I'm leery of posting a "vs." question, but I really need the advice.

Elan IIe 2 550EX's QB1+ ST-E2 transmitter (soon)

I'm a wedding and portrait photog and really need what the high capacity batteries offer. But I am so tired of modules and their cords sticking out of my flash units. I even cut holes in my 380EX's so I could close the battery door. So I am switching to a Turbo Z or Canon Transistor Pack E w/NiCd Pack TP. I plan to keep the QB1+ because it works okay if it's on a light stand and not being futzed with. But for the full time on the bracket flash, I need less worries. My QB1+'s module failed twice last Saturday whilst 15 people were holding a pose. I had to jiggle the cord to get any juice to the battery. That's when I said "No more modules."

So shortly I will be choosing either the Canon or Quatnum model. Although Ellis vener would tell me the Jackrabbit is best, I am unsure of it's (and Canon's too) NiCd pack. I like how the lead acid Quantums operate. I plan on the 550EX's being on light stands soon with their own battery for location lighting. Having a high cap battery for each one will be immensely valubale.

Comments or thoughts?

-- Colin Miller (ckmiller@pond.net), August 08, 2000

Answers

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think the Quantum Turbos use NiCd instead of lead acid like the low-volt Quantums. I don't have any experience with any of them, but if warranty concerns you, I would probably use the Canon pack by default. That way, they can't use your battery pack as an excuse not to provide service. If this doesn't matter to you, my gut feeling is that the Quantum or Jackrabbit would provide more capacity.

-- Brad Hutcheson (bhutcheson@iname.com), August 10, 2000.

I double checked, and the Turbo is lead acid. I don't know where I came up with that one, unless it was looking at ads for Jackrabbits or Lumedynes, and getting mixed up...

-- Brad Hutcheson (bhutcheson@iname.com), August 10, 2000.

Brad, the Quantum batterries are lead acid. That has been their appeal for so long. No memory like the NiCd's. I am really leaning towards Quatntum now because of the lead acid type battery. Plus I found a repair shop who will take the abttery door off of my flashes. I can even keep my QB1+ and not have any door hanging open. Still totally undecided though. *sigh*

-- Colin Miller (ckmiller@pond.net), August 10, 2000.