Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Opteka External Flash Battery Pack for Canon 580EX, 580EX II, 550EX, 540EZ, MR-14EX, & MT-24EX Speedlite Flash Units


The Opteka external flash power pack reduces flash recycling time by 60-75%, and allows for longer flash operation. Powered by 6 AA batteries and includes a padded carry case with velcro closure.

Product Details

  • Brand: Opteka
  • Model: OPT-FLASH-BATT-CAN

Features

  • External power source for higher flash capacity
  • Reduces recycle time by 60-75%
  • Powered by 6 AA batteries (not included)
  • Includes padded carry case
  • Dimensions: 2.71" X 6.22" X 0.98" (W X H X D) Weight: 6 oz (without batteries)

Customer Reviews

Not Bad At ALL!4
being someone who's used the Canon version of this battery pack, i have to say that this product is very, very good. i shot a 4 hour event with this battery pack, and one 580EXII, and got over 500 shots with it, at varying ISOs, with absolutely no problem, no slowdown, and no having to change batteries! 500 shots! crazy!

to be fair, the canon product is much more 'solid' feeling, and will probably last longer, but for the price you really can't go wrong.

differences:
-the canon battery pack holds 8 batteries, and this one holds 6.
-unless i'm wrong, the battery pack doesn't 'kick in' until the batteries in the battery pack become necessary. on the canon product, the small red light goes on every time you fire the flash. with this one, the light doesn't come on until the battery pack becomes necessary for the recycle. i don't know if this is supposed to happen, but it does, and that's fine with me.

i like the belt clip with the velcro pouch, and how much lighter this one is than the canon one. remember, that's because it has 2 less batteries. for half the price of the canon one, i really, really recommend this product. hope this helps. [...]
You Get What You Pay For2
I thought to myself, why spend $150 for a Canon flash power pack when I can get this one for $50. I'll tell you why. "If you buy something on sale that ends up breaking after one use, you haven't saved a dime". In fact, if you end buying that $150 product anyway, you've actually wasted $50.

That was my experience with this battery pack. As noted by the other reviews, this pack "feels cheap", like if you dropped it the wrong way, it would crack. I thought to myself, if perhaps I babied it, I could probably get a couple years of use out of it. Boy was I wrong. At this point, I would have been satisfied with a couple of months use. After one photo session, a wedding, this pack would no longer latch with batteries in it. It latches fine without batteries, but for some reason the pack doesn't operate without batteries. LOL.

If you still choose to buy this product, understand that you are buying a disposable product, and you may dispose of if sooner than you think. If you're a professional or a serious amateur, you know that manufacturers like Canon and Nikon make a ton of money marking up their products a lot more than they should; but you take solace in the fact that you'll never have to buy that product again. This is not that type of product. If you buy this product, you are trying to get lucky, and unfortunately my luck wasn't so good.

Why give it 2 stars instead of 1, you ask? I try to give credit where credit is due. When this pack was working, it did exactly what it was supposed to do and enabled me to capture the shots I needed to get. If you only photograph weddings outdoors on sunny days in the summer, a battery pack for your flash is non-essential, but if you shoot indoors and occasionally use a flash, you need a flash battery pack to keep up with the moments that would otherwise be missed or turn out underexposed.
Excellent price to value ratio5
I used my recent purchase of an Opteka External Flash Battery Pack for the first time on an event with very low light. Most of the pictures were taken on a dance floor where I shot over 400 photos with my Canon 580EX II flash. I never had to change batteries and there is still power left in the unit. It recharges the flash immediately and I had not a single situation where the flash wasn't firing because the photos were take too fast after each other like I experienced without the unit in the past. I am very satisfied with the purchase and the price of less than 60 Dollars compared to the Canon unit with over 140 Dollars is just right.

Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release with Charger, 2 LP-E5 Batteries (3600 mAh Total), Wireless Remote, Cleaning Kit, & Mini Tripod From Opteka


Opteka BG-RXS Battery Grip
Opteka is proud to be allowed to use the same factory and mold as Canon uses for their BG-E5. Opteka is one of the world's leading producers of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power, and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! Holds 6 AA Batteries or 2 LP-E5 batteries. This provides a very extended shooting time. The vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. Compatible with the Canon Digital Rebel XSI and T1i (450D & 500D) SLRs only.

This package also includes:
AC/DC 110/220V Rapid Charger
The slim, lightweight, and stylishly designed mini rapid charger plugs directly in to your wall outlet and charges your digital camera or camcorder batteries in approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Its unique flat pin, foldable design allows easy storage and makes it the most compact battery charger on the market. The kit includes a universal 110 to 240V AC power source, plus a European plug for worldwide usage and a car adapter for charging while driving.

The Opteka RC-4 Remote Control makes taking group photos easy by allowing you to take pictures away from the camera. This miniature infrared transmitter operates at ranges of up to 5m/16.4 ft., and may also be used to activate mirror-lock and bulb-shutter functions.

2 Opteka LP-E5 1800 mAh Batteries for maximum shooting time.
The high-capacity Opteka LP-E5 rechargeable lithium-ion 1800mAh battery is a replacement for Canon LP-E5 (LPE5) Battery. It features lithium technology, which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. It also features no memory effect that lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance.
Tabletop Tripod
Cleaning Kit

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #1969 in Camera & Photo
  • Brand: Opteka
  • Model: OPT-GRIP-LPE5-BAT-CHARG-XSI
  • Dimensions: 2.20 pounds

Features

  • Opteka RC-4 Remote Control, Rapid Charger, 2 Opteka LP-E5 1800 mAh Batteries, Cleaning Kit, Tripod included
  • Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontal
  • Buttons for AE lock, AF point selector, aperture value, shutter, and mail dial
  • Increases functionality and convenience
  • 1 Year Warranty

Customer Reviews

Great Value5
As everyone else has said, the battery grip fits great. I actually prefer the shutter release on this to the one on my T1i Camera. The camera feels so much better in hand with this on as well, it gives a place for my pinky finger to rest and with a larger lens (like my 18-200 or 70-300) it evens out the weight a bit more. The Batteries just last, over 1000 photos with average flash usage so far. I have not yet run them all the way down before charging. Love having Two Chargers now so I can charge both batteries at once. Have used the car adapter with this one a couple of times even to make sure my spare battery was topped off. The Remote works as expected, gives you more distance than a Cable Release, but you have to be within angular range of the sensor.
Worth the money5
I was a bit skeptical about the price of this package, but I am very glad I took the leap of faith. This would have been a huge expense if I had purchased a higher name brand individually. I have run all of the components through testing and they all pass with flying colors!
Battery Pack Review4
I bought the Battery Pack to use for a wedding. Really wanting to be able to shoot a lot of vertical shots. The battery pack looks professional, I got lots of compliments. Easy to put on the camera and take off. I found some issues with taking time to refresh after I had been shooting for about 4 hours solid. Not as great as I wanted. Overall I recommend this product even with it's limitations. The pricing and delivery were great.

Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera


Opteka is proud to be allowed to use the same factory and mold as Canon uses for their BG-E6. Opteka is one of the world's leading producers of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power, and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! The Opteka BG-5DMKII holds 6 AA or 2 LP-E 6batteries. This provides a extremely extended shooting time. The vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. Compatible with the Canon 5D Mark II Digital SLR only.

Product Details

  • Brand: Opteka
  • Model: BG-5DMKII

Features

  • Holds 6 AA Batteries or 2 LP-E6 batteries
  • Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally
  • Buttons for AE lock, AF point selector, aperture value, shutter, and mail dial
  • Increases functionality and convenience
  • 1 Year Opteka Warranty

Customer Reviews

Good Product4
Recently purchased it for my 5D Mark II and works great. Got up to 2 hours of video record time with the 2 batteries. One Major flaw though is that the camera doesn't read the product and cant measure how much battery is left.

Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera with 2 LP-E6 Batteries (4000 mAh Total)


Opteka is proud to be allowed to use the same factory and mold as Canon uses for their BG-E6. Opteka is one of the world's leading producers of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power, and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! The Opteka BG-5DMKII holds 6 AA or 2 LP-E 6batteries. This provides a extremely extended shooting time. The vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. Compatible with the Canon 5D Mark II Digital SLR only. This package includes 2 LP-E6 2000 mAh Batteries for Maximum shooting time.

Product Details

  • Brand: Opteka
  • Model: OPT-5DMKII-GRIP-2LPE6-KIT

Features

  • 2 Equivalent Ultra-High Capacity 2000 mAh LP-E6 Batteries included
  • Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontal
  • Buttons for AE lock, AF point selector, aperture value, shutter, and mail dial
  • Increases functionality and convenience
  • 1 Year Opteka Warranty

Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS, Digital Rebel XSi, & Digital Rebel T1i


Opteka is proud to be allowed to use the same factory and mold as Canon uses for their BG-E5. Opteka is one of the world's leading producers of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power, and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! The Opteka BG-RXS holds 6 AA Batteries or 2 LP-E5 batteries. This provides a extremely extended shooting time. The vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. Compatible with the Canon Digital Rebel XS, XSi, and T1i (450D, 500D, & 1000D) SLRs only.

Product Details

  • Brand: Opteka
  • Model: OPT-BG-XSI

Features

  • Holds 6 AA Batteries or 2 LP-E5 batteries
  • Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontal
  • Buttons for AE lock, AF point selector, aperture value, shutter, and mail dial
  • Increases functionality and convenience
  • 1 Year warranty

Customer Reviews

Awesome5
I have used this grip for almost a year and I can find nothing to complain about except the rubber grip is coming loose in one place due to wear, but it can be fixed easily with a little glue. This grip is a great addition to my Rebel Xsi.
great battery grip5
This battery grip works very well with my Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D). I have had no problems so far. It is comfortable in my hand and very grippy and adds more space for my fingers to hold onto when I take regular horizontal shots. It can be used with just one battery if you don't have a second one. It makes taking portrait shots easier and more comfortable so you aren't twisting your arms around causing your arms to be unstable. The buttons function as they should, and the shutter release button on the grip almost feels exactly the same as the one on my Canon and can be pressed halfway down for the autofocus. It makes my camera look a lot more professional and it makes things so much easier. Anybody thinking about buying one of the more expensive ones like the Canon BG-E5 should try this out first. Like it says in the description these were made with the same mold as the canon version.
Love it, Changed my life.5
This battery grip, tho not the actual Canon brand model, has changed my life as a photographer. The ability to carry two battery packs in the camera at once and not having to worry about running out of power in the middle of a shoot is an amazing feeling. Also, the freedom it provides in doing portrait shots (i.e. Senior photos, models, etc.) makes being a photographer just that much more enjoyable. Not to mention the fact that having the extended battery grip makes your camera look a whole lot beefier and in turn you look more professional and like you know what you're doing. It changed my life!

Opteka LP-E5 1800mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack with AC/DC Rapid Battery Charger


The Opteka LP-E5 rechargeable lithium-ion 1800mAh battery is a replacement for replacement for Canon LP-E5. It features lithium technology, which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. It also features no memory effect that lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance. Includes a Rapid Battery Charger with 12 V Car Adapter, And European Travel Adapter

Product Details

  • Brand: Opteka
  • Model: OPT-LPE5-BATT+CHARGER

Features

  • Ultra high power True 1800mAh, Lithium Ion 7.4v
  • Extended shots - Up to 25% more then original
  • Rapid Battery Charger with 12 V Car Adapter, And European Travel Adapter
  • Universal 110-220V for World Wide Use
  • Brand new, 2 Year Opteka performance warranty

Customer Reviews

Opteka LP-E55
Bought this as an additional battery for my Canon Xsi, the extra charger was just a bonus but a bonus that turned out to be even better then expected, not only is it an AC charger but also comes with the vehicle charger adaptor as well as the universal charger adaptor for over-seas.
Works great4
I bought this for a new Canon T1i and it works great. The car charger is a nice touch. I can't say that it lasts twice as long as the Canon battery, but it lasts at least as long.
Perfect battery clone!5
Holds the charge for ever. Fits the Canon Rebel XSi perfectly (just like the original batter). Excellent option over the pricey Canon one.

Opteka EN-EL3E 2000mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack for Nikon D700, D300, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70, D70s, & D50 Digital SLR Camera


The high-capacity Opteka EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion 2000mAh battery is a replacement for Nikon EN-EL3e Battery. It features lithium technology, which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. It also features no memory effect that lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance. Beware of low quality knockoffs, they can often damage your camera. Opteka Batteries are Guaranteed.

Works for the following: Nikon D700, D300, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70, D70s, & D50

Product Details

  • Brand: Opteka
  • Model: OPT-EN-EL3E

Features

  • Ultra high power True 2000mAh
  • Extended shots - Up to 25% more then original
  • Memory free for maximum performance
  • Lithium Ion 7.2v
  • Brand new, 2 Year performance warranty

Customer Reviews

Quality replacement5
I wasn't too sure about this particular brand battery since there were no reviews for it, but I decided to give them a try and see what I ended up with. First they look and feel (weight wise) exactly the same as the Nikon batteries. The only difference is the labeling. Even the color is exactly the same. I have shot a large number of pictures with my D200 since and have seen virtually the same performance out of these as my Nikon batteries, maybe even a little longer lasting if you want to be nit picky. Maybe they wont last as long, but time will tell. Just remember with lith ion batteries re-charging is best done early and often. If you do that your batteries will last you a good long time. I can't vouch for other Nikon camera models, but these DO work in the D200. I hope this helps out some of you out there wanting to save a little money on your batteries like me. Good luck and keep shooting!!!
Didn't work with my D90 and didn't look like the advertised battery1
Like several other folks that purchased this battery for their D90, it didn't work for me either. I am guessing that it is either the camera firmware that is preventing it from being recognized, or the battery is somehow different than advertised. The actual color of my arriving battery was plain grey, not gold like show in the product picture via Amazon. Also please note that these non-Nikon batteries don't have the little golden microchip that communicates with the Nikon camera on battery information. Perhaps that is why it doesn't work on mine???? I am returning for a refund and sticking with Nikon branded batteries from now on.
Same as Nikon5
I got this so I would have an extra battery for my Nikon D90. It looks and feels just like the Nikon battery; just a different color and lower price (and I did get a cover with mine). I used it after I charged it up overnight in the Nikon charger and it took over 400 pictures with an auto-focus, vibration-reduction lens and still had a little power left over. I recharged it and it did not get hot while recharging. I can't say it is better than a Nikon battery, but I will say it's just as good. Shipping was quick and the packaging was adequate. I can recommend this battery.