SmallRig VB99 Pro review

The SmallRig VB99 Pro represents an update or upgrade to the VB99. At its core, it’s a similar battery, but it comes with enhancements that, while not necessarily boosting performance, certainly add to its appeal. The addition of an extra USB Type-C port, a colour TFT with a beautifully designed percentage display, and an aluminium casing come with an extra $50 cost. It’s a significant increase, but this does feel like a more robust and professional version.

In this case, the ‘Pro’ label seems genuinely meaningful. The transition from plastic to aluminium for the casing, complemented by a rubberized surround, significantly elevates the overall quality. While the VB99 already looked great, and the quality was superb, it’s impressive to see how SmallRig has managed to advance the design and quality to this extent.

The VB99 Pro is very closely matched to the VB99 in terms of specifications, but its design has evolved. It’s not just a rehoused battery with a few extra features; this is a battery that has been enhanced in almost every way and clad in armour.

Crafted from a blend of aluminium alloy and fireproof PC, the SmallRig VB99 Pro battery is both durable and robust. It’s approximately 70% the size of a standard V-mount battery, a Mini design style that’s becoming increasingly commonplace, especially among DSLR and Mirrorless camera users. This compactness significantly reduces weight, making the VB99 Pro an ideal companion for both enthusiasts and professionals.

At the heart of the VB99 Pro is its BMS intelligent chip, which supports a variety of fast-charging protocols, including PD, QC, and PPS. This chip facilitates bi-directional 100W USB-C PD fast charging, fully charging the battery in just 2.5 hours. Such speed and efficiency are invaluable for professionals who cannot afford downtime. The chip also plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, providing multiple protections against over-current, short-circuits, and overheating.

The VB99 Pro’s versatility extends to its compatibility with a broad range of devices, such as cameras, camcorders, and monitors. It offers a diverse array of output options, including two USB-C, one D-Tap, one USB-A, 8V-OUT, and 12V-OUT ports. Each interface is designed with a shunt mechanism, enabling simultaneous fast charging, a feature that will be highly valued in time-sensitive scenarios.

The inclusion of a TFT colour screen is a notable enhancement, offering clear and accurate status updates at a glance. This screen, in conjunction with the BMS chip’s 16-bit ADC and power meter algorithm, provides a detailed and real-time view of the battery’s status, which is crucial for managing extensive shooting schedules.

Lastly, the VB99 Pro’s 98.872Wh capacity in a 14.54V 6.8Ah configuration, along with compliance with international safety standards, ensures it is not just a reliable power source but also a safe one. The VB99 Pro’s thoughtful design and features adeptly meet the essential needs of professionals on the go, powering their equipment without the burden of extra weight.

The construction of the VB99 Pro is a noticeable upgrade from the VB99, with the aluminium casing enhancing the battery’s premium feel. The aluminium housing not only elevates the overall look and style but also incorporates a rubberized texture on the rear half to aid grip. This tactile surface ensures excellent handling in various conditions.

The new materials result in the VB99 Pro being slightly larger than the VB99. This size increase is marginal, only noticeable when placing the two models side by side.

Material changes are just the beginning; a more elaborate LED screen has replaced the small OLED mono screen of the original. While the interface is visually more appealing, the information displayed remains largely the same.

Atop the battery, the rubber port cover now conceals an additional USB Type-C port, allowing for the connection of up to three USB devices simultaneously. This is a significant boon for Mirrorless and DSLR users. For more traditional camcorders, the D-Tap and V-Mount connectors, along with two 12V sockets, are still available.

While the traditional ports remain similar to the VB99, the USB ports have been upgraded. Having two USB Type-C ports is beneficial for handling purposes, with one offering 100W input and output and the other output only, which is quite impressive.

Upon initial comparison of the two VB99 models side by side, while the designs are very similar, the quality difference is instantly apparent. The refinement of the Pro version makes the additional cost seem justified.

Let’s break this down to the basics: the VB99 Pro is a V-Mount battery, and at 99Wh, it delivers the performance you’d expect. When used alongside the VB99 in Rotolight ANOVA 2 Pro, both batteries easily powered the lamps for almost an hour and a half at full power (72W). Similarly, connecting to a small RC 120D location light using the D-Tap connection worked flawlessly, providing just under an hour of full-powered light.

Switching to more delicate use with the Canon EOS R5 C, the battery performed exceptionally well, powering the camera through a day’s shooting without needing an additional battery. I also connected the ZHIYUN M40 as an additional on-camera light and used the VB99 Pro for direct PD power. Connected to the new M20C, this setup could be an exceptional addition.

Currently, I’m without an NP-F to USB Type-C adaptor for the ATOMOS Ninja V, but when a replacement arrives, I’ll test this as well. With 100W PD power output, I anticipate excellent performance.

One feature that really stood out was connecting the battery to my MacBook Pro, which draws, on average, 27W of power during word processing. Having the battery as a universal power backup is incredibly useful, and though this is typically a job for a power bank, it enhances the battery’s versatility.

Finally, the feature I particularly appreciate is the screen. It’s not just a gimmick or a minor update; it’s completely new and feature-packed. Firstly, there’s a clear % graphic showing the exact charge level. Then, as you connect devices, it displays the exact voltage and combined power draw. For example, the MacBook Pro draws 19.9V and the iPhone 15 Pro 5.2V, with a combined average of 19W being pulled from the battery.

The % symbol is useful, but the time remaining displayed below is essential for shoots, providing exact knowledge of how long you can continue before the battery depletes. This time changes as you swap devices or top up the battery, but it’s the clearest indication I’ve seen on any battery. It’s absolutely brilliant.

The VB99 Pro represents a significant step up from the already impressive VB99, a battery packed with features that make it a great V-Mount choice. Priced $50 higher, the VB99 Pro’s improved build quality and features do justify the increase in cost.

However, the VB99 remains a solid option. If you’re simply looking for power, the VB99 is a reliable choice, and there’s nothing wrong with its power capabilities or build quality. For those who use V-Mounts daily, the enhanced build quality and robustness of the VB99 Pro could be a worthwhile upgrade.

Currently, the VB99 Pro is the only option available, with no signs yet of a VB50, which would be ideal for run-and-gun situations with cameras like the R5 C or a VB155 Pro for lighting and other high-power draw devices. An additional feature I’d like to see is an app for interacting with the batteries, especially when they’re mounted on hard-to-reach equipment or when managing a lighting rig solo.

Despite being traditionally dull, SmallRig has managed to introduce some excitement into the battery market. The VB99 Pro not only looks great and feels tactile, but it also offers an incredibly robust and useful power solution with its upgrades.

Ultimately, the SmallRig VB99 Pro stands out as an outstanding V-Mount battery. It exceeds the capabilities of equivalent models and aligns perfectly with the style and needs of DSLR and Mirrorless shooters. For me, it is currently the best V-Mount battery for DSLR and Mirrorless filmmakers on the market.