Battery Power on Set: Instagrid vs Axsol Arvey E5
By Matphoto | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Instagrid One Max 207 and Axsol Arvey E5 portable batteries for studio and location use. We break down power, weight, outputs, and recharge times to help you choose.
Quick answer
For heavy-draw gear like 5kW lamps or multiple high-wattage heads, the Axsol Arvey E5 delivers the raw power. If you need a lighter, faster-recharging unit for standard 16A outlets, the Instagrid One Max 207 offers a much better portability and recharge speed trade-off.
Power vs Portability
The Axsol Arvey E5 is built for sheer output: 5000W max power across a 32A and a 16A outlet, plus USB and 12V DC ports. That makes it the clear choice for lighting setups that draw heavy current, such as large HMI fixtures or multiple Profoto heads running at full power. The trade-off is weight and size: at 111 kg and 62 x 42 x 66 cm, it is a cart-move unit, not a shoulder bag item.
The Instagrid One Max 207, by contrast, packs 3600Wh into a 20 kg body (42 x 21 x 42 cm) and recharges in under 3 hours. Its three 16A outlets are ideal for typical studio gear, LED panels, and smaller flash units. The lighter weight and compact footprint make it practical for location shoots where you need to carry the battery up stairs or into tight spaces.
Recharge Speed and Workflow
Recharge time can make or break a multi-day shoot. The Instagrid One Max 207 recharges in less than 3 hours, meaning you can top it up during lunch or between setups without a long wait. The Axsol Arvey E5 takes 4.5 hours for a full charge, which is longer but still manageable if you have a second unit or a generator on standby.
If your shoot runs back-to-back scenes and you cannot afford extended downtime, the Instagrid’s faster recharge gives you more flexibility. For a single long day with a heavy power draw, the Axsol’s higher capacity may let you run the whole day without a recharge at all.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Maximum power output: Axsol Arvey E5: 5000W max, with a 32A outlet. Instagrid One Max 207: 3600Wh capacity, three 16A outlets. Choose the Axsol if you need to run a 5 kW lamp or multiple high-wattage heads simultaneously. Choose the Instagrid if your gear draws under 16A per outlet.
- Portability and weight: Axsol Arvey E5: 111 kg, 62 x 42 x 66 cm. Instagrid One Max 207: 20 kg, 42 x 21 x 42 cm. The Instagrid is easily carried by one person; the Axsol needs a cart or multiple people. If you move between floors or tight spaces, the Instagrid wins.
- Recharge time: Instagrid One Max 207: under 3 hours. Axsol Arvey E5: 4.5 hours. For back-to-back shoots or fast turnarounds, the Instagrid recharges faster. For a single long day, the Axsol’s larger capacity may let you skip a recharge entirely. If your shoot schedule demands multiple battery swaps per day, consider renting two Instagrid units for continuous power.
Product facts at a glance
- AXSOL ARVEY E5 BATTERIE - 5000W: 5000W max power, 111 kg weight, 4.5 h recharge time, outputs: 1x 32A, 1x 16A, 2x 5V DC USB, 2x 12V DC. The 32A outlet and high max power let you run demanding 5 kW lighting fixtures or multiple high-wattage heads from a single battery, but the 111 kg weight means you need a cart or team to move it.
AXSOL ARVEY E5 BATTERIE - 5000W - BATTERIE INSTAGRID ONE MAX 207: 3600Wh capacity, 20 kg weight, under 3 h recharge time, 3x 16A outputs. The 20 kg weight and fast recharge make it practical for location shoots where you carry the battery yourself, and three 16A outlets handle most standard studio gear without adapters.
BATTERIE INSTAGRID ONE MAX 207
Which one fits your shoot?
Best for
- Heavy lighting setups with 5 kW fixtures or multiple high-wattage heads – choose the Axsol Arvey E5.
- Location shoots where portability and fast recharge matter – choose the Instagrid One Max 207.
Not for
- Ultra-light one-person run-and-gun work – both units are heavy; look for smaller battery packs under 10 kg.
- Shoots requiring a 32A outlet only – the Instagrid lacks a 32A output.
