Anton Bauer Dionic Batteries

[Michael Stumpf]

Okay, need some input from some of you who've used these batteries.

 

I only do video jobs a couple times a year, at best, but when I do, especially with the Beta SP decks, my Proformers I use on my PRO don't last very long.

 

So, each time I think, I've got to get a couple batteries that last a long time on the Video jobs. Well early this next week, I'll be doing a video job again, and I don't want to have to worry about changing my batteries every 1/2 hour.

 

I know the Dionic batteries are really expensive, but they are lightweight, and with video, that's important.

 

So, anybody use the A/B Dionic batteries on the Beta SP or any other video/HD cameras?

How is it?

 

Is it worth the price?

 

Thanks,

 

Michael

[Brett Manyluk]

Hey Michael,

 

Have you thought about picking up a couple of Anton Bauer to Sony V-lock adapter plates and using the rental sony Lithium-Ion BP-60/90's on your rig? Most Sony cams come with this setup now. Might be a lower cost alternative? The BP 60 size is small, lightweight and should run your average Betacam for 1 to 1.5 hours in your climate (up here in -40, it's totally different).

 

Brett "My Canuck $.02" Manyluk

 

:)

[Michael Stumpf]

By the way, what's up with the search option?

 

I know this topic was talked about not too long ago, but doing a search of "Dionic Batteries" or "Batteries" or "Lithium Batteries" does NOT turn up that topic.

 

Brett, thanks for the tip. Personally, I haven't been on any video job where the Lithiums have come with the package. It's always the monster 5 1/2 pound Hytron 120's or the equally heavy and large ProPac.

[kes]

I was thinking to buy the Dionic as well. I do not know if anyone on this forum gave his opinion on them yet but I think Larry, without mantioning the word 'Dionic' , said his brother Jim bought them and loves them. Untill now I used to get my batteries from the production company but not knowing what condition of battries I am getting gave me a headache and so I bought two AB ProPack. Certain situation allows me to spend only 1500 USD more - I thing I could get two Dionics and one Trimpack. Is that would be my best bet ? Will 2 ProPack, 2 Dionics and 1 Trimpack will be enough for nearly most jobs ?

Kes

[GregCode]

I have a Master Elite and run Anton Bauers on my rig. I have 4 Digital propacs 14.4V for my main battery and when I use 24V+ cameras I have 3 proformers that mount were my converter used to go. I have never had a battery shortage even on video jobs. As far as video jobs go I tend to use the battteries that come with the camera anyway. Why shorten the life of my batteries.

 

Greg

[Mitch Gross]

Ya'all know that other manufacturers make batteries that fit onto Anton Bauer mounts and will recharge on AB chargers, dontcha? Pag has a new L-ion that's 95w instead of the Dionic's 90. And Frezzi has a variety of bricks in AB mount, including a 135w about the same size as a ProPack--that's the strongest brick available in AB mount. Switronix is supposed to soon come out with cheap (price wise) AB mount batts as well. Anton Bauer isn't the only game in town--it can be worth it to explore the Google world.

[Michael Stumpf]

Thanks guys for your responses.

 

I went ahead and bought two AB Dionic Batteries.

 

Mitch I was aware of PAG's L75 but haven't seen or heard of a Lithium 95 from them. As it stands, the PAG L75 is just a wee bit smaller than the AB Dionic and weighs a bit less. But has a retail price of $10 MORE!

So, if they do make a PAG L95, it would surely be larger and heavier, and more costly. I would have gotten the AB anyway, at least I'm helping to save a countryman his job that way. :)

 

I was able to get the AB Dionic's at B&H photo for $479 each, no tax because of the internet.

 

I still have my 10 Proformers for the film jobs, but these Dionics will be for the Video/HD jobs that can't get Dionics with the camera package. This upcoming job next week, is one such job!

 

I'll let you all know what I think of them after the job is over.

 

Thanks again.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Thanks guys for your responses.

 

I went ahead and bought two AB Dionic Batteries.

I hope that you have the "titan" charger from AB. Nothing else charges the Dionics.

 

I'm using them right now on the Pilot that I'm doing and they work well with a HD Camera (They get about 1 hour) But they take WAY too long to charge IMO. (Almost 3 hours)

[Brad Hruboska]

I've been using the Dionics as well, I'll use one on the sled power of my PRO, maybe two if its a heavy day, two for power on arri 3's and Bl's no problem, I'm still using the proformers and trimpacks for the 435's and 535's because of the draw rate, but the flexability seems to be working. btw the new version of the interactive 2000 will charge the dionics, but you neeed the simultaneous four way charge to keep the Dionics up I think, and the titan is a bit faster, I use both cuz the 2000 has a better dischage analyzer function......My sytem is to pull everything off at lunch and top up the batteries, but I've got lots in reserve due to a long affair with Anton Bauer, that case is heavy man.

;)