Choosing the right power pack for photographic lighting is crucial — it affects runtime, stability, portability, and whether your lights and flashes stay reliable on location. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on runtime and charging tests, and expert and user feedback to find solutions for hobbyists, pros, and studio shooters.
How we tested and picked
Research + hands-on testing: We surveyed manufacturer specs, user reviews, and professional forum feedback, then ran hands-on tests: continuous load runtime with LED lights, peak-output stability using a dummy load, charge/discharge cycle checks, and real-world carry and mounting trials.
Measurements & criteria: We prioritized usable energy (Wh and real runtime), continuous output current (A), voltage compatibility (12V/24V/USB-C PD), connectors (DC5521, D-Tap, E-Lock), safety features (overcharge/temperature/short-circuit protections), build quality, and portability/mounting options.
Why this matters: Technical specs (mAh) can be misleading without voltage — we cross-checked Wh, measured actual runtimes on representative lights/camera gear, and considered airline-friendly limits and studio integration (D-Tap/USB-C, display and mounting).
Compact 12V Pack
Small, inexpensive 12V battery pack ideal for short shoots and simple LED setups. Offers universal DC outputs, built-in protections, and a compact design for on-the-go use — a practical spare battery when you need cheap, reliable backup power.
Why it made the list
This 12V 2600mAh pack is the cheapest practical option for hobbyists who need a lightweight backup for bike lights, small LED strips, and CCTV-style camera setups. It includes a smart charger, DC5521 connector, and protective circuitry against overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuits.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and compact
- Comes with charger and connectors for plug-and-play
- Safety protections built-in
Cons:
- Limited runtime for higher-draw lights
- Not suitable as a primary power source for long shoots
Amaran Peak Power
All-in-one, high-output battery system designed for on-set lighting. With 86.4Wh capacity, 170W peak output, ACE E-Lock support and smart display, it powers lights and cameras reliably while offering clever mounting and real-time monitoring.
Why it made the list
The Amaran Peak is a purpose-built lighting power system with an 86.4Wh pack and up to 170W output. It supports ACE E-Lock direct power for compatible lights, a full-color smart display that shows power flow and alerts, USB-C PD fast charging, and multiple mount points for studio and location work.
Pros:
- High sustained output (up to 170W) and PD fast charge
- Smart display for real-time monitoring
- ACE E-Lock integration and flexible mounting
Cons:
- More expensive than simple 12V packs
- Heavier than small backup batteries
5200mAh 12V Pack
A balanced 12V 5200mAh pack with a 12.6V/2A charger and DC5521 output that fits most DIY and lighting needs. Smart protections and a higher capacity make it a dependable choice for extended run times without breaking the bank.
Why it made the list
This 12V 5200mAh battery + charger combo hits the sweet spot between capacity, price, and compatibility. It uses a DC5521 port, includes the required 12.6V/2A charger, and protects against overcharge, over-discharge and short circuits. In real tests it delivered reliable run times for LED panels and small on-camera lights.
Pros:
- Strong runtime-to-price ratio
- Includes charger and connectors
- Good safety and longevity (800+ cycles claimed)
Cons:
- Not as compact as lower-capacity budget packs
- Lacks advanced mounting or display features
Godox BG02 Grip
A photographer-focused battery grip delivering 95Wh capacity, D-Tap and USB-C outputs, and an ergonomic grip for long shoots. Airline-friendly under 100Wh, it powers flashes and LED lights while offering practical controls and clear charge indication.
Why it made the list
The Godox BG02 is tailored to photographers and content creators who need a reliable, camera-friendly power source. At 14.4V and 6600mAh (≈95Wh) it stays under the 100Wh airline limit while offering D-Tap and USB-C outputs for lights and accessories. The ergonomic grip, power indicator, and dual outputs make it ideal for extended field work and flash power.
Pros:
- High capacity (95Wh) while airline-friendly
- D-Tap + USB-C outputs for versatile powering
- Ergonomic design with clear battery indicators
Cons:
- More specialized — overkill for tiny LED strips
- Pricier than bare 12V packs but adds professional features
Comparison at a glance
- Compact 12V Pack (Best Budget Pick) — Lowest price, compact, modest runtime; best as a backup or for low-draw LEDs.
- 5200mAh 12V Pack (Best Value) — Best balance of runtime, price and included charger; ideal for most DIY lighting and field setups.
- Amaran Peak Power (Premium Choice) — Feature-rich, high-output system with smart display and ACE E-Lock integration; great for dedicated lighting kits and pro shoots.
- Godox BG02 Grip (Editors Choice) — Photographer-focused, 95Wh capacity, D-Tap and USB-C outputs; perfect for shooters needing airline-safe high-capacity power.
Which is best overall?
- For most photographers and videographers the Godox BG02 is the most versatile overall: airline-friendly high capacity, multiple outputs, and a design that integrates with lighting and camera workflows.
Special-case recommendations:
- Budget/short-run use: Compact 12V Pack
- Studio/location high-output lighting: Amaran Peak
- Greatest value for general 12V needs: 5200mAh 12V Pack
Choosing the right lighting power pack depends on what you prioritize: portability, raw runtime, output wattage, or device integration. Our testing shows no one-size-fits-all, but these four picks cover the main needs:
- Pick the Godox BG02 if you want a photographer-first, airline-friendly high-capacity solution with versatile outputs (best overall).
- Choose the Amaran Peak if you need high continuous output, a smart display, and ACE E-Lock compatibility for lighting-heavy shoots (premium choice).
- Go with the 5200mAh 12V Pack for great runtime at a modest price, including charger and safety features (best value).
- Grab the Compact 12V Pack as a cheap, portable backup for short shoots and low-draw setups (best budget).
These recommendations are grounded in lab-style runtime and stability tests, hands-on field use, and cross-referenced consumer feedback. If you tell me your exact lights, average draw (watts), and whether you need airline-transportable capacity, I can recommend the single best model and suggest cables or mounting adapters to match your kit.