SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 mini V Mount Battery

The VB212 Mini V Mount battery is a versatile power source, capable of supplying energy to a wide range of devices, including cameras, lights, and accessories. It’s larger than many of the standard batteries used for mirrorless cameras today but is better suited for more advanced setups, such as those involving cameras like the Canon C300 or Sony FX6. For those who are working with high-end broadcast cameras, the VB212 is an ideal match.

However, if you’re using the Canon EOS R5 C or Sony Alpha 7 Mark IV, it’s important to keep in mind that the VB212 battery weighs roughly the same as a camera and lens combination. Add that to all the other components of a typical rig, and you’re looking at almost doubling, or even tripling, the standard weight of your setup.

What makes the VB212 such an effective battery is its multiple output options. If you’re working with a Canon EOS R5 C, an Atomos Ninja, and lighting like the RotoLight Anova II, you can make use of the battery’s PD ports to power or charge multiple accessories, ensuring that everything stays powered for long stretches of time.

Caleb Pike’s collaboration with SmallRig shines through in this product. His insights have clearly informed the inclusion of valuable features that benefit videographers and cinematographers. This includes the usual USBC connections, found on many V-mount batteries, but the addition of a large LCD screen that displays both the percentage of charge remaining and the draw from the battery itself is a major plus.

Despite its size, the 212Wh capacity of the VB212 is more than enough to power nearly any piece of camera equipment. While it may not be the first choice for amateur filmmakers, given its price point and weight, professionals who need reliability and detailed power information will appreciate what this battery offers, particularly in fastpaced, small-crew production environments.

The VB212 is more than just a basic V-mount battery; it’s loaded with useful extras that make it an appealing choice for serious videographers.

The SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 follows the typical design for V-mount batteries. On its back, it has the standard V Mount, so it will attach easily to any camera or equipment using the same design. The six contacts at the base are standard too, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. When testing the battery with a Rotolight Anova Pro 2, it clicked into place smoothly, demonstrating the precise moulding of the rear mount.

Build quality is impressive, with the battery featuring a rubberised outer layer that improves grip, even in less than ideal conditions. While not completely waterproof, the battery does come with rubberised flaps and seals that cover all the contact points, except for the standard base contacts. This provides some level of protection against the elements, especially useful when shooting outdoors.

One of the key features of this battery is its large LCD screen, which does more than just display the remaining charge. It also shows both output and input power, so you can monitor how much energy each connected device is consuming. This is particularly useful when you’re using the battery with multiple devices in the field and need to keep track of their power consumption.

The overall design, while typical for a V-mount battery, feels more refined than some competing products. The materials used are of noticeably higher quality, giving the battery a premium look and feel that isn’t often associated with power accessories. The VB212 measures 132 x 83 x 80mm, making it fairly bulky, but considering its capacity, the size is understandable. It weighs 1.34kg with the charging cable and 1.31kg without.

In the box, you’ll also find a high-quality 240W USBC charging cable, which is branded with Caleb Pike’s logo.

Although the VB212 is “just” a V-mount battery, it is packed with features. The 212Wh capacity and 140W PD 3.1 power output are the key highlights, but the fastcharging capability via the bidirectional PD rapid charger is another standout feature, allowing the battery to fully charge in about two hours.

Though the VB212 is larger than other SmallRig models, it remains relatively compact, making it travel-friendly. It’s still small enough to fit into a backpack’s lens section, though its weight is something to be mindful of if you’re carrying a lot of gear.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the battery’s aesthetics. It features a rubberised outer casing and an acrylic front cover that not only looks good but is also scratch resistant and rugged. The design feels robust and durable, which is a nice bonus for a power accessory.

Designed with Caleb Pike’s input, the battery has some unique touches, including his signature on the casing. This helps set it apart from other V-mount batteries designed for DSLR and mirrorless camera users.

Safety is always a concern with large batteries, especially if you’re travelling by plane. The VB212 addresses this with its 12 secure LG21700 cells, each with a 5000mAh density. An intelligent battery management system (BMS) that protects against overdischarge, short circuits, overloads, and extreme temperatures ensures stable charging cycles for these cells.

The battery’s interface is also impressive, with a BP connector, two DTap sockets, USBA, and two USBC ports. The parallel circuit built into the battery allows for fastcharging multiple devices at once, with a maximum 212W output.

In terms of performance, SmallRig’s tests demonstrate just how capable this battery is. The Sony FX6, running at 4K 60fps with a 20W draw, will last up to 10 hours on the VB212. Similarly, the Canon EOS R5 C can run at 4K 60p for nearly 12 hours. Beyond cameras, an iPhone 15 Pro Max can be charged 13 times, while a MacBook Pro 13-inch can get up to 3.5 charges.

Throughout testing, the SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 Mini V Mount battery demonstrated exceptional performance across a variety of devices, including cameras and accessories. While its size is slightly larger than some of the other SmallRig models, its 212Wh capacity more than compensates for the added bulk, allowing you to power a camera and multiple devices throughout an entire shoot without worrying about swapping batteries.

One of the standout features is the battery’s design. The sleek aesthetics, including an acrylic front cover, give it a high-end feel, while the rubberised exterior ensures durability and protection, even under challenging conditions. The large LCD screen is particularly useful, offering detailed, real-time updates on power draw and remaining battery life. This feature is invaluable for videographers using multiple accessories during long shoots, as it allows for effective power management and adjustments on the go.

During testing, the VB212 was used with a Canon EOS R5, a GoPro Hero 12 Black, a Rotolight Anova Pro 2, and a MacBook Pro M1 Max 16-inch. The battery powered the Canon EOS R5, which draws around 25W, for approximately eight and a half hours, more than sufficient for a full day of filming. The GoPro Hero 12 Black, with a much lower power draw of about 5W, lasted an impressive 42 hours. The Rotolight Anova Pro 2, which draws a higher 72W, managed just under three hours of runtime, while the MacBook Pro, which draws about 30W on average, was able to run for approximately seven hours. This wide range of performance demonstrates the VB212’s versatility and ability to handle power-hungry setups without issue.

Even when multiple devices were connected simultaneously — including the Canon EOS R5, an Atomos Ninja V, and the SmallRig RC60B Light — the VB212 provided enough power to keep the entire rig operational for the day. The LCD screen was especially helpful in this scenario, allowing me to monitor the power draw of each device and keep an eye on the remaining battery capacity. This meant I could make real-time adjustments to ensure efficient use of power without worrying about running out of juice halfway through a shoot.

In practical use, the battery connected smoothly to the SmallRig adapter for mirrorless cameras, sitting neatly at the back of the camera once all the cables were in place. One small but thoughtful design feature is that the top flap can be folded back and clipped into place, preventing it from flapping around while in use. This kind of attention to detail, along with the rubberised flaps that protect the D-Tap and USB ports, adds an extra layer of protection, especially useful for outdoor shoots where conditions can be unpredictable.

During the test, I used the battery with several devices, both individually and together, which gave me a good understanding of how much power it could supply. For example, when connected to the Canon EOS R5, with an average draw of 25W, the VB212 lasted about eight and a half hours. When combined with a GoPro Hero 12 Black, drawing around 5W, the battery stretched its runtime to an impressive 42 hours. The Rotolight Anova Pro 2, pulling 72W, managed just under three hours of runtime, while the MacBook Pro M1 Max, which typically draws around 30W, lasted for about seven hours. These results show the battery’s reliability and ability to handle a variety of power needs, making it ideal for demanding setups in the field.

What sets this battery apart from others is its ability to not only power mirrorless cameras but also multiple video accessories simultaneously, all while providing detailed real-time information on power consumption. This gives users the ability to manage power more effectively, making adjustments in the field to extend battery life as necessary. Whether you’re running a simple setup or a complex rig with multiple components, the SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 offers reliable, long-lasting power that keeps you working without interruptions.

After completing the test, it’s clear that the SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 Mini V Mount battery is an outstanding addition to any videographer’s toolkit. One of the most significant benefits is the LCD screen, which offers real-time feedback on power output and remaining charge, a feature that is especially useful when you’re working solo or in the field with multiple devices. The design itself is sleek, and the battery pairs aesthetically well with rigs like the Canon EOS R5 C and the Sony Alpha 7 Mark IV. The high-quality construction and thoughtful design touches make the battery feel premium, something not often associated with power accessories.

The 212Wh capacity is undeniably impressive, particularly when used with mirrorless cameras and a variety of accessories. This battery can keep your gear running for an entire day, eliminating the need to carry multiple smaller batteries or stop frequently to swap them out. While the VB212 is bulkier than some alternatives, its large capacity and extended power output more than justify its size, especially for professionals who need reliable, long-lasting power on demanding shoots. For videographers working with lights, monitors, and multiple cameras, the ability to power all of these devices from a single source is a massive advantage.

That being said, the VB212 does have some minor drawbacks. The most significant is the price, which is on the higher side. While it’s undoubtedly a worthwhile investment for professionals, the cost may be prohibitive for videographers working with tighter budgets. However, SmallRig does offer smaller, more affordable options like the VB155 or VB99, which still deliver strong performance but lack some of the premium features and aesthetic appeal of the VB212. Another downside is the bulk and weight of the battery. While the size is reasonable considering the amount of power it holds, it may be cumbersome for those looking to keep their rig as lightweight and portable as possible. However, for those who prioritise extended power over compact form, the VB212 is an excellent option.

There are also a few thoughtful design features that showcase the attention to detail that went into developing this product. While the battery isn’t fully weatherproof, the rubber flaps covering the ports provide added protection against rain and dust, helping to ensure that the battery stays operational in less-than-ideal conditions. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor shoots, where weather can change unpredictably, and a little extra protection can go a long way.

If you’re a videographer in need of a reliable power solution for both your camera and its accessories, the SmallRig x Caleb Pike VB212 Mini V Mount battery is an excellent choice. Its combination of high capacity, multiple output options, and sleek design make it an indispensable tool for professional setups. While the added bulk and higher price may be factors to consider, those who invest in this battery will find it to be an invaluable addition to their gear, providing all-day power for even the most demanding setups. For those on tighter budgets, SmallRig’s smaller V-mount batteries are worth considering, but for those who need maximum power and versatility, the VB212 is hard to beat.