Battery Power Issue-Help!

[canonater22]

I am having a problem with my batteries draining very quickly in my Canon EOS 1v and EOS 3. Both cameras are equipped with PB-E2 power drive boosters. While using my 28-135 f3.5-f5.6 IS lens, the battery life is very short. While shooting drag racing this past weekend, I was only able to get two rolls of 36 exposure film through before the "BC" (battery check) would deploy and the camera would stop working.
The shooing situation may have been a factor. When the cars would stage for the start of the race, I would engage the auto focus. The lens started its stabilization at this time as well. Sometimes it would take up to ten seconds for the cars to take off but I would keep the shutter button pressed halfway. When the cars took off (wheels up!), I would fire a burst of about 3-6 frames at high speed. Would this type of shooting situation cause the batteries to drain at two rolls of 36 exposures per eight batteries? I use Duracell Copper Top batteries.
One strange thing is when I press the battery check button on the side of the camera (EOS 3) it shows in the information window that the batteris are at full charge. In the EOS 1V the battery charge symbol indicates a full charge. Both cameras and boosters are two years old. Could I be in need of a cleaning? Does this have to be done by a qualified technition or is it something I can do on my own? If so, can someone explain the method/procedure.
Thanks for any input on this situation.
Regards,
Canonater22

[paulnj]

cooper top ;) those things SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you insist on using THROW AWAY batteries, get VARTA

BUT POWEREX RECHARGABLES WILL GIVE YOU 3X THE LIFE I BET ...PER CHARGE!

and yes.. the IS is eating your batteries

http://www.thomas-distributing.com/

I forget who posted this link, but I will forever be in their debt! thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[canonater22]

Thanks for the help.

Canonater22

[paulnj]

my 550ex now recycles 3x as fast and I get 2x the life from a set

don't mention it, as I was just passing on knowledge found HEAR