PHOTOOLEX BB Pro Review: A Clever Backup Power System for Photographers
The PHOTOOLEX BB Pro combines a camera battery charger with a substantial portable power bank. After testing the Canon LP-E6P version for around two weeks, I think its biggest strength is simple: it gives photographers one more layer of reassurance on long shoots where running out of power simply isn't an option.
Battery anxiety is one of those slightly boring parts of photography that rarely gets talked about until something goes wrong.
I get particularly nervous on shoots about running out of batteries. It does not matter how good the camera, lens or lighting setup is if you suddenly find yourself without enough power to finish the job. Carrying plenty of spare batteries helps, of course, but on longer shoot days or when travelling, eventually you need a way of putting charge back into them.
That is what makes the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro interesting.
Rather than simply being another camera battery charger, it combines a battery charging system with a built-in power bank. I tested the Canon LP-E6P version for around one to two weeks, mainly as an additional source of backup power for my camera gear while also using it to charge other devices.
For me, that combination is where the BB Pro starts to make a lot of sense.
Disclosure: PHOTOOLEX supplied the BB Pro and a matching Canon LP-E6P version battery at no cost in exchange for this review. No additional payment was made. PHOTOOLEX requested the opportunity to check factual product specifications, compatibility information, photos and links before publication, but my opinions and verdict remain my own.
What is the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro?
The PHOTOOLEX BB Pro is essentially two products combined into one.
Firstly, it is a portable charger for compatible camera batteries. Secondly, it contains its own built-in battery and can operate as a more general power bank for other equipment.
According to PHOTOOLEX, the BB Pro has the following main specifications:
- Built-in 5500mAh / 10.8V / 59.4Wh lithium-ion battery
- USB-C input and output of up to 100W
- Maximum combined output of up to 133W under supported conditions
- USB-A output of up to 18W
- USB-C cable and USB-C port
- Camera battery charging
- 1.54-inch TFT display
- PHOTOOLEX app control support
- Dimensions of 173 × 57 × 60mm
- Listed weight of 433.5g
Different versions are available for different battery systems. The version PHOTOOLEX supplied me with was specifically the Canon LP-E6P version.
Those specifications are useful, but the more interesting part for me is how the combination works in practice.
My experience using the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro
I used the BB Pro for around one to two weeks and approached it mainly as a backup rather than trying to make it the centre of my entire power setup.
That is probably the best way to explain why I like it.
I am always conscious of battery levels when I am working. On a long commercial shoot, seeing your remaining batteries slowly disappear from the bag is never particularly reassuring.
The BB Pro gives you another option.
Instead of simply working your way through a finite pile of charged batteries, you can have depleted batteries charging again while you continue shooting.
There is something quite reassuring about knowing that batteries are effectively being put back into circulation while you are getting on with the job.
For a photographer who worries about running out of power — and I definitely fall into that category — it provides excellent peace of mind.
Source: YouTube - Seen Through a Lens
Why the charger and power bank combination makes sense
The clever part of the BB Pro is not necessarily any individual specification.
It is the fact that several useful functions have been combined into one product.
There are plenty of camera battery chargers available. There are also countless USB power banks. The BB Pro takes those two ideas and combines them into something specifically aimed at photographers and filmmakers.
That gives you a battery charger which does not necessarily need to spend the day attached to a wall socket.
If you have a flat camera battery during a shoot, you can put it into the BB Pro and leave it charging while you concentrate on everything else.
That is exactly how I want this kind of product to work.
I do not want battery management to become another job I need to think about constantly. Being able to put a battery on charge, put the unit to one side and continue working is much more useful.
The charging speed felt decent during my testing, but more importantly, it was convenient. I could leave batteries charging while doing something else rather than having to actively manage them.
Build quality, displays and everyday usability
The overall build quality made a good impression on me.
It feels like a well-rounded product rather than an interesting idea that has not been completely finished.
The displays are useful because they give you a much clearer understanding of what is happening with your power than you would get from a basic charger with a couple of LEDs.
That is particularly useful on a working day when you may be juggling several different batteries and devices.
The charging options are also one of the BB Pro's strengths.
PHOTOOLEX states that the USB-C connections can support up to 100W input and output under suitable conditions, while USB-A output is available up to 18W. Maximum combined output is listed at up to 133W depending on how the unit is being used.
Those are manufacturer specifications rather than charging speeds I independently benchmarked, but in my own use I found the overall charging performance perfectly decent for the way I was using it.
More importantly, everything felt straightforward.
That counts for a lot with equipment that is designed to solve a problem rather than create another one.
It is useful for more than camera batteries
The other major advantage is that the built-in power bank is not limited to your camera.
On a modern photo or video shoot, the camera is only one of several things that might suddenly need power.
You could have audio equipment, drone batteries or accessories that need topping up during the day.
Having a more general power bank available makes the BB Pro considerably more versatile than a traditional camera battery charger.
I found that particularly useful because it means the BB Pro still has a purpose even when I have enough charged camera batteries available.
It becomes part of the wider power backup for the shoot.
For someone carrying several different pieces of electronic equipment, consolidating some of that emergency charging capacity into one device makes quite a lot of sense.
Source: YouTube - Camera Zone
The main downside: it is fairly bulky
There is one obvious compromise, and that is the size.
The BB Pro is not enormous, but at 173 × 57 × 60mm and a listed 433.5g before you start considering the camera batteries themselves, it is not insignificant either.
This was probably my main criticism during testing.
I would genuinely be interested to see whether PHOTOOLEX could make a future version slightly smaller without sacrificing too much battery capacity or functionality.
The current design is perfectly manageable in a larger camera or production bag, but photographers who work with particularly small setups will notice the extra bulk.
That creates an interesting trade-off.
The entire point of the BB Pro is that you are getting a charger and a substantial power bank together, so some additional size is inevitable.
Whether that compromise makes sense will depend heavily on the type of photography you do.
If you are carrying a small body and one lens around a city for an afternoon, it may feel excessive.
If you are heading into a ten-hour commercial shoot with cameras, audio equipment, a drone and other battery-powered accessories, it becomes much easier to justify.
Using the Canon LP-E6P version
PHOTOOLEX supplied me with the Canon LP-E6P version of the BB Pro system.
During my testing I did not notice any battery compatibility problems.
That is encouraging, although I would still add some sensible caution here.
Canon cameras can sometimes be particular about third-party batteries, and my testing period was around one to two weeks rather than several months or years.
I therefore would not take my experience as a guarantee that every Canon body, firmware version and third-party battery combination will behave identically.
If you are buying the BB Pro for a specific Canon camera, check the current compatibility information for your exact body before ordering.
For important professional jobs, I also think it is sensible to maintain some redundancy rather than making any single third-party power solution your only option.
That applies to batteries generally, not just the PHOTOOLEX system.
In my own testing, however, I did not encounter any compatibility issues with the equipment I used.
Who is the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro for?
I think photographers are probably the strongest audience for the BB Pro, particularly those who regularly have long shooting days.
Event photographers, commercial photographers, wedding photographers and anyone travelling could all benefit from having another way of keeping batteries charged without relying entirely on finding a convenient mains socket.
Travelling is perhaps an especially interesting use case.
When you are moving between locations, hotels, airports or outdoor shoots, your opportunities to charge equipment can become unpredictable.
Having a charger that is carrying its own reserve of power gives you considerably more flexibility.
I can also see plenty of value for hybrid photo and video shooters because those setups tend to involve even more battery-powered accessories.
If your bag regularly contains cameras, wireless audio, a drone and other USB-powered equipment, the ability to use the BB Pro as a general power bank becomes much more valuable.
For very lightweight shooters, the physical size will probably be the main question.
Is the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro worth it?
Overall, I really like the idea behind the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro.
It is a novel approach to a very real problem.
There is no shortage of individual chargers or portable power banks available, but combining the two into something specifically designed around camera batteries creates a useful piece of equipment.
For me, the biggest benefit is not necessarily maximum charging speed or any particular number on the specification sheet.
It is peace of mind.
Knowing that I can continue putting charge back into batteries during a long day makes me much less nervous about running out of power.
The good build quality, useful displays and flexible charging options strengthen the package, while the ability to charge other equipment makes the BB Pro useful even when your camera batteries are already covered.
My main criticism remains the physical size. I would love to see PHOTOOLEX reduce the dimensions slightly in a future generation if it can be done without compromising the core idea.
Even with that drawback, I think the pricing feels fair for what the BB Pro offers.
This is not something every photographer needs, but for people regularly working through long shoot days or travelling somewhere with limited charging opportunities, I can see it becoming one of those pieces of kit that quietly stays in the bag because it solves a very practical problem.
And sometimes, that is exactly what good photography equipment should do.
Frequently asked questions
What does the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro do?
The BB Pro combines a charger for compatible camera batteries with a built-in portable power bank. PHOTOOLEX lists a 59.4Wh internal battery alongside USB-C and USB-A charging outputs.
Can the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro charge other devices?
Yes. The built-in power bank can be used with compatible USB-powered equipment. I found this particularly useful as a broader backup for equipment such as drone and audio gear during shoots.
Which version of the BB Pro did I test?
I tested the Canon LP-E6P version supplied by PHOTOOLEX.
Did I have any problems with the Canon LP-E6P batteries?
I did not notice any compatibility problems during my roughly one-to-two-week testing period. However, compatibility can vary between cameras and firmware, so I would still check your exact camera model before buying.
Is the PHOTOOLEX BB Pro compact?
It measures 173 × 57 × 60mm and PHOTOOLEX lists the weight as 433.5g. I found it slightly bulky, and that is my biggest criticism of the product.
Who would I recommend it to?
I think it makes the most sense for photographers with long shoot days, people travelling with limited access to charging, or hybrid creators carrying several different battery-powered devices.
Does it replace carrying spare camera batteries?
I would not treat it that way. I see the BB Pro as an additional layer of backup. The real benefit is being able to start recharging depleted batteries while you continue working with the batteries that are still available.
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About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
A little trip to Wales but making some Big Plans!
I recently took a few days off after what feels like a very hectic 2023 so far! The idea was simple, a little bit of relaxation and maybe take a few photos if the opportunity presented itself. However, I also had a sneaky plan to try something out that may take my photography in a very different direction later in the year, but would it work out?
I recently took a few days off after what feels like a very hectic 2023 so far! The idea was simple, a little bit of relaxation and maybe take a few photos if the opportunity presented itself. However, I also had a sneaky plan to try something out that may take my photography in a very different direction later in the year, but would it work out?
For a while now, I have wanted to get out into nature and do a bit of traditional landscape photography. I’ve always loved the idea of capturing some stunning landscapes but living in the middle of Birmingham and being a non-driver, I’ve never really had the opportunity to. However, I’ve been working on plans to change this and in my mind, a spot of ‘Wild Camping’ was going to help my dream become a reality, but more on that later…
After a three hour train journey, we arrived at Aberdovey (Aberdyfi) and almost as soon as we stepped onto the platform, the rain started and it looked like being a miserable weekend. As one of the locals explained though, if you don’t like the weather in Wales, wait 5 minutes… We had booked a hotel for a couple of nights and the first couple of days would be fairly simple, plenty of food, plenty of drinks and no real other plans.
However, the third day would be where things got interesting as I had brought my new Wild Camping set up with me to test out. Rather than trying out all of my new gear in a strange new environment, I decided to book onto a campsite to give everything a run out and see how it went. And what a campsite it would be too with stunning views and a very interesting experience in itself!
Before my girlfriend returned home and let me go off on my adventure, we decided to mix things up and have a day out to Barmouth. The 45 minute train journey was spectacular in itself, snaking along the coast and in a nice twist, providing me my first glimpse of where I would be camping. Arriving into Barmouth though, we had other things on our minds, most importantly a bit of seaside grub and a drink in the sun!
“I went bold and only brought a small digital camera, the Sony ZV-1 and one film camera”
I had decided to try and pack light, in particular as I would be carrying all of my camping gear so deciding which cameras to bring with me would be critical. I went bold and only brought a small digital camera, the Sony ZV-1 and one film camera, the Yashica Mat 124G. This might not sound like any kind of setup a landscape photographer would choose but weight was very much a consideration and well, it was meant to be a holiday after all…
Exploring Barmouth with the Yashica was actually quite a treat and I certainly feel these were the best images that I created whilst I was away. For once though, the photography was very much a secondary and this weekend was more importantly a test of the camping gear. On Sunday morning, my Girlfriend headed home and I made my way, camping gear on my back to the Cae Du Campsite.
I arrived at Tonfanau, a request train stop about two miles away from where I would be camping for the night and began trudging my way to my pitch for the night. As I followed the coastal path and made my way through fields of sheep, I suddenly felt a long way from home and very far from the busy streets of Birmingham. It was a literal breath of fresh air though as the sounds and smells of the countryside filled my head. After the long walk, I arrived at the site and was immediately blown away by the views.
Cae Du is situated right on the coast and spread over two large fields that sit on jagged cliffs overlooking the sea. With only one other tent and one camper, I pretty much had the site to myself but immediately went to the far end of the field, a few hundred yards away from anyone else. Now was the moment I’d been waiting for, setting up all of my new gear for the first time!
The tent went up in minutes and was quickly followed by the sleeping pad and all the sleep system. With some dark clouds gathering further down the coast, I was glad that I at least had shelter sorted and decided it was time to cook my first meal - noodles and bread, this certainly wasn’t haute cuisine! The food was a welcome break but it was back to work setting up camp for the night and preparing for a little walk out.
With everything set up and the clouds seeming to be going away from camp, I went for a walk along the coast road with the idea to get up into the hills to take in the views. And what views they were, the hills were full of the signs of spring and it felt great to be out in the countryside, with the sun on my face and the Yashica in my hand. I strolled for a few miles before heading back to be back at camp for sunset.
The sunset was a beauty and as I hurriedly took a few photos, I could feel the temperature drop and the night starting to set in. It felt strange settling down on my own for the evening with just my distant neighbours being the only life for what felt like miles - apart from the cows in the next field. As darkness fell, I got my first sense for what wild camping on my own might feel like and I was totally in love. As I settled into my sleeping bag, the sounds of the waves crashing below me felt deafening with only the occasional rustle of wind on the tent breaking the rhythmic noise.
I slept OK, waking a few times to a few odd bumps and noises, but a shrill squeak of sea bird woke me around 5.00am which I wouldn’t really recover from. After some breakfast and a slow morning, I decided to pack down and make my way home. Packing down was a chore as there had clearly been a bit of a downpour in the night, so everything was soaked. With everything packed away, all of my rubbish collected and no trace left, I decided to walk back to Tywyn where I would get my train back to Birmingham.
The five mile walk went relatively quickly and the weight of my pack wasn’t too bad. The long walk on Tywyn’s pebble beach was a bit of a challenge on the legs and I couldn’t help thinking that if I was bringing any more camera gear, the weight would be a real challenge! However, with rain once again looming and working up a hunger, there was no time for daydreaming and there was a train home waiting for me.
The long train journey home gave me an opportunity to really assess whether wild camping was going to be a good option for me and it felt like a resounding yes! There would still be plenty of hurdles to overcome but the thought of being able to get out into some really remote areas was too much to resist! Plans were definitely forming for more adventures.
All-in-all, the gear had held up well (leave a comment below if you would like me to explain my setup in more detail) and I certainly think I will be doing it again soon! Even though it wasn’t ‘actual’ wild camping, I do think testing all of the gear out was a good idea and it has really whetted my appetite for more adventure. Though I would probably like to head to Scotland next and get out into some even more spectacular landscapes.
One option that I think I will be exploring is the idea of bike-packing - I cycle on a regular basis anyway so the idea of getting the weight off me and onto a bike combined with the ability to move a bit quicker and a bit further, certainly sounds like a good option! However, all of these plans are for another time and after getting home and a warm shower, I was certainly happy to be back in my own bed! Adventure can wait…
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
After nearly two months of regular use, the Bright Tangerine Titan Arm 2 Ti has become far more useful than I expected. I tested it for monitor mounting, lighting, teleprompter setups and general rigging — and while it is significantly more expensive than a typical magic arm, there is a very obvious difference in quality.