The Titon batteries, from Anton Bauer, are an interesting release because they’re entry-level models, yet they have nothing but top features. They were designed without any buttons or an LED gauge, so they can be offered at an accommodating cost. That’s how they were introduced at NAB 2019. Non-essential features were removed to achieve this. But at the same time, they have a 10A output, intelligent algorithm, P-Tap and USB ports, and one of the widest operating temperatures ever. They also feature 1,000 charge/discharge cycles, a large LCD, and the ability to deliver charge level information to supporting viewfinders.
The -4 to 140˚ F temperature range makes it a good option for someone like a documentary filmmaker, who might have to move from one extreme weather environment to another. Because of their more affordable price point, the Titon batteries are also ideal for someone transitioning to professional batteries for the first time, or simply for anyone looking to save on cost, especially when purchasing multiple units.
Tested with a 60W Light
Testing the Titons with a 60W light, we found the results to be exactly as accurate as advertised, but with one issue. To be fair, one would be hard-pressed to find a battery without a comparable issue, but still, it’s important to mention.
The Titons are available in two models, each offered in a Gold-mount and V-mount. The 14.2V Titon 90 features a 92Wh capacity, and the 14.4V Titon 150, 143Wh. The smart algorithm is designed to calculate a run time for an attached load quickly and provide an accurate estimate in hours and minutes. And if anything changes in the load, such as if an accessory is connected to the P-Tap port, or if the brightness of a light is adjusted, the algorithm is designed to near-instantly recalculate the overall load and provide a new estimate.
We tested two separate Titon 90s with the 60W Aputure Light Storm LS 1/2w LED Light. The results were the same both times. With the light at full brightness, both times the battery’s algorithm displayed a run time of right around 2 hours and 10 minutes. And both times that’s exactly how long the light maintained full brightness. It remained powered on for close to another two hours beyond that, but with brightness gradually dropping off.
The only issue was with how accurate the LCD was along the way to 2 hours and 10 minutes. Monitoring on a separate clock, we found the initial minutes elapsing off the LCD much quicker than every 60 seconds. In the first 20+ minutes of the 2 hour and 10 minute time span, the minutes dropped off the LCD about every 30 seconds. The next 20+ minutes, this changed to about 35 seconds, then 40, 45, 50, and so on.
However, in the last 20 minutes of the 2-hour-10-minute span, the minutes stayed on the LCD for longer than 60 seconds, first by just several seconds over, and at the very end as long as 2+ minutes. And this is how the battery compensated for the initial quick minutes. So, the initial readout was accurate, but if you were to check the LCD, for example, an hour into the process, it wouldn’t show a precise reading. But, again, this is common to batteries and most users are happy to have a correct overall estimate. Anton Bauer tells us that the algorithm learns over time and that the readup becomes extremely accurate throughout the entire range after 10 – 15 cycles. Finally, running additional tests incorporating brightness adjustments, we found the overall recalculated estimates proving just as accurate.
Other Features
The Titons provide a percentage readout when dismounted or charging, and a display in hours and minutes when powering something. Since there are no buttons to turn the battery on or off, the LCD at all times shows something, as long as there’s power left in the battery. When the battery is on the shelf, it will display a percentage figure letting you know how much charge is left. A benefit of this is that when you have a few on the shelf, you can easily just glance over and see what level each is at, especially with the LCD being so large.
The Titons have a genuinely rugged design. They’re very robust. And, although just slightly shorter than most other batteries, they somehow feel perfectly compact in the hand. Plus, the only difference in size between the Titon 150 and Titon 90 is in depth; the height and width are consistent, and this is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing. They also look very good. They successfully blend the classic look with a modern style.
Some Final Thoughts
Supporting a 10A draw, the Titons can power just about anything. Perhaps, for some full-size cine cameras with a bunch of peripherals plugged in, you may want a 12A battery, but otherwise even an 8A battery is more than enough for most cameras. Other than cameras, the Titon line, especially with its compact design, is a great option for lighting, gimbal and drone applications.
Recommended Chargers
Highly recommended as the charging solutions for the Titon batteries are the Anton Buyer LP2 charger and Performance Series Dual Charger, both dual-battery, simultaneous chargers that worked surprisingly super-fast. Two Titon 90s went from around zero to 100% in about an hour, and two Titon 150s in under an hour and a half. One difference between these two chargers is that while the Performance Series charger is a bit noisy, the LP2 is near silent. Other differences include features such as Wi-Fi, an XLR output, and an LCD screen.
Check out the Titons in the B&H SuperStore or on the B&H website. Anton Bauer is one of the oldest and most experienced companies in the battery industry, so the reliability is there. Comment below!
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