What’s Your Preference?

autofocus · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 03:43 AM

Considering purchasing a battery pack for my SB800, hopefully, to improve the recycle times. Anybody have any advice, opinions, or use one? I'm starting my research with this as a possibility:

Amazon.com: Cowboystudio Battery Pack for Nikon Speedlights SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-11, SB-20, SB-22, SB-24 to 28 and SB-28DX: Camera & Photo

I would love the Quantum Turbo, but the price is off the chart, so that's not a viable option. I also know Nikon offers one, but it's price is more than 2x the above unit

sk66 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 03:54 AM

They are all the same, nothing more than a AA battery holder with a cable..
Buy it direct

scootermcq · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 10:31 AM

I have the off brand ones and it does help with recycle times and length of time between replacing batteries. Steve is right.... just look for the best price. I think I bought mine for around the price he linked to off of ebay.

My friend has this one. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Godox-PB820-P...item564662561a and it really increases recycle time. Almost turns the damn thing into a video light. He can also do an entire wedding without thinking about batteries.

zona5101 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 11:52 AM

I use a quantum battery one. It is old school sealed lead. I bought it used 20+ years ago and it still rocks. Quantum will replace the battery if it goes south. Anyway - the point being a used one is probably under $100, then you need about $50 in cables

(Battery ones are for flash that take AAx4)

sk66 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootermcq

I have the off brand ones and it does help with recycle times and length of time between replacing batteries. Steve is right.... just look for the best price. I think I bought mine for around the price he linked to off of ebay.

My friend has this one. Godox PB820 Propac Battery Power Pack for Nikon SB900 Canon 580EXII with Cable | eBay and it really increases recycle time. Almost turns the damn thing into a video light. He can also do an entire wedding without thinking about batteries.

Want to see better results?
Try loading it up with ProGenix NiZn..... I love those things, and they are environmentally friendly!

I use them directly in my flashes, but there is some risk of overheating if used too rapidly.... The risk *should* be eliminated if connecting thru the power pack port... I think.

I get them from Amazon...I think I paid about $40 delivered for 5hr quick charger w/ 4 batteries + 8 pack.

autofocus · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk66

They are all the same, nothing more than a AA battery holder with a cable..
Buy it direct

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootermcq

I have the off brand ones and it does help with recycle times and length of time between replacing batteries. Steve is right.... just look for the best price. I think I bought mine for around the price he linked to off of ebay.

My friend has this one. Godox PB820 Propac Battery Power Pack for Nikon SB900 Canon 580EXII with Cable | eBay and it really increases recycle time. Almost turns the damn thing into a video light. He can also do an entire wedding without thinking about batteries.

Thanks for your inputs guys...I guess thinking that the more expensive units are always better, but probably not necessarily the case for this item

autofocus · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

My friend has this one. Godox PB820 Propac Battery Power Pack for Nikon SB900 Canon 580EXII with Cable | eBay and it really increases recycle time.

Scott, I really like the looks of this one, and the 1 second recycle times sound great. What I don't like is it's a little more than what I wanted to spend, (but probably worth it), and after doing a google search, it seems that there really isn't any way of getting it other than from an off-shore shipper. Too bad that B&H or Adorama doesn't carry it. However, I'm going to give this some serious consideration

sk66 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 01:28 AM

Does THIS help?

Company has a good rep. I just ordered one. (watch out for similarly named company with BAD rep)

autofocus · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk66

Does THIS help?

Company has a good rep. I just ordered one. (watch out for similarly named company with BAD rep)

Thanks Steve, I just ordered one too...let's hope we get it OK, and it's as good as it sounds. I'm always a little leery about dealing with this type of merchant. At the end of the transaction I tried to print their terms/confirmation page, and it knocked me off the internet...