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. 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 , 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. Fast-forward to today, and I’ve come across an innovative 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. 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.
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. 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. There are several things I appreciate about this 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.
In conclusion, Llano’s 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. Darren J.
Spoonley, is an Ireland-based outdoor photographer, Podcaster, Videographer & Educator with a passion for capturing the beauty of our world..
