Anyone have experience with the Hytron batteries?

[Ryan Patch]

I'm trying to figure out if it makes more sense to invest in a large battery package of the RED Bricks, the 140w Hytron batteries that Abel sells, or the 6-hour VCLX batteries that Abel sells in a package.

Any thoughts on how these (especially the Hytron vs RED Brick) compare would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Bob Rudis]

The Hytron 140's work well. I have them 4 of them and they get me through the jobs. I use the Origo as a voltage indicator and it works well in that capacity. I also have use the Anton Bauer Snap on 30/13 Belt that lets you put Gold top batteries on board, thus allowing hot swaps. It's a good system.

 

[Jean Déraps]

What are the advantages of using the 140w Hytron versus the RED batteries? (hopefully not a dumb question...)

 

[Jeremy Newmark]

Compared to the Red Bricks, the Hytron 140's are going to be much heavier. Even the 120's are significantly heavier then the Red Bricks. However weight may not be your only consideration. If you fly with your camera a lot, then the Hytron's may be a better fit, because the Red Bricks are lithium batteries, so you are limited to how much you can fly with, where as the Hytron's are not lithium. Personally, I used our Hytron 120's and Dionic 90's when we first got our camera, but have since switched to the Red Bricks because they last longer, are much lighter then the Hytron's and you get power indication in the EVF and LCD without extra accessories. The Dionic 90's were almost unusable because they went so fast.

 

[Leo Ticheli]

If built camera weight is your primary consideration, then lithium batteries, such as Red's are the best solution.

If weight is not a factor, I prefer the Hytron 140 batteries for several reasons:

1. I happen to believe the Anton Bauer mount is superior to the V system.

2. Anton Bauer mount batteries are the industry standard and are more readily available for rental when traveling.

3. Many of us already owned a full complement of Anton Bauer batteries.

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo

 

[Ryan Patch]

Thanks everyone

 

[Mitch Gross]

I would add that NiMH battery technology such as Hytron will typically give 400-500 recharge cycles compared to 250-300 recharge cycles on LIon such as in the RED bricks. Anton Bauer also offer LIon chemistry in it's Dionic line, and these suffer the same limited recharge issue.

 

[Rich Schaefer]

What kind of work do you see mostly doing? Light weight incognito run & gun? Studio stuff? 1 hour long doco interviews, car work on cranes....?

 

[Harry Clark]

At home (NYC) I use my Dionic 160's.
But I bought four Hytron 140's for travel work to avoid the issues involved with transporting LiOn batteries by air.
The 160's are definitely more powerful, lighter, and charge faster, but the 140's work just fine... and as Mitch pointed out, they will last longer (more charge cycles)
Cheers,
Harry

 

[Jon Ellison]

The Dionic 90's were almost unusable because they went so fast.

Jeremy,
I'd love to know how much time you got from a Dionic 90, and what accessories you were powering at the time.

Also, where does one get this Anton Bauer plate for the red one?

thanks!

 

[Mitch Gross]

Also, where does one get this Anton Bauer plate for the red one?

From us!

 

[Jon Ellison]

From us!

GREAT, thanks Mitch! Any idea how long a dionic 90 will last with just an EVF and a Drive?

 

[Mitch Gross]

I think a fresh battery in good condition would give you maybe 30-40 minutes.