Which Batteries??

Jeff B

Jeff B

Active member
Which batteries would you purchase for your HPX500 if you did not have any batteries or chargers already. What brand, series, model (size)? Would you keep the gold mount or switch to the V-slot?
 
Jeff B said:
Which batteries would you purchase for your HPX500 if you did not have any batteries or chargers already. What brand, series, model (size)? Would you keep the gold mount or switch to the V-slot?
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I was an Anton/Bauer Pro-Pac 14 NiCad user for years, but when I decided to go Lithium I didn't want to pay the premium that they and Sony and even IDX charges.

I now use Empire Scientific lithium V-mount batteries. Cells are from Japan, they have two sizes, led bar graph, one year warranty. The 100 watt hour models of their BLI-250 are only $150 each. If you use camera lights, I would recommend the 135 watt hour versions, they're also better for balancing the camera weight.

They make two-position chargers with large LCD displays that are also AC adapters with 4-pin DC output for around $300. I have around 12 batteries and four chargers. I've been using them since 2006. These are the same batteries and chargers that Bescor sells, but for half the price.

I order from Som Kakar, skakar@empirescientific.com.
 
I've been using Anton Bauer Dionic 90s and I can't imagine a better battery. They are nice and light unlike the old A-B "bricks" (appropriately named) that I used for 15 years. I shot for 4+ hours around Manhattan on Monday and didn't even need the second one. They aren't cheap but you get what you pay for.
 
v-mount works for me. so many quality options out there in this format. i didn't switch plates. i just got a anton to v-mount adapter plate. clicks right on and keeps my options open. solid. i have 2 idx endura 80s batteries and one switronix 80wh. between the 3 batteries and my dual charger i can run the camera and my 7" marshall all day with no downtime. without the monitor, i can pretty much shoot all day on one battery.
 
I a lot of Anton gold, but have also bought several generic dionic batteries from the internet and chargers for them, only because they are cheaper than recelling the antons and seem to work just as well for me. I'm assuming they won't last as long, but they are so much cheaper I don't care.
 
I've got an A/B 2702 quad charger that I picked up on eBay that works flawlessly plus two 3 yr old Hytron 120s, a just re-celled old ni-cad ProPac 14, and a Hytron 100 I got from A/B back before Thanksgiving that was a leftover from Bejiing Olympics for about $150 off retail. The only bad A/B I have is a used Digital Pro-Pac I got from B&H used that failed as soon as I used it (I had it on the charger as recommended but didn't need it the first month or so). Now I know why they sold it! Sad to say I had better luck from eBay than a big re-seller where I have spend $$$$$$$. Two hundred bucks for a door stop is a little frustrating, but eventually I'll send it out for re-cell.

I find the A/B Pro Pacs to be great. I rarely use more than one for most shooting days unless I'm rolling constantly. I'm confident of carrying just two batteries for almost any one day shoot that I do. I've done three days of shooting with just the four batteries I have if that helps. Obviously, if you add lights or a monitor that would change the equation.

I went wth A/B just because there are so many options for powering different equipment and for the support you can get. I'm sure there are many smaller or no-name companies that provide good products, I just decided that battery power is one thing that I don't want to worry about so I stuck with what the networks and a lot of pro's have been using for a long time. I'm all for taking chances (I own a Carrion monitor for heaven's sake!) on all manner of products but if the battery doesn't work then nothing is going to happen. I had a recent experience out of the country where a lot of important equipment didn't show up that I had pre-shipped (monitor and FF for example) but I had the HPX and two batteries I carried so the show went on. I also had checked the only local rental company and guess what they stocked for batteries? A/B bricks...
 
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