Canon 550EX flash - refresh rate

Gremlin wrote:

I have the CP-E3 which I find useless - is the CP-E2 that much better?

Stop top-posting and use google. Hint: after grepping the web, add
"sitehoto.net" to any photographic googling:

www.google.com: canon CP-E2 quantum sitehoto.net

The first hit sez the CP-E3 is better than the CP-E2. If you find the
CP-E3 useless, that may be your answer. The 550EX specs suggest an -E2
or -E3 full-power recharge in O(one second), which appears to be out of
spec for your application. Supporting evidence for your answer.

I've seen people with the Quantum and DigitalCameraBattery equipment.
They like the stuff, but hate the high prices. If I was in the market
for this (at times I feel like I am), I would first check people that
make high-power DC-DC converters. There is almost certainly a
12V-~300V, ~100W brick made by someone, and probably for _alot_ less
than what Quantum will demand. But I know how to solder, etc: if you
don't, or want a solution with plenty of polish to it (blinking LED's!
knobs! dials!), or you need something Right Now, well, just whip out
that credit card and start crying.

"Gremlin" wrote in message
...
Thanks for the suggestions.

As it is, much of the shooting is done at ISO400/800 at f2.8 because of
the distance between me and the subjects, and I need to get about shots
in 10 seconds - it is purely the cycle time which is inadequate.

How far are you trying to capture with this set up. Are your using a
"concentrator" to focus the flash on the most distant item?