Choosing Anton Bauer batteries and chargers for camera rigs

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2007Batteries/Power forum

19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

Anton Bauer batteries with the AB mount are widely available and compatible across different camera rigs, making them practical for operators who may upgrade equipment or need to borrow batteries on set.
The Dionic 90 watt AB battery can balance and power most cameras and works with multiple charger models without requiring chip upgrades.
The T2 charger is fast at charging two batteries simultaneously and is suitable for on-set use, but lacks built-in battery diagnostics.
A dedicated charger with full diagnostics capability helps extend battery lifespan when batteries remain on their home charger during storage.
Having multiple chargers and batteries in rotation—such as two on the rig, two on standby, and two on charge—minimizes downtime and provides redundancy if a charger fails.
For cameras like the Arriflex 435, nickel-cadmium batteries are required instead of Anton Bauer lithium batteries.
Lightweight batteries are needed for smaller cameras like the DVX100 and HVX200, while heavier-capacity batteries are required for larger cinema cameras.
Lithium batteries require longer charging times than nickel-cadmium, necessitating a larger battery inventory to maintain continuous shooting.

The discussion focuses on steadicam-specific workflows and may not apply to all camera types.
Information about battery chemistry and charging technology reflects practices from 2007 and may be outdated.
No consensus on the minimum number of batteries needed was reached; recommendations ranged from six to nine or more depending on shooting demands.