As a landscape photographer, you've likely found yourself in a situation where you're capturing breathtaking scenes, and then suddenly, your camera's battery dies. It's an unfortunate predicament, especially when you're in the middle of a stunning location with perfect conditions. For those of us who rely on our gear to perform without fail, running out of battery power can feel like a nightmare. This experience led me to search for a reliable solution that would keep me powered up, no matter where my photography adventures took me. After some research and trials, I found a product that I believe will significantly enhance my workflow.
The Power Dilemma for Landscape Photographers
The Problem: Running Out of Power in the Field
During a recent three-day shoot, I encountered the very problem I feared most. I had brought along five batteries for my Canon EOS R, confident that this would be more than enough to get me through the trip with power to spare. The locations were incredible, and I was able to capture some truly amazing photos and videos. However, it was the video recording that became a significant drain on my batteries, more than I had anticipated.
The challenge with the Canon EOS R, as with many other DSLR and mirrorless cameras, is that the batteries typically need to be charged via a wall plug. Unfortunately, I didn't have the luxury of being near an electrical outlet during my shoot. Compounding the issue was the fact that the Canon EOS R doesn't support USB charging directly through the camera. So, there I was, with drained batteries and no way to recharge them. The result? My trip was cut short, and I missed out on some potentially great shots simply because I ran out of power.
The Solution: Llano’s Compact and Fast Charger
Fast-forward to today, and I’ve come across an innovative product from Llano that I believe will be a game changer for my future photographic endeavors. This compact and fast charger not only allows you to charge two batteries simultaneously via USB-C, but it also provides a handy visual representation of how much power each battery has left.
When I first got my hands on this charger, my initial thought was, "I wish I had this during my last shoot." Its compact design is a standout feature—it’s small enough to fit in my camera bag without taking up much space, yet robust enough to feel like a quality product. The charger’s exterior is wrapped in silicone rubber, making it comfortable to hold and resistant to slipping out of your hand. It’s built to last, which is crucial for photographers who need reliable gear in the field.
Testing the Fast-Charging Capabilities
One of the most impressive aspects of Llano's charger is its fast charging capability. The manufacturer claims that it can charge batteries up to 50% faster than the standard charger that comes with your camera. I decided to put this claim to the test.
Using a PD-compatible USB charger, I plugged in one of my 2,400 mAh batteries, which was nearly drained. To my surprise, the battery was fully charged in just over an hour. Throughout the charging process, I could monitor the progress thanks to the visual indicators on the charger, which is a feature I found particularly useful. It’s reassuring to know exactly how much charge your batteries have, especially when you're planning your next shoot and need to manage your time and resources effectively.
Versatility Across Camera Brands
Another significant advantage of this charger is its versatility. While I primarily shoot with Canon gear, this charger isn’t limited to just one brand. Llano offers versions compatible with Sony, Nikon, and Fuji cameras as well.
The charger also comes as a kit, including two batteries tailored for your specific camera brand. If you're hesitant about using third-party batteries, the good news is that you can purchase the charger on its own. However, the third-party batteries that came with my unit have a higher capacity than my original Canon battery. My standard Canon LP-E6N battery has a capacity of 1,650 mAh, while the new LP-E6N batteries from Llano are rated at 2,400 mAh. This extra capacity can provide those crucial additional minutes (or even hours) of shooting time, which can make all the difference in the field.
Cost-Effectiveness and Future Innovations
The cost of this charger, including the two high-capacity batteries, is surprisingly affordable. It can sometimes be less expensive than purchasing just one OEM battery from your camera's manufacturer. This affordability is likely to appeal to many photographers, especially those who need multiple batteries but don’t want to break the bank.
What's even more exciting is that Llano is already working on a new version of this charger, which will include a built-in power bank. This means you could pop your batteries into the charger, throw them in your bag, and it would charge your batteries while you continue shooting with another one. For many photographers, this could be an absolute game changer, offering a level of convenience and reliability that hasn’t been seen before.
What I Like About Llano’s Charger
There are several things I appreciate about this charger:
- Compact and Portable Design: It’s small enough to fit easily into my camera bag, yet it’s durable and well-built.
- Fast Charging Capability: Charging my batteries faster than the standard charger is a huge plus, especially during multi-day shoots.
- Visual Power Indicators: Being able to see how much charge each battery has in real-time is incredibly useful.
- Versatility: The charger’s compatibility with multiple camera brands makes it a flexible tool for any photographer.
- High-Capacity Batteries: The included batteries offer more power than the standard Canon batteries, which can be crucial when you're out in the field for extended periods.
What I Don’t Like About Llano’s Charger
While I’m highly impressed with Llano’s charger, there are a couple of minor downsides to consider:
-
No Built-In Power Source: While the charger is great for when you have access to a USB-C power source, the current version doesn't include an internal battery or power bank, meaning you still need an external power source to charge your batteries. However, this is something Llano is reportedly addressing in their next version.
-
Third-Party Battery Concerns: Although the included third-party batteries have a higher capacity than Canon's OEM options, some photographers might be hesitant to use non-OEM batteries due to concerns about compatibility or long-term reliability. That said, my experience with the Llano batteries has been positive so far.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Tool for Serious Photographers
In conclusion, Llano’s compact and fast charger is a highly effective tool that has the potential to transform the way photographers manage their power needs in the field. Its fast charging, portability, and versatile compatibility make it a valuable addition to any photographer's kit, especially for those who often find themselves shooting in remote locations. While there are a few areas where Llano could improve, the current product is already a game changer, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the company continues to innovate in this space.
For anyone serious about landscape photography or any type of outdoor photography where power management is crucial, this charger is worth considering. It has certainly become a permanent part of my gear, and I’m confident it will help prevent the frustrating experience of running out of power when you need it most.
When it comes to the charger for the Canon batteries: my charger is not so fancy. It cost US$ 6 years ago and takes 2 BP-511 batteries at the same time, has an electronic charging indicator, is slightly larger than a credit card, 2 cm high and has a cable with USB connection integrated in the base. And no, it doesn't charge quite as quickly as the Llano presented here. For a tenth of the price and a more compact size, I'm happy to accept that. And it does what it's supposed to do: charge my batteries, no frills.
Regarding the mishap of empty batteries on the road (However, it was the video recording that became a significant drain on my batteries, more than I had anticipated.): I would have tested beforehand how many minutes I could film with a fully charged battery. That way I wouldn't have been surprised.
Temperature has a play on the longevity unfortunately! Also the age of my batteries too I guess ! I’ve not had to deal with the issue in the past but am glad now that at least I have a plan b for such circumstances ! Your charger sounds interesting too, given that it’s 6 years old too ! Thanks for your comment
Sorry Darren, of course my little charger takes 2 LP-E6(N) batteries. After switching from Canon to Fuji a long time ago, I rarely use my 5D MII any more and didn't have the name of the batteries to hand ...
Instead of using a battery to charge other batteries, why not just carry more camera batteries and skip the charging time? I guess cost might be the only counterpoint.
Or, bring batteries with built-in USB-C ports and charge them directly. Many of the USB-C chargeable batteries also have very fast charging times.
I had that thought too! Hence having 5 batteries with me but it wasn’t enough :-) yeah I was also looking at the usb chargeable batteries ! Do you have them ? How are they so far ?
On trips I am often without power for extended periods of time beyond power banks. Even with taking multiple batteries for each camera I take, I still take external USB-C chargers to keep batteries fresh on the go. Between still photography on 2 cameras and batteries for the video camera, the external chargers are super handy.
I just buy more batteries.
Since it's not a power bank and are going to need a power source anyway, I think there are better solutions as they are way smaller and lighter, and could offer more batteries such as the attached. (Just a random selection)
I've been using these types of chargers for my Sony's since 2012. They are fine.
I'm not a fan of fast charging. In my experience, they drain quicker than slow charged. Fast charging is only beneficial if you are in pinch and/or only have one battery and need to finish to job. But, with having multiple batteries, that shouldn't be an issue.
Edit: Goddamnit. This site is still broke. Won't upload images. Here's a link for reference on the charger:
https://www.kentfaith.com/KF28.0039_lp-e6-lp-e6nh-battery-and-3-slot-cha...
Looks like an interesting option too! Thanks for sharing
After some bad experiences with friends, I would never buy third party batteries. Of course you save some money. However, this amount saved is ridiculous compared to the price of the camera: EOS R5 MII 4300 US$ - savings per battery from the third party supplier approx. 30 US$ - that's less than 1% of the purchase price. On the other hand, with original batteries I usually have a 2-year warranty, in which the repair of the (expensive) camera body is covered by the manufacturer, usually even outside the battery warranty period. If the battery from a third-party manufacturer bursts in the camera housing and damages the camera, you are stuck with the repair costs - which can cost several hundred US dollars, depending on the camera and manufacturer. It's not worth it to me to use replica batteries.
Valid points there for sure
I call BS on your story. You paranoid purists and your hyperbole scare tactics.
For people with the kind of budget I have, the price of OEM batteries is significant, even when viewed within the big picture, relative to other expenses.
I buy high-end camera models, but I buy them used, usually after they have been discontinued. And I typically pay 25% to 40% of the price of the camera when it was new. New Canon batteries for these bodies are prohibitively expensive. Aftermarket batteries save me a lot of money.
In fact, I have even started buying used batteries via eBay, MBP, and KEH. And even though these batteries are used and a few years old, they have all worked great for me, with nary a problem, and I have been using such batteries since 2009 and I shoot on an everyday basis most of the year.
All my cameras, including Canon, Fuji and Sony's can already be charged directly from a power bank and a few (Hasselblad/Leica) can be used while powered from a power bank. This device is completely redundant. All I need is a USBC cable with a right angle plug and I can shoot far days with just one battery.
It is 2024 after all.
Are canon LP-E6 now coming with USB C ports built in or are you charging via the camera? I don’t have that option on my r ! Thanks for your comment
But it's what this smallrig charger does as well and you can buy it with or without batteries as well. I bought mine from BH quite some time ago and without batteries its 10 $ and you can get it for all kinds of makes. Except is does not do fast charge. https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-lp-e6nh-camera-battery-and-charger-kit...
And here without batteries for Canon https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1740946-REG/smallrig_4084_lp_e6nh...
Nice kit, the advantage I did with the one here is that it closes over and contains the batteries, meaning I can keep it in my bag without the chance of the batteries coming loose and not charging
Darren,
This is a great write-up on what sounds like a really useful product.
It is interesting to me that so far, each of the comments come from people saying why they don't need this charger, or how they think that what they use is better.
Personally, I think that it would be a really useful charger. I would buy one right now, except that I don't think I'll be shooting with my current body much longer. I will be switching to a mirrorless body soon (hopefully), but I have no idea which model or which brand I will be purchasing, so I will obviously need to wait and not buy this charger until I get a new-to-me camera.
I don't see what this does that most of the chargers that come with nonOEM batteries don't do. Most of them have a meter to show charge, although it may or may not be reliable until the batteries are fully charged. And for the same price or less than this unit they come with spare batteries of generally usable quality, so you just carry the spare batteries.
Whoever doesn't estimate the battery power they will need when they go out on a photo shoot is kind of challenging Mr. Murphy.
You would need a pretty substantial power bank to hold enough charge for a full frame battery, let alone two.
I carry a halo bolt power bank. It has a full size wall charger all the usb ports you need and can jump start a sedan's battery in one relatively small package. I can fully charge all of my batteries multiple times.
I have one of these chargers, with the batteries. It works well and the batteries hold a good charge. However, in the UK at least they are well overpriced. I only have it because I was sent it for review. Is it good? Yes. Is it good value for money? No, I don’t think it is. Are there good alternatives? Of course.
I do like the accurate (I have to assume it’s accurate as I have no way of testing) display since the simple bars system on some cheap chargers is a bit clunky.
Would I spend my own money on this? No. Not now I’ve had chance to use one. Too expensive for what it is, in my opinion.
BS article. You can charge your Canon R using USB Power Delivery (PD) and a cable plugged directly into the camera.
Here's what you need:
* USB-C to USB-C cable: Ensure both ends are USB-C.
* Power Delivery (PD) charger: This can be a power bank, wall charger, or other device that supports PD.
Simply connect the USB-C cable to your Canon R and the other end to the PD charger. The camera will begin charging.
In your article you state. Compounding the issue was the fact that the Canon EOS R doesn't support USB charging directly through the camera.
That's incorrect. While the Canon EOS R doesn't support direct USB charging while the camera is on, it does allow you to charge the battery in-camera using any Power Delivery (PD) charger: This can be a power bank, wall charger, or other device that supports PD.
I'm a Nikon shooter and can charge over USB, but I still take external USB chargers on trips. Turning the camera off to charge can be rough if you run out of batteries. (Though, I do like to use the feature when driving to charge off the car while on the go as an option).
It looks like a decent charger albeit possibly on the higher price side. I can see there is a version for Sony which also includes a built in power bank but at £100 is a bit too much I think.
Knowing me though, I'd probably still eventually pick it up one day :D
This appears to be the same thing for Nikon Z50 etc:https://www.amazon.com/JYJZPB-Upgrade-Compatible-Replacement-EN-EL25A/dp...
And a clunkier but much cheaper version for the Z50 etc:https://www.amazon.com/Palogreen-EN-EL25-Battery-Charger-EN-EL25a/dp/B0C...
Just carry more batteries. Is this a solution in search of a problem?
Not really. Many of us go days on end with no access to plug-in wall outlet power at all. But USB power is often available during these extended trips.
"Just carry more batteries" is not easy because of the cost of the batteries. Many of us are on a budget and we just can't justify buying 10 or 15 batteries. In fact, just multiplying the cost of a battery by 10x or 15x looks ridiculous when I see the number of dollars that would require.
I assume that you do not do week-long photography trips in nature, far from civilization, where you are sleeping in your car or in a tent, away from any power source other than your car's cigarette lighter. Otherwise, I don't think you would have the mindset that you have.
Rather than publishing a promo, wouldn't readers be better served from a normal article that examined the problem described then studied several products and compared their benefits, cost and reliability.
I love that idea! But, sadly, that is far from "normal" these days.
For some reason, almost all of the gear-related articles here in Fstoppers have been focusing on just one product. I don't really understand why. Maybe because it is really really easy to crank out an article about a single product or family of products in the same line than it is to compare and contrast a range of similar products by several different manufacturers.
Most of the articles on Fstoppers seem like they could be written in just one to two hours, but I think that the readership here would also appreciate some articles that go into things with much more depth. Michelle Van Tyne has written a few such articles, and Ivor has written several like that. But for the most part the articles are just really brief synopses of a topic or a product.
The challenge with this wonderful idea is it's an article about a specific product, and if I don't have other products to line it up against, then it is not an honest comparison. If all the manufacturers want to send me their comparable products, then, of course, this is possible, but without them in hand it's unfortunately not. On the other hand, if I had called the article how does this product compare to X, Y & Z products then of course you would expect an in-depth comparison. Thanks for your comment tho..
I used to subscribe to Outdoor Photographer until I noticed their single- product features just happened to match their larger ads. Editorial work is full of challenges to solve. The beauty of regular publishing is the opportunity to improve the next issue.