Portable power guide
If you want to use studio lights without access to AC power, there are many solutions from which to choose. While various DIY projects are possible, you can buy all of the items featured in this list off the shelf. Some are compact, some are cheap and some are both. Specifications posted are from the manufacturers where available, but that does not mean they are accurate. Prices and availability vary, so check with your retailer.
To compare the product stats side-by-side in a spreadsheet, click here.
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AC Battery Pack
Budget
Alien Bees Vagabond
| Model | Vagabond II | Vagabond Mini Lithium | |
| Input | 100-260V | 100-260V |  |
| Output | 110V only | 110V / 230V |
| Capacity | 20Ah | 8.8Ah |
| Max Ws | 2600 | |
| Type | SLA | Lithium |
| Outputs | 1 | 2 |
| Weight | 8.4kg | 1.59kg |
| Size, mm | 260x216x152 | 290x109x69 |
| Price | US$300
AU$419
£291 | US$240
AU$399
£287 |
| Retailers | Paul C. Buff (USA) - Paul C. Buff (AU) - Paul C. Buff (UK) |
Elemental PSW Inverter
Godox Leadpower
| Model | LP-750 | |
| Input | 100-240V |  |
| Output | 110 / 220V |
| Capacity | 9 Ah |
| Max Ws | 1000 |
| Type | Ni-Mh |
| Outputs | 3 |
| Weight | 5.6kg |
| Size, mm | 250x230x300 |
| Price | €625 / £650 |
| Aliases | Quantuum Leadpower, Walimex Power Station FX, Fomei Panther Pro |
| Retailers | Foto-Tip (PL) - Foto-Walser (DE) - Elemental (UK) - eBay |
Hobo Lighting Battery Pack
Innovatronix Tronix Explorer
| Model | 1200 | XT (SE) | |
| Input | 100-240V | 100-240V |  |
| Output | 115 / 230V | 115 / 230V |
| Capacity | 12Ah | 14Ah |
| Max Ws | 1200 | 2400 |
| Type | SLA | SLA |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 7kg | 8.2kg |
| Size, mm | 350x140x180 | 370x140x180 |
| Price | $324
€339 | $394
€449 |
| Retailers | Innovatronix (PH) - Innovatronix (DE) - Foto Walser (DE) |
Innovatronix Tronix Explorer (3rd Generation)
| Model | XT3 | Mini | |
| Input | 100-240V
14VDC | 100-240V |  |
| Output | 115 / 230V | 115 / 230V |
| Capacity | 9 Ah | 9 Ah |
| Max Ws | 3200 | 1200 |
| Type | SLA | SLA |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 10.5kg | 4kg |
| Size, mm | 150x200x370 | 80x190x250 |
| Price | US$590 | US$349 |
| Retailers | Innovatronix (PH) |
Visico Creator
| Model | CR-3200 | |
| Input | 100-240V |  |
| Output | 110 / 220V |
| Capacity | 15 Ah |
| Max Ws | |
| Type | SLA |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 14kg |
| Size, mm | 300x180x210 |
| Price | €650 |
| Aliases | Walimex Power Station |
| Retailers | Foto Walser (DE) |
Mid-range
Dynalite Portable AC
| Model | XP1100 | |
| Input | 100-240V |  |
| Output | 110V only |
| Capacity | |
| Max Ws | 1000 |
| Type | AGM |
| Outputs | 1 |
| Weight | 10.43kg |
| Size, mm | 171x171x311 |
| Price | $1300 |
| Retailers | Buy one from Adorama or B&H, or find a Dynalite dealer (USA/CAN) |
Fomei Power Star
| Model | Power Star - 1 | Power Star - 2 | |
| Input | 12 / 220V | 12 / 220V |  |
| Output | 220V | 220V |
| Capacity | | 12Ah |
| Max Ws | 2400 | 2400 |
| Type | SLA | |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 7kg | 8.2kg |
| Size, mm | 395x147x187 | 335x125x185 |
| Price | Discontinued? | €764
£628 |
| Retailers | Find a Fomei dealer - Photomart (UK) |
Hensel Visit MPG
| Model | Visit MPG 1500 | |
| Input | 110-240V, 12V |  |
| Output | 110 / 230V |
| Capacity | |
| Max Ws | 1000Ws |
| Type | Lead gel |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 8.6kg |
| Size, mm | 230x135x325 |
| Price | €1226
US$1200 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Hensel dealer near you |
Richter Powermate
| Model | Powermate-I | |
| Input | 220-240V, 10/24V |  |
| Output | 110 / 230V |
| Capacity | |
| Max Ws | 6000Ws |
| Type | |
| Outputs | 1 |
| Weight | 17.2kg |
| Size, mm | 400x150x330 |
| Price | €1250 |
| Retailers | Genius Versand (DE) - Studio Express (DE) - Richter Studio (DE) |
How much?!
Elektrona FlashFeeder
Profoto BatPac
| Model | BatPac | |
| Input | Multivoltage |  |
| Output | 120 / 230V |
| Capacity | 17Ah |
| Max Ws | 2400 |
| Type | SLA |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 11.2kg |
| Size, mm | 250x260x350 |
| Price | JPY180,000 |
| Retailers | Adorama (US) - B&H (US) - Find a Profoto dealer |
LibertyPak Genny
| Model | Little Genny
LG400 | Big Genny
BG1000 | |
| Input | 24VDC | 24VDC |  |
| Output | 117VAC, 24VDC | 117V AC, 24V DC |
| Capacity | 320Wh | 960Wh |
| Max Ws | 600 | 1100 |
| Type | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 7.7kg | 15.4kg |
| Size, mm | 381x254x152 | 559x357x229 |
| Price | $2995 | Rental? |
| Retailers | B&H or a LibertyPak dealer near you (USA/CAN) |
DC Monolight Systems
Budget
Adorama Flashpoint M series
| Model | 320M | 620M | |
| Power,Ws | 150 | 300 |  |
| GN, m | 36 | 59 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1 / 1.5s | 1 / 1.5s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | 1/16 | 1/32 |
| Modelling | 100W | 150W |
| Flashes | 400 | 180 |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens |
| Pack | FP2PP | FP2PP |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 1kg | 1kg |
| Size, mm | 195x165x65 | 195x165x65 |
| Price | $200 | $290 |
| Aliases | Similar to Quantuum R+ Dual Power |
| Retailers | Adorama (USA) |
Britek PS
| Model | PS-200B | |
| Power,Ws | 150Ws |  |
| GN, m | 46 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1 / ~5s |
| Steps | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/2 |
| Modelling | 60W |
| Flashes | 100 |
| Mount | Britek PS |
| Pack | AAs or HV pack |
| Outputs | N/A |
| Weight | 850g |
| Size, mm | 280x170x140 |
| Price | US$100 |
| Retailers | Linco Inc. (USA) - cheaplights on Amazon (USA) |
Calumet Genesis B
| Model | 300B | |
| Power,Ws | 300 | |
| GN, m | |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 3 / 7s |
| Steps | stepless |
| Minimum | |
| Modelling | |
| Flashes | 200 |
| Mount | Elinchrom |
| Pack | PowerPort |
| Outputs | 1 |
| Weight | |
| Size, mm | |
| Price | £330
US$400 |
| Retailers | Calumet UK - Calumet USA |
CononMark DD
| Model | DD400S | |
| Power,Ws | 400Ws |  |
| GN, m | 56 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | -/3.2s |
| Steps | |
| Minimum | 1/64 |
| Modelling | 35W |
| Flashes | 1300 |
| Mount | Comet |
| Pack | 12V SLA |
| Outputs | N/A |
| Weight | 1.4kg |
| Size, mm | 105x105x240 |
| Price | TBA |
| Retailers | No known resellers. |
CononMark DL series
| Model | DLCD 2.0 | FlashPro | DL4 | |
| Power,Ws | 200 | 320 | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 54 | 72 | 56 |
| Recycle, DC | 3.0s | 2.5s | 1.8s |
| Steps | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1 step |
| Minimum | 1/64 | 1/64 | 1/64 |
| Modelling | None | None | 35W |
| Flashes | 500 | 800 | 650 |
| Mount | Speedlight | Speedlight | Comet |
| Pack | DL2 | - | DL4 |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 0.78kg | 0.5kg | 0.695kg |
| Size, mm | 120x85x50 | 43x155x102 | |
| Price | US$300
£499 | AU$695 | £650 |
| Aliases | Strobeam DL - iShoot Shining - FlashPro DLCD - Phottix PPL - Photoflex TritonFlash - Impact LiteTrek |
| Retailers | Adorama (US) - B&H (US) - Dragon Image (AU) - Photoloving (HK) - Viewfinder Photography (UK) |
Dynalite Jackrabbitpack
| Model | UNI400-JR | |
| Power,Ws | 400 |  |
| GN, m | N/K |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1.5 / 4s |
| Steps | 1/3 |
| Minimum | 1/8 |
| Modelling | 100W |
| Flashes | 150 |
| Mount | Dynalite Uni |
| Pack | Jackrabbitpack II |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 0.86kg |
| Size, mm | 95x133x54 |
| Price | $955 |
| Retailers | Buy one from Adorama or B&H, or find a Dynalite dealer (USA/CAN) |
Electra smartFLASH
Interfit Stellar Xtreme
| Model | 150 | 300 | |
| Power,Ws | 150 | 300 |  |
| GN, m | 39 | 55 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1.5 / 10s | 1.5 / 10s |
| Steps | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/16 | 1/16 |
| Modelling | 150W | 150W |
| Flashes | 100 | 100 |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens |
| Pack | INT470 | INT470 |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | | |
| Size, mm | | |
| Price | £250
$350 | £280
$390 |
| Retailers | Buy a set from Adorama or B&H, or find an Interfit dealer near you |
JTL Mobilight
| Model | 301 | 401 | DC-600 | DC-1000 | |
| Power,Ws | 300 | 400 | 600 | 1000 |  |
| GN, m | 50 | 54 | 78? | 78? |
| Recycle | 3.5/9s | 1-6s |
| Steps | Stepless | 1/2 or 1/10 stops |
| Minimum | 1/8 | 1/21 | 1/32 |
| Modelling | 150/10W | 10W |
| Flashes | 120 | 150 | 260 | 500 |
| Mount | JTL Accessories |
| Pack | JTL NiH* | JTL Lithium |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 0.8kg | 1.4kg |
| Size, mm | 160x100x50 | 200x140x64 |
| * Note | JTL Lithium battery can also be used to power 2x Mobilight 301/401 heads. 1 head lasts for 1200/1000 flashes. |
| Price | US$300 | ? | $740 | $800 |
| Retailers | Adorama (USA) |
Photogenic StudioMax III
| Model | AKC160B
AKC160BR | AKC320B
AKC320BR | |
| Power,Ws | 160 | 320 |  |
| GN, m | 43 | 58 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1.5s | 3.0s |
| Steps | Stepless | Stepless |
| Minimum | 1/32 | 1/32 |
| Modelling | 100W | 100W |
| Flashes | 200 | 150 |
| Mount | Photogenic | Photogenic |
| Pack | AKB-1 | AKB-1 |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 1.4kg | 1.4kg |
| Size, mm | 220x110x47 | 220x110x47 |
| Price | $421 | $463 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Photogenic dealer near you |
SP Studio Systems Lancerlight
| Model | SPC1600 | SPC3200 | |
| Power,Ws | 160 | 320 |  |
| GN, m | 34 | 49 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 3/4s | 5.5/~s |
| Steps | 1 stop | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/4 | 1/4 |
| Modelling | 60W | 60W |
| Flashes | 190 | 110 |
| Mount | Excalibur | Excalibur |
| Pack | SP-Systems, Quantum Turbo |
| Outputs | 1 |
| Weight | 1.36kg |
| Size, mm | 220x130x25 |
| Price | US$335 | US$395 |
| Retailers | Buy the SPC1600 and SPC3200 from B&H, find another dealer |
Quantuum R+ Dual Power
| Model | R+300 | R+600 | |
| Power,Ws | 300 | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 58 | 78 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1.5 / 5.5s | 1.5 / 5.5s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | 1/32 | 1/32 |
| Modelling | 150W | 150W |
| Flashes | 180 | 90 |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens |
| Pack | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 1kg | 1kg |
| Size, mm | 195x165x65 | 195x165x65 |
| Price | €255
AU$600 | €359
AU$750 |
| Aliases | Mettle 300AD, 600AD - Proxistar PS-300C |
| Retailers | Foto-Tip (PL) - Photo-Shop-Studio (AU) - Mediaresort (DE) - OEC Camera (USA) |
StroBeam EID
| Model | EID500 | |
| Power,Ws | 500Ws |  |
| GN, m | 58 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1.2 / 4.6s |
| Steps | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/128 |
| Modelling | 150W |
| Flashes | |
| Mount | Bowens |
| Pack | DL D4 |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 695g |
| Size, mm | |
| Price | £599 |
| Aliases | CononMark EID500 |
| Retailers | Viewfinder Photography (UK) |
U2 Photon
| Model | 2002/A | 2004 | 2005 | |
| Power,Ws | 300 | 400 | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 50 | 54 | 62 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 1.5-3s | 1.5-3s | 2-3s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | | | 1/8 |
| Modelling | 55W | 55W | 55W |
| Flashes | 500 | 400 | 300 |
| Mount | U2 | U2 | U2 |
| Pack | 8002A | 8002A | 8002A |
| Outputs | | | |
| Weight | 12.5kg | 13.5kg | 13.5kg |
| Size, mm | 280x290x310 | 290x290x310 | 290x290x310 |
| Price | | | €669 |
| Retailers | DgColor Online (MY) - Studio Express (DE) - FotoStudioBedarf (DE) |
Mid-range
Bowens Travelpak
Multiblitz Profilux Plus
| Model | 200 | 400 | 600 | |
| Power,Ws | 200 | 400 | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 45 | 68 | 107 |
| Recycle, AC/DC | 0.6 / 0.9s | 1.1 / 1.8s | 2.3 / 3.2s |
| Steps | 1/10 | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/40 | 1/44 | 1/64 |
| Modelling | 70W | 150W | 200W |
| Flashes | 1400
3200 | 700
1600 | 350
800 |
| Mount | Multiblitz P |
| Pack | Propac 1
Propac 2 |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 8.8kg
12kg |
| Size, mm | 166x219x210
166x219x296 |
| Price | £1599 | £1769 | £1899 |
| Retailers | Buy a kit from Adorama or B&H or find a Multiblitz dealer near you |
Priolite MB
| Model | MB500 | |
| Power,Ws | 500Ws |  |
| GN, m | 64.2 |
| Recycle, DC | < 3s |
| Steps | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/32 |
| Modelling | 100W |
| Flashes | 400 |
| Mount | Hensel/Bowens |
| Pack | Integral Li |
| Outputs | N/A |
| Weight | 4.2kg |
| Size, mm | 400x170x170 |
| Price | €760 |
| Retailers | See this article |
Quantum Qflash
| Model | T5d-R | X5d-R | Trio | |
| Power,Ws | 150 | 400 | 80 |  |
| GN, m | 50 | 70 | 33.5 |
| Recycle, DC | 1.9s | 3.8s | 1-1.5s |
| Steps | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Minimum | 1/64 | 1/64 | 1/32 |
| Modelling | | 35W | None |
| Flashes | 700 | | 700 |
| Mount | Quantum accessories |
| Pack | Turbo | Qpak-X | Turbo |
| Outputs | 1-2 | 2 | 1-2 |
| Price | $907
£584 | $1037
£616 | $1180
£769 |
| Retailers | Buy Quantum systems Adorama or B&H, or find another dealer, USA or International |
How much?!
Bron Powerbox
DC Pack and Head Systems
Budget
Boling BL series
| Model | 400WPD | 602WPD | |
| Power,Ws | 400 | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 48 | 53 |
| Recycle | 4.2s | 5.8s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | | |
| Modelling | 35W | 35W |
| Flashes | 150 | 100 |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens |
| Heads | 400 | 601/602 |
| Outputs | 1 | 2 |
| Weight | | |
| Size, mm | | |
| Price | AU$780
£250 | AU$880 |
| Retailers | Photo Shop Studio (AU) |
Fomei Panther Pro
| Model | 600 | |
| Power,Ws | 600 |  |
| GN, m | |
| Recycle | 3.2s |
| Steps | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/24 |
| Modelling | 50W |
| Flashes | 130-150 |
| Mount | Bowens |
| Heads | Panther Pro |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 6.4kg |
| Size, mm | |
| Price | €760 |
| Aliases | Rime Lite Power Action 6 |
| Retailers | Find a Fomei dealer |
Godox CD series
| Model | CD400 | CD600 | |
| Power,Ws | 400 | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 52 | 68 |
| Recycle | 4.2s | 6.1s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | | |
| Modelling | 20W | 20W |
| Flashes | 130 | 130 |
| Mount | 45x45cm softbox
80cm octabox |
| Heads | CD | CD |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 1.5kg | 1.5kg |
| Size, mm | 167x68x230 | 167x68x230 |
| Price | $240 | $499 |
| Retailers | eBay - Adorama (USA) |
Godox EX series
| Model | EX400 | EXR400 | EX600 | |
| Power,Ws | 400 | 400 | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 52 | 52 | 68 |
| Recycle | 1.8s | 2.5s | 2.5s |
| Steps | 9 steps | 9 steps | 9 steps |
| Minimum | | | ~1/4? |
| Modelling | 20W | 20W | 20W |
| Flashes | 120 | 120 | 180 |
| Mount | Bowens | Ring flash | Bowens |
| Heads | EX, EXR ring | EX, EXR ring | EX |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | | | |
| Size, mm | | | |
| Price | $376 | N/K | $380 |
| Aliases | Brilliant DPE/DPR series, Fomei Panther Mini |
| Retailers | Find it on eBay - LinkDelight (HK) |
Golden Eagle Wind
| Model | Wind1000 | |
| Power,Ws | 1000 |  |
| GN, m | 33(?) |
| Recycle | 3.8s |
| Steps | |
| Minimum | |
| Modelling | 15W |
| Flashes | 150 |
| Mount | Bowens |
| Heads | S-fit, Ring |
| Outputs | 1 |
| Weight | 3.8kg |
| Size, mm | 199x98x292 |
| Price | Varies |
| Retailers | Viewfinder Photography (UK) - Pro.Photo.Studio (UK) |
Jinbei Discovery
| Model | DC-600 | DC-1200 | |
| Power,Ws | 600 | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | 76 | 108 |
| Recycle | 1.8-4.5s | 3.0-5.6s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | 1/16 | 1/16 |
| Modelling | 10W | 10W |
| Flashes | 350 | |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens |
| Heads | DC | DC |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 6.0kg | 8.2kg |
| Size, mm | 186x106x212 | 186x106x280 |
| Price | €559
£720 | €629
- |
| Aliases | Lencarta Discovery |
| Retailers | The Studio Outfitters (SG) - Foto Konijnenberg (NL/BE) - Lencarta (UK) |
Jinbei Freelander
| Model | FL-300 | FL-500 | |
| Power,Ws | 250 | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 52 | 66 |
| Recycle | 3.5s | 3.9s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | 1/16 | 1/16 |
| Modelling | | |
| Flashes | 180 | 160 |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens |
| Heads | FL, RD | FL, RD |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 2.6kg | 2.75kg |
| Size, mm | 184x84x210 | 184x84x210 |
| Price | $420
€199 | $480
€229 |
| Retailers | The Studio Outfitters (SG) - Foto Konijnenberg (NL/BE) - The Flash Emporium (USA) |
Jinbei Rechargeable Digital
| Model | RD-400 | RD-600 | RD-1200 | |
| Power,Ws | 400 | 600 | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | 58 | 76 | 108 |
| Recycle | 4.2s | 5.4s | 6.0s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | 1/8 | 1/8 | 1/8 |
| Modelling | 35W | 35W | 35W |
| Flashes | | | |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens | Bowens |
| Heads | RL, FL, RD | RL, FL, RD, RD ring | RL, FL, RD, RD ring |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 3.7kg | 4.1kg | 4.8kg |
| Size, mm | 200x110x260 | 200x110x260 | 200x110x300 |
| Price | $550
€463 | $600
€513 | $900
€549 |
| Aliases | Linkstar Porty RDH-600, DH-600 |
| Retailers | The Studio Outfitters (SG) - Foto Konijnenberg (NL/BE) - Dynaphos (BG) - StudioGear Australia (AU) - Photo-Shop-Studio (AU) - Studio-PRO (DE) |
Lencarta Safari
| Model | Safari | |
| Power,Ws | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 67 |
| Recycle | 3.5s |
| Steps | stepless |
| Minimum | 1/8 |
| Modelling | 20W |
| Flashes | |
| Mount | Bowens |
| Heads | Std, ring |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 4.7kg |
| Size, mm | 200x110x260 |
| Price | £793 |
| Aliases | Similar to Jinbei RD-600 |
| Retailers | Lencarta |
Pixco PF
| Model | PF-400 | PF-600 | |
| Power,Ws | 400 | 600 |  |
| GN, m | 52 | 68 |
| Recycle | 1.5s | 2s |
| Steps | stepless | stepless |
| Minimum | | |
| Modelling | | |
| Flashes | 320 | 200 |
| Mount | Bowens | Bowens |
| Heads | PF | PF |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 1.2kg | 1.2kg |
| Size, mm | 166x75x53 | 166x75x53 |
| Price | £255
US$535 | £265
US$555 |
| Retailers | Rocks Photo (CN) - eBay |
Walimex PBS
| Model | PBS-400 | |
| Power,Ws | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 64 |
| Recycle | 4s |
| Steps | stepless |
| Minimum | 1/4 |
| Modelling | 50W |
| Flashes | 160 |
| Mount | Bowens |
| Heads | PBS-400 |
| Outputs | 1 |
| Weight | 2.2kg |
| Size, mm | 215x160x70 |
| Price | €500 |
| Retailers | Foto-Walser (DE) - Walimex (CH) - Walimex (AT) |
Mid-range
Comet LB-400
| Model | LB-400 | |
| Power,Ws | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 56 |
| Recycle | 3.5s |
| Steps | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/16 |
| Modelling | |
| Flashes | 150 |
| Mount | |
| Heads | LB-4FH |
| Outputs | 1 |
| Weight | 1.2kg |
| Size, mm | 135x200x60 |
| Price | US$1480 |
| Retailers | You can buy a set from Adorama or B&H |
Comet PMT-1200
| Model | PMT-1200 | |
| Power,Ws | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | 90 |
| Recycle | 7s |
| Steps | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/8 |
| Modelling | |
| Flashes | 40 |
| Mount | |
| Heads | PMT, CAX, CLX |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 3.16kg |
| Size, mm | 226x260x89 |
| Price | US$2000 |
| Retailers | You can buy a set from Adorama or B&H |
Norman Battery Portable
| Model | 200C | 400B | |
| Power,Ws | 200 | 400 |  |
| GN, m | | |
| Recycle | 1.5s | 3s |
| Steps | 1 stop | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/4 | 1/8 |
| Modelling | 50w | 50w |
| Flashes | | |
| Mount | Proprietary |
| Heads | LH2K(-M) | LH52K(-M) |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 1.7kg | 2.7kg |
| Size, mm | 207x121x57 | 267x133x83 |
| Price | US$1200
£713 | US$1450
£940 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Norman dealer near you |
Elinchrom Ranger Quadra
Elinchrom Ranger RX
| Model | RX | Speed/AS | |
| Power,Ws | 1100 | 1100 |  |
| GN, m | 128 | 128 |
| Recycle | 5.5s | 2.9s |
| Steps | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/64 | 1/64 |
| Modelling | 50W | 50W |
| Flashes | 140 | 250 |
| Mount | Elinchrom | Elinchrom |
| Heads | Any Elinchrom | Any Elinchrom |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 6kg | 8kg |
| Size, mm | 190x140x240 | 190x140x240 |
| Price | £1500
$1800 | |
| Retailers | Buy from Adorama or B&H, or find an Elinchrom dealer near you |
Lumedyne Action Pack
| Model | ZKX2 | ZKX4 | |
| Power,Ws | 200 | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 34 | 67 |
| Recycle | 1.5s | 3s |
| Steps | 1 stop | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/4 | 1/4 |
| Modelling | 25W | 25W |
| Flashes | Varies | Varies |
| Mount | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Heads | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 1.04kg | 1.3kg |
| Size, mm | 127x76x187 | 127x76x187 |
| Price | US$1955 | US$2155 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Lumedyne dealer near you |
Lumedyne Next Generation
| Model | ZKN3 | ZKN5 | |
| Power,Ws | 200 | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 34 | 67 |
| Recycle | 1.3s | 2.5s |
| Steps | 1 stop | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/8 | 1/8 |
| Modelling | 25W | 25W |
| Flashes | Varies | Varies |
| Mount | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Heads | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 1.04kg | 1.3kg |
| Size, mm | 127x76x187 | 127x76x187 |
| Price | US$1705 | US$1905 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Lumedyne dealer near you |
Lumedyne Signature Basic
| Model | ZK24 | ZK44 | |
| Power,Ws | 200 | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 34 | 50 |
| Recycle | 1.3s | 2.5s |
| Steps | 1 stop | 1 stop |
| Minimum | 1/64 | 1/64 |
| Modelling | 25W | 25W |
| Flashes | Varies | Varies |
| Mount | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Heads | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 1.2kg | 1.5kg |
| Size, mm | 127x76x187 | 152x76x187 |
| Price | US$2135 | US$2335 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Lumedyne dealer near you |
Lumedyne Signature Deluxe
| Model | ZK26 | ZK46 | |
| Power,Ws | 200 | 400 |  |
| GN, m | 34 | 50 |
| Recycle | 1.3s | 2.5s |
| Steps | Stepless | Stepless |
| Minimum | 1/64 | 1/64 |
| Modelling | 25W | 25W |
| Flashes | Varies | Varies |
| Mount | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Heads | Lumedyne | Lumedyne |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 1.2kg | 1.5kg |
| Size, mm | 127x76x187 | 152x76x187 |
| Price | US$2410 | US$2610 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Lumedyne dealer near you |
Speedotron Explorer
| Model | 1500 | |
| Power,Ws | 1500 |  |
| GN, m | |
| Recycle | 3.5s |
| Steps | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/100 |
| Modelling | 250W |
| Flashes | 225 |
| Mount | Speedotron |
| Heads | Speedotron |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 11.25kg |
| Size, mm | 241x137x297 |
| Price | $1680 |
| Retailers | Buy one from Adorama or B&H, or find a dealer - USA - International |
How much?!
Balcar B series
| Model | B1 | |
| Power,Ws | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | 90 |
| Recycle | 2.8s |
| Steps | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/32 |
| Modelling | 300W |
| Flashes | 200 |
| Mount | Balcar |
| Heads | Balcar & others |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 10kg |
| Size, mm | 170x220x270 |
| Price | €2399 |
| Retailers | Find a Balcar dealer |
Bowens Explorer
| Model | 1500 | |
| Power,Ws | 1500 |  |
| GN, m | 186 |
| Recycle | 3.8s |
| Steps | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/50 |
| Modelling | 100-650W |
| Flashes | 150-180 |
| Mount | Bowens |
| Heads | QUAD, Gemini |
| Outputs | 2 QUAD + 2 Travelpak |
| Weight | 10.8kg |
| Size, mm | 270x180x280 |
| Price | £1600
$2775 |
| Retailers | Get one from Adorama or B&H, or visit the Bowens web site for more dealers |
Comet CBm-1200
| Model | CBm-1200 | |
| Power,Ws | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | Varies |
| Recycle | 2.8-5s |
| Steps | 1/6 or 1/32 |
| Minimum | 1/100 |
| Modelling | 300w |
| Flashes | 150 |
| Mount | Comet |
| Heads | CB or CX |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Weight | 4.8kg |
| Size, mm | 210x167x222 |
| Price | US$2300 |
| Retailers | You can buy a set from Adorama or B&H |
Broncolor Mobil
Broncolor Verso with Power Dock
| Model | A2 RFS | A4 RFS | |
| Power,Ws | 1200 | 2400 |  |
| GN, m | 146 | 208 |
| Recycle | 1.5s | 3.2s |
| Steps | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/128 | 1/128 |
| Modelling | 150-650W | 150-650W |
| Flashes | 350 | 350 |
| Mount | Broncolor | Broncolor |
| Heads | Broncolor | Broncolor |
| Outputs | 3 | 3 |
| Weight | 19.8kg | 22.7kg |
| Size, mm | 290x185x315 | 290x185x380 |
| Price | £5990
$8428 | £7518
$10606 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Broncolor dealer near you |
Hensel Porty
| Model | 1200 B | Premium | |
| Power,Ws | 1200 | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | 148 | 148 |
| Recycle | 5.8s | 2.7s |
| Steps | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/64 | 1/64 |
| Modelling | 300-650W | 300-650W |
| Flashes | 100 | 250 |
| Mount | Hensel EH | Hensel EH |
| Heads | Hensel | Hensel |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 6.45kg | 8.95kg |
| Size, mm | 210x124x270 | 210x124x321 |
| Price | £1125
$1500 | £1699
$2565 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Hensel dealer near you |
Hensel Porty Lithium
| Model | 6 | 12 | |
| Power,Ws | 600 | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | 74 | 148 |
| Recycle | 0.95s | 1.95s |
| Steps | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/128 | 1/128 |
| Modelling | 300-650W | 300-650W |
| Flashes | 450 | 230 |
| Mount | Hensel EH | Hensel EH |
| Heads | Hensel | Hensel |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 5.4kg | 5.9kg |
| Size, mm | 225x198x215 | 225x198x215 |
| Price | £1699
$2899 | £2419
$3329 |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Hensel dealer near you |
Profoto AcuteB
Profoto Pro
| Model | 7B | B2/R | B3 AirS | |
| Power,Ws | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 |  |
| GN, m | 222 | 222 | 222 |
| Recycle | 2.8s | 1.8s | 1.8s |
| Steps | 1/6 | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Minimum | 1/64 | 1/128 | 1/128 |
| Modelling | 100W | 250W | 250W |
| Flashes | 250 | 200 | 300 |
| Mount | Profoto | Profoto | Profoto |
| Heads | Profoto Pro | Profoto Pro | Profoto Pro |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 11.5kg | 12kg | 8.8kg |
| Size, mm | 240x170x230 | 240x170x230 | x280 |
| Price | £3096
$4100 | £2641
$6496 | TBA |
| Retailers | Adorama, B&H or a Profoto dealer near you |
Thanks for the great overview
[...] [...]
[...] The Freelander FL-500, an ultra portable pack-and-head kit from Jinbei (China’s largest studio lighting manufacturer) is now available in the USA from eBay seller theflashemporium. For $575 you a 400Ws pack (powered by a NiMH battery), two heads (one handled, one Bowens mount) and various other useful bits and bobs. Read more in the eBay listing, or check the technical specifications in our Portable Power Guide. [...]
Thank you for taking the time to put together the world’s most comprehensive list of current flashes in one simple sumary and making it available for the world to see.
.
You have clearly put a lot of work into this and I’m glad to see Lumedyne products listed along side of vertually every other flash available. The alius references are great for the Asian flashes which are available in several brand names but are the exact same product.
Thanks for your efforts.
DJ
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kurt Stofferis and DigiFotoMaarkedal, Lighting Rumours. Lighting Rumours said: CononMark DD400 and Britek PS-200 AC/DC lights have been added to: http://www.lightingrumours.com/portable-power-guide [...]
[...] Leadpower LP-750 pure sine wave inverter battery pack, one of China’s answers to the Innovatronix Explorer or Paul C. Buff Vagabond. The unit has three AC sockets (vs. 2 on the Tronix and 1 on the Vagabond) [...]
[...] Portable power [...]
[...] 02:24 PM This is a good resource: Portable power guide I have a Godox EX600, and I am happy with it – not sure it’s imported to the US yet. You can buy [...]
I highly recommend the Broncolor mobile. We have been using it on photo shoots in all types of conditions and have been very pleased with the fast recycle and recharging times.
Anyone have any recommendations on which battery pack would work best with the Profoto Acute 2R 2400?
[...] [...]
Any recommendation on large octaboxes?