Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon CP-E4 - Flash power pack

admittedly pricey, but an essential purchase for those who plan to shoot a long session such as a wedding and reception, and never have to change batteries. this unit gives you 12 total -- 4 in your speedlite and 8 in this unit -- great plenty to shoot and shoot.

the unit is nicely constructed, and comes with a ballistic nylon case. the case has two closures (snap and velcro), and two ways to attach it to yourself (belt loop, quick-release velcro). it also comes with a 1/4-20 screw to mount it to your rack.

I'm a wedding photographer by profession. I put off buying this because it was so expensive and I was doing just fine carrying extra batteries and changing them when I noticed they were running low. I purchased it the other day because I was getting sick of missing 1 or 2 out of 5 pictures in quick-sequence shots (bouquet-tossing, cake cutting, etc).

After just one shoot, I have completely fallen in love with it. I was able to fire off sequences without missing anything, it recycles my flash supremely quickly and I only wish I'd bought it sooner. I will actually be getting rid of my 430ex backup flash so that I have two flashes that are compatible with this.

Pricey or not, this is an absolute necessity if you have a long shoot and don't have the luxury of being able to change batteries all day (eg wedding).

I use all eneloop batteries in my flashes and have been quite happy with them. With 8 in the CP-E4 and 4 in the flash, I can confidently shoot 14 hours and 2000-3000 shots. Granted 100% of the shots are not flash and the flash power varies based on conditions, etc, etc. But it works.

It does come with a nice Velcro closing case that has a belt loop. However I don't use it on my belt and the case adds a little bit of bulk. Without the case, I usually slip it in my front shirt pocket (yes it sticks out a little, but fortunately noone is taking pictures of me) or my pants pocket. The cable is easily long enough to carry it in a pants pocket and shoot without issue.

It seems to be well built, I'm not worried about anything breaking and it makes a solid connection into my 580EX flash.

Quite simply it works and if you have the need for it, get it.

This pack really helps to extend the performance of a canon 580 EX flash, and is a must for wedding work and other long shoots. The enhanced weather sealing is also a good feature. Besides the price, my only concern is that the top, where you thread a stap through seems flimsy. It's also right where the seam in the plastic housing is. Most photographers that I have seen using it have attached their straps through the belt loop on the nylon protective sleeve,and this causes the unit to hang a bit awkwardly. Why not also include a cheap strap with it? I'm also concerned that the connecting cord is permanently attached to the unit. Cords have a tendency to eventually need replacing, and that doesen't seem possible on this unit. Overall though, it does do the job.

A little bulky, but otherwise an excellent product. Eventually, I'll need more of them. Price was good and shipping was fast.