Bluetti AC2A Review

The Bluetti AC2A is a compact power station featuring a standard AC plug, similar to those found in homes. Designed for field use, it enables you to power appliances such as battery chargers and lighting up to a 300W draw. With a 204.8Wh capacity, larger lighting will deplete the battery quickly. However, as a lightweight solution for maintaining powered accessories and general charging, this small power station is just what you need.

While other small units, like the SmallRig V-Mount 212, also offer around 200Wh and USB charging, the Bluetti AC2A’s advantage is its standard AC plug, facilitating the use of most household devices, not just USB-equipped ones.

Bluetti is one of the best-known portable power station companies out there, and the Bluetti AC2A reflects the high-quality design and build we’ve come to expect. The power station is compact, measuring approximately 25cm x 16cm x 17cm, and weighs a reasonable 3.6kg. It features a large carry handle with a textured grip, making it easy to carry around. Bluetti has designed this unit for outdoor use, incorporating more weatherproofing than previous versions. The AC input and DC PV input ports are covered by rubber flaps, ensuring slight protection from the elements.

The AC socket and the three USB ports are exposed, so while they can withstand a bit of drizzle, it’s best not to leave the unit out in heavy rain. An interesting addition to the AC2A is the earthing point next to the AC input, a feature not seen in earlier models but becoming more common in new power stations.

There’s ample venting on the sides to help keep the system cool if you’re maxing out the 300W load. On the front is the main power switch, along with DC and AC On/Off buttons, allowing you to select the type of output you need. Above these buttons is a small LCD that provides essential information about the power station, including power draw and remaining charge.

One of the standout features of this small power station in the field is its versatility. While lightweight for a power station, it’s still substantial enough to be used as ballast for lighting stands, eliminating the need for additional sandbags. The top surface, though small, is handy for placing your camera, battery chargers, or other small items you don’t want on the ground.

The Bluetti AC2A, though compact, boasts a range of useful features. It has a single main AC plug compared to larger models with 2 to 4 plugs. However, it includes a 100W PD USB-C output, which is incredibly useful, alongside two USB-A 5V/2.4A ports, perfect for quickly charging most iPhones and other smartphones. Additionally, there’s a standard 12V/10A DC output and a 12V-28V DC PV input (200W max) ideal for solar panels. The standard AC input allows for flexible recharging options, and the grounding point offers extra safety.

Technically, the battery has a 300W AC output with a surge capability of up to 600W, allowing devices needing extra power at startup to run smoothly before stabilising at 300W. The battery capacity is 204.8Wh, providing just under an hour of battery life for a 300W device. Exceeding this wattage triggers the safety mechanism, shutting the battery down to protect it.

One impressive feature is the fast charging capability: it can recharge to 80% in about 45 minutes using a 270W mains input. Solar charging at a maximum of 200W takes just over an hour on a bright day. The use of LiFePO4 batteries ensures a long lifecycle of over 3,000 charges, potentially lasting 5 to 10 years without issues.

Noise can be an issue with larger power stations, but the AC2A operates at a low 45 dB, making it barely noticeable even when pushing out 300W. This is particularly beneficial when filming on set.

Another excellent feature is the smart remote app, which allows you to monitor and control the power station from your mobile phone. This is particularly useful when the power station is hidden away or used as a ballast for lighting stands, enabling easy access and control.

To test the Bluetti AC2A, I utilised it with various photography equipment, including a Yaber T2 Plus projector, Zhiyun Molus G300, Zhiyun Fiveray M20C, Canon EOS R5C, Sony Alpha 7 IV, and Rotolight Anova Pro 2. I used the AC2A as the main power source to top up the batteries or provide power, and it provided more power than expected, keeping the devices running for extended periods.

Starting with the largest power draw, the Molus G300 COB LED light, which draws 300W at full power, the AC2A kept the light running at full power for just under 40 minutes. In typical use, where the light operates at 40-80% power, the AC2A would last through most short shoots.
For the Rotolight Anova Pro 2, which has a draw of 72W, I used an extension cable to run two Anova Pro 2s side-by-side. At full power, the AC2A provided over an hour and a quarter of runtime. At typical usage levels (40-70%), I would get around three hours of use from these two lights.

The smaller Zhiyun Fiveray M20C was particularly impressive. At full power, it ran for almost six hours before overheating, with the light’s safety feature kicking in before the battery drained.

I also tested the battery using PD power for the Canon EOS R5C and Sony Alpha 7 IV. In both cases, the AC2A kept the camera batteries topped up for a whole day of shooting, making it a reliable and lightweight power solution. While I might prefer a larger battery for extended shoots, the AC2A is a great option for travel, providing fast and efficient charging.
The final test involved the Yaber T2 Plus projector. I watched a movie for just over two hours, and the AC2A had ample capacity to keep it powered. With additional YouTube viewing, the projector ran for about four hours in total.

Overall, I was impressed with the performance of what I initially thought was a small-capacity battery. It offers many of the benefits of larger batteries without the bulk. The AC socket and ability to use standard chargers and transformers make it a versatile and valuable tool for photographers and videographers. If you’re looking for a lightweight solution to power your camera accessories or keep your batteries topped up, the Bluetti AC2A is a cost-effective choice for field use.

My initial thoughts about the Bluetti AC2A were that it was too small to provide meaningful power to lighting and most camera accessories. However, after taking it out into the field for a short photo shoot and then for longer video shoots over the weeks, I found that its compact size made it far more practical than the larger power stations I usually use.

I discovered that where I typically use a large battery to power high-draw devices, this compact station did the job equally well, even if for a much shorter period. The full integration with the app allowed me to check power levels, making things easy and with the app I was far more likely to conserve power. The ability to use AC power directly and plug in standard household chargers and AC adapters added to the overall convenience. I could also easily run an extension cable from the single unit to power my lights. For longer shoots, two of these AC2As would work well as power sources for individual Anova Pro 2’s, also serving to stabilise the lighting stands.

Using the AC2A transformed my view of smaller power stations. With a 300W output, it ran most of my lighting gear, chargers, and several other accessories. Despite its 204.8Wh capacity, it kept my batteries topped up in the field, proving adequate for standard day shoots, though not multi-day use.

As with other Bluetti products, the standout feature is the design. It’s well thought out, with a high-quality finish and a durable, high-impact plastic exterior that can withstand field conditions.

If you work in the field and need more power than your batteries supply but not as much as larger power stations offer, the AC2A is a great solution. For those with extensive kit, a larger capacity station might be necessary. Still, several of these small AC2As are so easy to transport that they become a practical solution for both videographers and photographers working on location.