Bescor and battery type questions

[Jonathan Kirsch]

Hi there...

Anyone use (or have used) Bescor on-camera lights? I'm looking to replace my PAG p.o.s. cuz it's only a 10w (battery is only 6V)light and isn't strong enough for what I need. Budget is pretty small (under $1000) and I'm looking for a light, 2 batteries and a charger (maybe a kit?).

I would like to get the Frezzi mini-fill (which has been suggested in a previous thread) but thought there would be a less expensive alternative.

Also, what type of battery/connector should I get? BP-90? NP-1? Cigarette? 4/5 pin XLR? I'm familiar with the BP-90 and the NP-1 cuz that what the photogs at the stations I worked at use. I guess I'm wondering which one would give me the longest life overall. I know that depends how much I'm going to use it at one time... BTW, I'll be using it on an XL2.

Thanks for any help.

Jonathan

[Necktie Boy]

Well, I would get the Frezzi mini-fill or the AB....Both are workhorses. They can be used on camera or on a stand. I have both and used both all the time.
Batteries is a tricky questions.....I have a NRG Battery belt. I went with this one cause it was the lightest belt battery on the market at the time. What I did was to get a water bottle battery for bikes....
It's a 14.4 volt Ni-Ca system with charger...About $70 bucks....I run a light about 1.5 or better with a BAB(25w)....Best money that I have spent on batteries.....I would go with an XLR connector....Don't have to worry about coming apart.

[Jonathan Kirsch]

Thanks for the reply, Necktie Boy.

I will probably go with the Frezzi. I don't want to get a battery belt because I am already wearing a belt I made out of an Alice Belt (the ones you get at Army Surplus stores) that have pockets to hold tapes, 2 wireless mics and notepads/pens, camera batteries, etc. I am looking for something I can get two batteries for and just switch them out.

What do you mean you run 1.5 with a BAB? And when you suggest an XLR, is there only one type of battery with an XLR connection?

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Necktie Boy]

You will get like 1.5 hours of use with a 25w light(BAB) And use a 4 pin XLR for the power connector. This connector will not pull out nor
break that easy. I usually wired all my cables if I can. Since all my
power is 4 pin XLR, I re-wired my lights with 4 pin XLR's.
As for cheap power, I got my battery from Battery Space Com, http://www.batteryspace.com/ Just look for a 13.2 or 14.4 volt battery pack to run your light. These battery packs will last longer than a NP1. They will be lighter and cost is less.

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=885

Here is a link where you can get battery kits. They also sell the battery packs separate.

Bobby

[Jonathan Kirsch]

Thanks for the clarification and links, Necktie Boy. I'll check it out.

Jonathan

[leftcoastphotog]

Jonathon,
Give me a call I may have an idea for you.
Lcp