Choosing the right external battery pack for your strobe can significantly impact your shooting efficiency and flexibility. The Godox PB960 stands out for its quick recycle times and dual output, making it ideal for fast-paced shoots. Meanwhile, the 36″ Wireless Tow Light Bar offers wireless operation and compatibility with standard batteries, perfect for mobile setups. Both options come with notable tradeoffs: the Godox requires an external power source and may face compatibility limits, while the tow light is bulky and limited to specific battery types. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which suits your workflow best.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Godox PB960 provides rapid recycle times and dual flash support, making it suitable for high-volume shooting.
- The 36″ Wireless Tow Light Bar offers wireless convenience and extended operation with external batteries, ideal for mobile or outdoor use.
- Compatibility and power source requirements vary significantly between the two, affecting setup complexity.
- Size and portability differ: the Godox is compact, while the tow light bar is bulkier but offers wireless operation.
- Choosing depends on whether speed and reliability or mobility and wireless features are more critical for your work.
| Godox PB960 External Flash Power Battery Pack with Dual Output |  | Best Overall for High-Speed Shooting | Compatibility: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Metz, Yongnuo, Godox | Recycle Time: 1 second | Full Power Flashes: about 1800 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 36″ Wireless Tow Light Bar with Strobes & External Power Pack Battery |  | Best for Mobility and Outdoor Use | Light Source: LED | Compatible Vehicle Types: Truck, RV, Trailer | Voltage: 12 volts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| external battery packs for strobe | Compatibility | Recycle Time | Full Power Flashes | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godox PB960 External Flash Pow | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Metz, Yongnuo, Godox | 1 second | about 1800 | software and hardware protection |
| 36" Wireless Tow Light Bar wit | — | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Godox PB960 External Flash Power Battery Pack with Dual Output
The Godox PB960 stands out for its impressive recycle time of just 1 second, making it ideal for fast-paced photography where timing is critical. Its dual output allows powering two flashes simultaneously, reducing setup time and increasing efficiency. Built with a durable, high-temperature resistant nylon shell, it can withstand demanding shooting conditions. Compared with other options, its quick recharge capability and straightforward LCD interface make it a reliable choice for studio and event shooters. However, it requires an external power source for charging, which might complicate outdoor setups, and some users report potential compatibility issues with certain flash models.
Pros:- Fast 1-second recycle time
- Supports two flashes simultaneously
- Durable and high-temperature resistant shell
Cons:- Requires external power for charging
- Limited detailed specifications in description
- Potential compatibility issues with some flashes
Best for: Professional photographers and videographers needing rapid recycle times and dual-flash support.
Not ideal for: Photographers seeking a completely portable, self-contained unit without external power dependencies.
- Compatibility:Canon, Nikon, Sony, Metz, Yongnuo, Godox
- Recycle Time:1 second
- Full Power Flashes:about 1800
- Protection:software and hardware protection
- Material:high temperature resistant nylon
- Charging:External power source required
Our verdict“This pick offers excellent speed and durability, perfect for high-volume shooting environments.”
36″ Wireless Tow Light Bar with Strobes & External Power Pack Battery
The 36″ Wireless Tow Light Bar offers a unique solution for on-the-go lighting needs, combining a large LED light bar with an external 20V lithium battery pack. Its wireless operation eliminates cable clutter, making it a favorite among outdoor and mobile professionals. Compatible with standard M18 or DeWalt batteries, it provides extended run times and easy battery swaps. Yet, this convenience comes with tradeoffs: the setup is bulkier and heavily reliant on external batteries, which can be limiting if you need a lightweight, self-contained unit. Its size might also be cumbersome in tight shooting environments.
Pros:- Wireless operation for convenience
- Compatible with common M18 or DeWalt batteries
- External battery for longer operation
Cons:- Requires external battery to operate
- Potentially bulky and less portable
- Limited to specific battery types
Best for: Videographers and outdoor photographers needing wireless operation and extended runtime.
Not ideal for: Studio shooters or those prioritizing compact, lightweight gear.
- Light Source:LED
- Compatible Vehicle Types:Truck, RV, Trailer
- Voltage:12 volts
- Item Dimensions:36 x 4 x 10 inches
- Style:Green
- Additional Features:Portable, Wireless
Our verdict“This is a versatile choice for mobile and outdoor lighting, where wireless flexibility outweighs compactness.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on external battery packs specifically designed for strobes, emphasizing key factors like power output, recharge times, compatibility, durability, and ease of use. We prioritized products with proven reliability in professional settings, balancing technical specs with practical considerations such as portability and setup complexity. Each product was chosen to serve different types of photographers and videographers, from studio shooters needing rapid recycle times to outdoor professionals requiring wireless mobility. We compared these options based on user reviews, technical features, and overall value, ensuring each offers a unique solution for different shooting environments.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best External Battery Packs For Strobes
When selecting an external battery pack for strobes, the decision hinges on several practical factors—power capacity, recharge speed, portability, and compatibility. Understanding your specific shooting environment and workflow helps narrow down the options. Whether you prioritize rapid recycle times for studio shoots or need wireless operation for outdoor sessions, the right external power solution can elevate your work significantly.
Power and Recycle Speed
The most critical feature for many is how quickly the battery can recycle your flashes. Faster recycle times reduce downtime and increase shooting efficiency, especially during high-speed events or bursts. The Godox PB960 excels here with a 1-second recycle, whereas other options may have longer recharge intervals, impacting how many shots you can fire consecutively.
Compatibility and Output
Ensuring compatibility with your flashes and cameras is essential. Some packs support multiple brands and models, while others are more limited. Dual outputs can also be a bonus for simplifying setups, especially in studio environments. Think about whether your gear aligns with the specs before making a choice.
Portability and Setup
Size, weight, and ease of connection influence how convenient a battery pack is for your workflow. The compact Godox is ideal for studio or event work, while larger, wireless options like the tow light bar suit outdoor or location shoots where mobility is key. Consider whether you prefer a self-contained unit or are comfortable managing external batteries.
Durability and Power Source
Durability matters for outdoor or demanding environments. The high-temperature resistant shell of the Godox offers peace of mind in tough conditions. The tow light bar’s reliance on external batteries means you need to carry extra gear, but it also allows extended operation without internal power constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Godox PB960 with any flash?
The Godox PB960 is designed to be compatible with a broad range of camera brands and flashes, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and others. However, compatibility is not universal, and some flashes may require additional adapters or specific connectors. It’s advisable to check your flash model’s input requirements before purchasing to avoid connectivity issues.
How does the recycle time impact my shooting session?
Recycle time determines how quickly your flash is ready to fire again after a shot. Shorter recycle times, like the 1 second offered by the Godox PB960, allow for rapid shooting sequences, which is crucial during fast-paced events or continuous shooting modes. Longer recycle times can slow down your workflow, potentially causing delays and missed shots.
Is wireless operation better for outdoor shoots?
Wireless operation offers significant convenience outdoors, reducing cable clutter and enabling greater mobility. The 36″ tow light bar exemplifies this advantage, allowing you to position lighting freely without worrying about power cords. However, wireless units often rely on external batteries, which can add bulk and weight, so consider your portability needs.
What should I consider regarding battery compatibility?
Battery compatibility is key to ensuring your external pack works seamlessly with your existing gear. Some products support standard batteries like M18 or DeWalt, while others have proprietary connectors. Always verify the voltage, connector type, and size to match your equipment, especially if you plan to swap or upgrade batteries frequently.
Are external battery packs suitable for studio use?
External battery packs are very suitable for studio photography, especially when rapid recycle times are needed, as with the Godox PB960. They provide reliable power and quick recharge, minimizing downtime. However, their size and dependence on external power sources mean they might be less convenient if space is limited or if a fully portable, self-contained system is preferred.
Conclusion
For photographers and videographers working in controlled environments or high-speed scenarios, the Godox PB960 offers unmatched speed and durability. Outdoor and mobile professionals will benefit more from the 36″ Wireless Tow Light Bar due to its wireless operation and extended run times, despite its bulk. Each choice aligns with different priorities—speed and reliability versus mobility and flexibility—so consider your typical shooting conditions when selecting the best external battery pack for your strobes.
