When using professional-grade lighting equipment, a reliable power supply is equally crucial as light output and color accuracy. A V mount battery for lights provides the flexibility to film in any location—whether inside, outside, or while traveling—without relying on wall outlets. These robust, high-capacity power solutions have become the preferred option for video producers, photographers, and digital content makers who require consistent, mobile power sources. This guide will cover:
- When to use V-mount batteries with your lights?
- How to select the best model for your needs?
- Our recommendations for travel-friendly options available from Moman
When to use a V-mount battery for lights?
V-mount batteries are ideal for situations where portability, reliability, and long runtimes are essential. Here are some common scenarios when using a V-mount battery to power your lights makes the most sense:
🌟On-location or outdoor shoots: When you’re shooting outside or in places without access to wall outlets, a V-mount battery keeps your lights running independently. It’s especially useful for outdoor interviews, travel vlogs, or remote film sets.
🌟Run-and-gun filmmaking: If you’re frequently moving between setups or shooting handheld, plugging and unplugging lights can slow you down. Mounting a V-mount battery directly to your light or light stand offers instant mobility and less cable clutter.
🌟Events and live productions: For events like weddings, concerts, or live shows where stable power is crucial but outlets may be limited, V-mount batteries ensure consistent lighting throughout the event without worrying about tripping over cables.
🌟Backup power for critical shoots: Even in studio setups, having V-mount batteries as a backup is smart. If there’s a power outage or voltage drop, you can switch seamlessly to battery power and keep the shoot going.
How to choose a V mount battery for LED lights: 6 factors to consider
Choosing the right V-mount battery for your lighting setup ensures stable performance and long shooting hours. Several factors influence which battery best suits your needs, from voltage and capacity to build quality and compatibility with your specific light.
Voltage: Does the V-mount battery voltage match the lighting requirement?
Voltage is one of the most important specifications to check. Most V-mount batteries provide 14.4V, which is higher than the standard 12V used in smaller electronics. This higher voltage ensures that your professional LED or COB lights can operate at full brightness and efficiency. Always make sure your light is compatible with the battery’s voltage to avoid underperformance or damage.
Capacity: How long can it power your photography or video lights?
Battery capacity determines how long your lights can run before needing a recharge. It’s usually measured in watt-hours (Wh) or ampere-hours (Ah) — the higher the number, the longer the runtime.
- For short shoots or lightweight setups, a 95Wh battery is often sufficient.
- For medium to heavy-duty lighting, consider 150Wh–190Wh.
- For high-power fixtures, such as large COB lights, go for 250Wh–310Wh or more to ensure uninterrupted use.
Here are the recommended V-mount battery capacities for some commonly used light models:
- Aputure 120d: 130–150Wh battery (1–2 hours of runtime)
- Aputure 300d: 190–230Wh battery (around 1 hour per light)
- Aputure 600d: 250–310Wh or dual-battery setup for full output
- Godox VL150: 150–190Wh battery for efficient operation
📌Tip: Use the formula Runtime = 99Wh ÷ light wattage × efficiency factor 0.85 to calculate how long your target V-mount battery can power the light.
Build quality and safety: Does it feature BMS to ensure safe and long-term use?
A durable, well-built V-mount battery ensures reliable performance in demanding environments. Look for batteries made from high-grade cells, with overcharge, overheat, and short-circuit protection. Reputable brands also provide built-in battery management systems (BMS) to maintain long-term health and consistent power delivery.
Discharge rate: Can the V-lock battery supply enough current to run your lights?
Some high-output lights require a certain continuous discharge rate (measured in Amps). Check that your battery can safely supply enough current — for instance, powerful COB lights like the Aputure 600d may require batteries rated for at least 10A discharge.
Weight and portability: Is it lightweight and easy to carry for outdoor shoots?
If you often shoot outdoors or handheld, consider a balance between capacity and portability. Larger batteries last longer but add weight, so choose based on your workflow and mobility needs.
Compatibility and mounting options: Are the output ports and connectors compatible with your lights?
Ensure the V-mount plate or D-tap port matches your light’s input requirements. Some lights also accept DC or AC adapters, giving you flexibility to switch between wall power and battery power.
In summary, selecting the V mount battery for lights means matching your light’s voltage and power draw with a battery that offers sufficient capacity, strong build quality, and a reliable discharge rate. Investing in a well-made V-mount battery ensures your lighting setup stays bright, stable, and ready for any location shoot.
Look for travel-friendly V-mount batteries for your video lights? Moman offers what you need
A 99Wh V-mount battery is one of the most popular and travel-friendly power options. It’s under the 100Wh limit for carry-on flights, yet powerful enough to run a wide range of video and photography gear.
Here’s what it can typically power:
If you use the following lighting gear, you can invest in one to power them on the run.
- On-camera and fill lights: A V-mount battery can power smaller, low-draw fixtures (10–40 W) such as the Moman ML-X, COLBOR CL60, Aputure AL-MW, Amaran 60d, or 60x for about 2–6 hours, depending on brightness level.
- Small to medium LED panels (30W–70W): A 99Wh battery is ideal for compact or mid-sized LED panels such as: Aputure Amaran 100d / 100x, Godox SL60W / VL60 / ML60.
- COB lights (100–150 W): COB lights like the COLBOR CL100X, Aputure 120d, and Godox VL150 can run on a 99Wh V-mount battery, but only at reduced output or with dual batteries for longer use.
Moman Power 99: 99Wh V mount battery with dual D-tap, USB-A, and USB-C ports, under $150
💰Price: $149 | Code: MOTE20 (20% OFF)
The Moman Power 99 is a compact, 99Wh V-mount battery designed for filmmakers and photographers on the go. With its palm-sized body and aviation-friendly capacity, it fits into travel kits easily. It offers dual D-Tap ports, USB-A and USB-C outputs, and supports up to 15 A current draw.
Pros
🟢Most affordable price of the 99Wh lineup
🟢Two D-Tap ports power multiple high-voltage devices
🟢Compact, lightweight, and air travel safe capacity
🟢High 15A/200W max current output.
Cons
🔴Less precise LED power status indicator light
User Review
🗨️“Powers my camera or light for about the same amount of time as more expensive brands. Fits perfectly on my rigs and so far haven't had any major problems with it.” -- Helen, photographer
Moman Power 99 Pro: V mount battery for lights with display, dual D-tap, USB-A, and USB-C, under $200
💰Price: $179 | Code: MOTE20 (20% OFF)
The Moman Power 99 Pro upgrades the original Power 99 by keeping the same 99Wh capacity while adding a full OLED screen to display real-time voltage, current draw, and remaining runtime. It supports the same high output (15 A, 200 W), includes D-Tap, USB-C (65W) & USB-A outputs, and maintains airline-friendly travel credentials.
Pros
🟢Precise OLED screen shows time and power status
🟢65W USB-C for fast charging laptops and phones
🟢Compact, lightweight, and air travel safe capacity
🟢High 15A/200W max current output
Cons
🔴Generally more expensive than the standard Power 99
User Review
🗨️“This might be my favourite piece of power gear now. The screen is so handy: I can monitor amps and time left while shooting. It comfortably drives a 100 W light for ~1.5 hrs in my field tests. Perfect for travel shoots.”
Moman Power 99 Touch: Air-friendly V-lock battery with LED screen, D-tap, DC, USB-A and USB-C, under $200
💰Price: $179 each | Code: MOTE20 (20% OFF)
🎁2 units = $232.70 with BOGO 50% + coupon
The Moman Power 99 Touch maintains the 99Wh capacity but shifts focus to fast charging and smart display convenience. It features an LED screen toggled via a red button (displaying remaining time or percentage), USB-C input/output with 65W PD support, and multiple output ports including D-Tap, USB-A, USB-C and DC. It claims over 1,000 cycles of battery life thanks to its smart cell balancing.
Pros
🟢Unique touch interface for checking battery info
🟢65W USB-C for fast charging laptops and phones
🟢Compact, lightweight, and air travel safe capacity
Cons
🔴Touch interface is not a full monitor screen
User Review
🗨️“I switched to the Power 99 Touch for its USB-C PD charging — being able to use one laptop charger is a huge convenience. The little screen gives me peace of mind. It easily ran my monitor + wireless transmitter for an afternoon shoot.”
