending many hundreds of dollars, then the Canon CP-E4 is for you; however, if getting the shot today determines whether or not you will have food on your table tomorrow, then buy a Quantum.
For the most part, the CP-E4 is a great inexpensive way to reduce your recycling time and extend your batteries’ longevity. It is also small enough and light enough to carry, wear, hang or stuff almost anywhere.
The biggest downer for the CP-E4 is the flimsy battery holder. The tabs that secure the batteries break off way too easily when changing batteries, sometimes even while in the unit itself. If you have two battery packs with broken tabs, then a one-handed battery swap in the field becomes impossible, and embarrassing. If you don’t ever plan on using up one load of batteries in a single day, then this will not be a problem for you. If you do have the need for more power in one day, then hit back on your browser twice and scroll down to Quantum.
Also keep in mind that the CP-E4 is simply a battery pack. Your flash’s internal settings determine how the power pack is used. Your Canon EX flash will have different settings for how to handle external power sources. You can set your flash to only run off the eight batteries in the CP-E4, or you can set it up to run off the CP-E4 and your four internal batteries at the same time. Using all 12 batteries (CP-E4+Internal) recycles faster; however, when the power runs out, that’s it. If you run off the CP-E4 batteries alone, then when they run out you can disconnect the CP-E4 and run on your flash’s internal batteries. [It’s kind of like a reserve tank.] Also be aware that your EX flash must have a full load of batteries in the flash in order for the flash to run on any external power pack [regardless of which settings you choose]. When your internal batteries run down, then the flash will fail, even if the CP-E4 batteries are fresh. This is common if you start off shooting without the CP-E4 pack attached; and then when the internal batteries start to show signs of slowing, you connect the CP-E4. Ten shots later at full power, and it fails because the internal batteries are done.
The added amperage of the CP-E4 won’t give you more than three or four full power burst shots in a row, but then again Canon recommends that you shut your flash down for ten minutes after a burst of ten flashes at any power setting. [Heed This Warning] It will [fairly reliably] recycle your flash before you can compose your next shot; and, after all, isn’t that what we all want our flash to do right out of the box?
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 215 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None it's all good
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
For many years, I carried a heavy/bulky Norman 200B manual battery pack over my shoulder for a 10-to-14 hour wedding day! When I switched to digital, the first thing I noticed was how much lighter my gear is that I'm traveling with. The Canon 580EX2 speedlight is powered by this itty bitty lightweight CP-E4 unit that delivers more than twice the amount of flashes than the manual Norman 200B. It's portable and it just plain works! I use 5 of them with my multiple wireless speedlight system.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Construction
Best Uses
- Editorial portraiture
- Family Photos
- Location Lighting
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
Lightweight, dedicated addition to make my 580's recycle faster and last longer. The battery tray is a bit flimsy in design, a fragile plastic thing that I'm sure will crack or break if handled roughly. So far, so good though. I can get through location shoots and events without that blasted slow recycle time. I should have invested in one of these years ago.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
This battery pack is great! I bought it to supplement my 580EX-II to shoot a friend's wedding and the results were significant when firing rapid shots. I like how easy it was to use. Just be sure to handle the battery cartridge with care as any unnecessary force might damage it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I just got back from a job requiring rapid sequential flash usage. This battery pack did that and I didn't need to swap out batteries even after shooting more than 400 shots. An excellent product and would highly recommend it.
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Weak Construction
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I use this pack to keep my flash going during night football games. It also helps my recycle time.
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
Before using this battery pack I was changing batteries on my 580 EX flash about 2 or 3 times per shoot.
I used my CP-E-4 on my last shoot and it lasted through the entire shoot. It gave me the added benefit of quicker recycles and longer life.
I would recommend this product to everyone who does a lot of flash shooting and moves around a lot.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I used the battery pack on professional shoots and for continues periods of time. I have no complaints, i found it to be reliable and work well with MaHa powerex rechargable barrieies which i would also recommend
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
For the price you cannot beat this battery pack. Recycled very fast and didn't need to change it at during the entire wedding. Very havppy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I have many of these and use them with 580ex2 flash guns. For any rapid firing, you should use these with the 580s. I wear one on my belt for event photography, and tie them to poles or light stands for off-camera flash.
Make sure you set the 580 special function to charge using the external power source!
The optional extra battery magazine is a good option to have as well, if not overpriced!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
Took over 400 shots in TTL and still had plenty of power left. I was skeptical using disposable batteries so I brought several extra sets but never needed them. I used this pack to shoot a wedding, it rained all day so all my shots were done indoors, needless to say I really needed to rely on my flash heavily. The purchase was well worth it, never lost a shot and recycle times were fast. I also tested my batteries on a voltage meter the next day, they were varied between 1.2-1.5 volts.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
never wait for the flash to recharge,special after 30,40 shoots,with the flash batteries, you press the shutter and the flash is there, you don't miss anything because the flash didn't fire,lightwight, discreet, very ease to use,no more worried about batteries life when you are on an job
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I connected this battery pack to my flash and it worked wonders. My flash recycling time was cut by more then half.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I am a portrait and wedding photographer and use a good deal of off-camera flash. I was looking for something to extend the life of my speedlites during wedding receptions and these came highly recommended to me. I love 'em! I shot an entire reception without changing my batteries and they still had a little life left at the end of the day. They are lightweight, very portable, and set up in seconds. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a way to "power up" their flashes!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
coupled with a good set of rechargeable batteries, this is a must have. with 8 in the magazine and 4 in the camera, recycle times are fast and you don't have to interrupt the shoot by changing batteries every several minutes. It's light and compact enough and worth the extra item to carry for the benefits received. Highly recommend!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I love this product! Easy to use and very compact!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
Absolutely love this!! I keep one with each flash and love how long they last me!! Definitely a must have for off-camera flash users :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I used this with the Enelop batteries and I must say that I did NOT even think about it the entire wedding - it just worked as advertised. It took my lighting assistance by surprise that there is no ON switch. It turns on when the flash is turned on. The only thing I would prefer is if the cord was removable/user replaceable. I will have to wait and see if the cord lasts.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Wish it had 2 plugs
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- For off cam flash
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I really like my CP-E4 I'm using it with a nissin Di866 Flash unit for off camera strobing The Nissin flash is some what more powerfull than the canon EX580's and at full power only takes 3 to 4 seconds to recharge from full burst discharges depending on power levels of the batteries . Loading the battery clip ! I hear all the stories of how often they break the TABS off, in my usages I see if you load your batteries wrong or use some of the larger diameter batteries such as Kodaks rechargables, Yes SOME are a little fatter than your DURACELLS this will cause unnecessary flexing of the tabs and lead to breakage in time. Nose them in one end at a time and lightly press them into place easily and your clips should last a long time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I'm a wedding photographer and using the CP-E4 not only improved the number of firings but the recycle time has significantly improved. I put the external battery pack in my left suit pocket connected to my Canon 5DII. Works great!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack:
I use this mainly with my MT-24EX and a MP-E lens for multiple photos of insects. Without this battery pack I missed many shots waiting for the MT-24EX to recharge. When you spend the money for the MP-E and the MT-24EX there is no reason to buy a cheaper knock-off. Spend the money and get the Canon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
- GBP 8.04
Flash Accessories
- Price: $44.95
- GBP 28.70
What's in the Box
- CPM-E4 8 AA Battery Magazine
- Carrying Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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