REVIEW – I am always on the go, and I usually have tech gear back with me on location or in the back of my truck. All of my gadgets require power and at times, I may accidentally run out of power, or need to recharge and use one of the many battery packs in my gear bag to accommodate my needs. As you can imagine, carrying multiple battery packs means charging multiple battery packs and eventually they add a lot of weight to my bag. I am happy that this SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery has the potential to provide a relatively lighter one-battery solution.
What is it?
The SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery is a lightweight 212Wh capacity battery that can support up to a 10A draw with a nominal 14.76V output. It features multiple accessory ports, including one 14.8V D-Tap output, one 8 VDC barrel output, one 12 VDC barrel output, one USB-C output, and one USB-A output for powering various accessories, cameras, or mobile devices. The battery can be charged using a standard V-mount charger, an optional D-Tap charger, or via the USB-C input/output with a PD fast charger. A built-in bright OLED display shows the remaining battery capacity and status.
What’s included?
- 1 x SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery
- 1 x USB-C Charging Cable (240w)
- 1 X User Manual
Tech specs
Mount / Series Type: V-Mount
Chemistry: Lithium-Ion
Battery Capacity: 212.54 Wh
Output Voltage: 14.76 VDC
Maximum Load: 212 W, 10 A
Accessory I/O: 2x USB-C Input/Output 140 W Regulated; 1x USB-A Input/Output 5 V / 3 A, 9 V / 3 A, 12V / 3A, 15V / 3A, 20 V / 5 A, 28 V / 5 A Regulated; 2x D-Tap / P-Tap Output 14.76 V, 6 A Regulated; 1x Barrel 2.1 mm Output 8 V, 3 A Regulated; 1x Barrel 2.5 mm Output 12 V, 3 A Regulated
USB Output: 5 V, 3 A; 9 V, 3 A; 12 V, 3 A; 15 V, 3 A; 20 V, 5 A; 28 V, 5 A
Charging Voltage: 11.2 VDC
Operating Temperature: 5 to 140°F / -15 to 60°C
Charging Temperature: 32 to 122°F / 0 to 50°C
Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS, PSE, RCM
Environmental Protection: No
Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.1 x 3.3 x 3.1″ / 130 x 83 x 80 mm
Weight: 2.89 lb / 1.31 kg
Design and features
- Intelligent BMS chip supports 140W (max) fast charging; fully charged in 2.5 hours
- High-capacity LG battery cell endures repeated charging and discharging; safe and stable
- Highly integrated design, ultracompact, and travel-friendly
- Multiple interfaces: Two USB-C ports, two D-Tap ports, a USB-A port, an 8 VDC barrel output, and a 12 VDC barrel output
- Each interface adopts a parallel circuit to allow simultaneous USB-C and USB-A fast charging
- Aluminum, silicone, TPU, and PC V0 materials; four layers of aluminum frames on the inside with silicone coating on the outside make the battery robust, drop proof, heat resistant, and flame retardant
- Durable, scratch-resistant plastic and acrylic front cover
- TFT display shows battery status clearly and accurately
The SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery is a hefty battery that includes rubber and ABS in its construction. On both of the long sides there is a D-Tap connection and one of those sides also features the power button. On the face, there is the informative LED display and ports on both short sides. The photos below show the device and the ports.
Performance
The SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery is straightforward to use right out of the box. it arrived partially charged, so I charged it fully before using it. I have used it successfully for field work and in-studio power and charging needs with much success. the battery is hefty, but not nearly as heavy as carrying multiple batteries/ the charge lasts a long time and I do not have to recharge it more than once weekly. Of course, that is based on how I use it. The LED display provides all power information for the charge level and the attached devices.
The multiple connectivity options including the 2 x D-Tap ports and the 2 x USB-C ports provide much versatility when I am powering different gear. I have field monitors that can accommodate a D-Tap connection and even more that use USB-A and USB-C connections. Here are some examples: This first photo is of my weekly mobile monitoring of my church broadcast while moving around the church campus. I used it to power a field monitor and my Hollyland Wireless Receivers.
This next photo shows when I use it in the studio. I have it mounted to my overhead pole via a V-Mount clamp.
Here it is charging my iPad that I used for numerous tasks.
What I like about the SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery
- The amazing build quality
- The amazing battery capacity
- The number of ports for connectivity
- The built-in V-Mount
- The informative LED display
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing so far. It works for me
Final thoughts
The SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery is the perfect solution for my in-studio needs to power mobile mic packs and other accessories as well as for all of my powering and charging needs when on the go. The amazing charge capacity means a one-and-done solution for me the versatility of its connectivity options ensures that I am never left stranded when in need of power. Well done Smallrig and Caleb Pike aka DSLR Shooter!!
Price: $439.99
Where to buy: Smallrig, Amazon, B&H Photo
Source: Smallrig provided a free sample of this product. Smallrig did not have a final say on the review and did not preview it before it was published.
