Hensel, the German lighting manufacturer, has announced the Power Max L, a lithium-powered pure sine wave inverter. The battery generator is pitted as a portable power source for the firm’s Integra Mini, Integra Plus, Expert D and Speed Max monolights, which normally run from the mains. It can also support constant-draw devices such as the Hensel C-Light D halogen lamp, wind machines, LED panels and fluorescent light banks.
The company says:
“Due to the use of cutting-edge parts and a lithium battery, the Power Max L is one of the smallest and most lightweight units in its class; its weight of only 4.6 kg including battery and its dimensions of only 19.8 x 22.5 x 21.5 cm make it ideal for mobile use. The performance data is also absolutely convincing: a capacity of up to 440 flashes at 500 Ws per battery charge is exemplary and allows uninterrupted work.”
Though promoted as a supply for Hensel-brand lights, the Power Max L’s mains output should be able to run any brand electronic device, so long as the power draw is not too high. A maximum wattage isn’t specified, but Hensel says not to use more than two 100W modelling lamps at once, which suggests you won’t be powering any fan heaters with this thing.
The small heft of the pack at 4.6 kilograms makes it comparable to other svelte inverters such as the Tronix Explorer Mini and Photogenic Ion, all designed to help photographers take their flashes to location shoots out of reach of mains power.
The Power Max L has a pair of Schuko sockets putting out 230V at 50Hz; customers in the UK and other BS 1363 countries can use adapters, as the British Hensel distributor demonstrates, or simply swap their kettle plugs for European ones. With no mention of a half-voltage version, it looks like North American photographers will have to do without this product unless they use multi-voltage flash units.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but you’re unlikely to snap one of these up for pennies; Hensel products usually carry a premium. Expect pricing around the same point as the Profoto BatPac (just under £1,000). On the plus side, existing Hensel users won’t be gouged for unique accessories, since the Power Max L takes the same case, batteries and charger as the Hensel Porty L.
To find your nearest dealer, visit the Hensel web site.