Alien Bees: Any alternatives to Vagabond Mini?

I'd like to know if there are other options for portable packs with the Alien Bees, other than the VML.

Thanks!

I bought an innovatronix unit prior to purchasing my first vagabond. It's still running like a champ almost 8 years later.

But the mini is amazing.

Corser1 wrote in post #15360565
I'd like to know if there are other options for portable packs with the Alien Bees, other than the VML.

Thanks!

Why not get VML?

bobbyz wrote in post #15361836
Why not get VML?

The mini vag can't get wet. It may catch fire.

Village_Idiot wrote in post #15362600
The mini vag can't get wet. It may catch fire.

You got that e-mail too, eh? All lithium systems are a little touchy around water. No matter who makes them, they have been known to spontaneously ignite too. Just make sure the case isn't broken and you don't submerge it and you're fine. That e-mail was probably in response to a liability lawsuit or something. Nothing to worry about, like all electronics, take care around water. And like all batteries (especially lithium), take plenty of caution while charging, storing and using them.

Village_Idiot wrote in post #15362600
The mini vag can't get wet. It may catch fire.

And innovatronix can't?

How about trying your laptop?

Village_Idiot wrote in post #15362600
The mini vag can't get wet. It may catch fire.

*snicker*

Before the VML came out, there were various alternatives, some home-made battery-inverter combos and others commercially available.

But the VML is uniquely suited to power monolights. Its combination of power, capacity, price and weight are hard to beat for that purpose.

I really wish I had a good reason Bobby
To be honest, just trying to see if there's a cheaper alternative because it's not something I use that much.

bobbyz wrote in post #15361836
Why not get VML?

At $270 or so VML is quite cheap for what it does. I had VB II and now two VMLs. Love them.

Thanks, it appears that if I were to purchase one, I should probably stick with the VML. Are the older Vagabond II's worth it? I've heard more stories about them having issues then the newer VML.

Curtis N wrote in post #15362996
But the VML is uniquely suited to power monolights. Its combination of power, capacity, price and weight are hard to beat for that purpose.

Yeah I'll have to think about that. Maybe after Christmas or so.

bobbyz wrote in post #15363072
At $270 or so VML is quite cheap for what it does. I had VB II and now two VMLs. Love them.

Corser1 wrote in post #15363089
Are the older Vagabond II's worth it?

I never owned one, so I can't comment. I do know the older units were bigger and heavier, with different batteries (not lithium).

The VML can be mounted on the light stand which makes it pretty sweet for portability. Grab your light with one hand, your camera with the other, and go!

I have 2 of them, Each AB1600 has a dedicated VML. We hook them up to beauty dish's with socks and can shoot in F/16 light all day long. Have not killed one yet. I think they are good for about 360-400 pops at full power...im rarely above 3/4 with 2 lights and most of the time its around 1/2 to 3/4.........These VML's totally changed the way we approach outdoor work. I dont care what time it is anymore. Put the back to the sun and fire away.

Corser1 wrote in post #15363089
Thanks, it appears that if I were to purchase one, I should probably stick with the VML. Are the older Vagabond II's worth it? I've heard more stories about them having issues then the newer VML.

don't get a Vagabond II over the mini. It's so much better.

on the plus side, in a power outage, you can use the mini to charge your cell phone. Thanks to sandy that's exactly what I used mine for.