Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

Rating:
Summary: Terribly overpriced . . .
Review: If you have a Canon 550EX, 540EZ or 430EZ flash and need faster, longer lasting flash performance, Canon's Compact Battery Pack CP-E2, will definitely help to provide that. The thin and compact unit accommodates six AA sized batteries and when connected provides the extra power needed to enable faster recycle times for a longer period of time, than when just using the basic flash unit alone.

From a performance standpoint, there is little to complain about. The flash unit draws energy from the total of ten connected cells, providing flash with recycling times in the 3 second range, for an extended period of time. Using NiMh type rechargeable batteries, probably provides the maximum performance, which should suffice for most situations. When your flash slows down, a quick change of batteries should have you back in action ready to shoot.

The major complaint about this unit is simply the price. The unit is consists of a basic black plastic housing that holds six batteries, and the electronics to enable the paralleling of these cells with those in the flash unit. For what you get, this is unit is terribly overpriced. The hinge for the battery compartment feels pretty flimsy and easy to snap off. Very poor design for a part subjected to stress and likely to be broken. Hinge design is not a strong point for Canon products. Overall the whole unit doesn't feel very study at all. A padded case provides a small degree of added protection.

While the performance is excellent, only those with a real need for rapid fire flash should consider purchasing this unit. And if you do, always take care not to break the battery compartment cover hinge, or you will be very, very sorry when you have to use tape or rubber bands to hold the cover in place.