Portable Lighting and Power

[BOBinsane]

Do any of you folks know if anything out there is sold like a battery with AC style plugs that you can plug in lights and such for a remote location away from a power outlet. It's hard for me to describe what I'm looking for, but basically it's like a regular gas powered generator. But I don't like those because. 1. They're too noisy, 2. The carbon monoxide fumes aren't really friendly. 3. Too big and large for basic needs just like two-three lights I need.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks a lot, - bob.

[robertwgross]

Yes, something like this is sold for photographers, except that it has AC sockets instead of plugs.

Basically, it is a car battery with an inverter following that. The output is 110VAC 60Hz. They are a little heavy to carry around.

---Bob Gross---

[Longwatcher]

You might try the Alien Bee setup with the vagabond system. Without the modeling lights on (which drain way too much power), you should be able to get about 200-400 shots on location with 3-4 lights, much lighter then a gasoline generator (although still somewhat heavy). The vagabond can be recharged from a car battery (with the engine running) if you need more power after lunch.

I can lug around a set of 4 alien bees, light-stands, umbrellas and all and the vagabond system on one trip and then the camera system on the second trip. Or my able assistant will carry part of it so it takes one trip for everything needed (unless you need backdrops - then one more trip)

The vagabond system comes with one plug per charger (max of two per system) and then just use a power strip or three prong extension cord for the lights, if you have more then two (I usually put one AB800 and one AB1600 off each vagabond plug). They only guaruntee it will work with AB lights, but should work with other strobes. You could always get two multiple vagabonds and plug each light into its own, but I think that for most purposes that would be unecessary. I find that I shoot fewer shots on location then I do in the studio (at least so far)

http://www.alienbees.com/battery.html