The LLANO Two-in-One Battery Charger promises a convenient solution for photographers on the go, offering simultaneous charging for camera batteries and other devices. This review delves into the performance and practicality of this three-in-one device, exploring its capabilities as a camera battery charger, power bank, and standard wall charger. We’ll examine its build quality, charging speed, capacity, and overall portability, assessing whether it lives up to its claims of powerful and versatile charging. Specific attention will be paid to its design features, addressing both its strengths and weaknesses.This in-depth analysis will cover the user experience, including ease of use and the functionality of its dual USB-C ports. We'll also consider the value proposition, weighing its affordability against its limitations. Ultimately, we'll determine if the LLANO Two-in-One is a worthwhile investment for photographers, considering its size, charging capacity, and potential drawbacks for both amateur and professional users.
Pros And Cons
- Charges batteries on the go.
- Functions as a battery bank for other USB-C/USB devices (phones, lights, etc.).
- Can be used as a regular wall charger.
- Doubles the effective number of batteries (if you have two, it effectively becomes four).
- Only provides two charges per battery bank charge.
- Large and bulky; similar in size to a camera body.
- Battery case lid doesn't secure batteries, leading to accidental ejection.
- A loose internal component creates rattling noise.
- Design is considered peculiar and could be improved for better aesthetics and functionality (adding screw mounts for mounting).
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The LLANO Two-in-One arrived in a rather unusual box featuring a picture of seagulls. Initially, I was confused, thinking it was the wrong package! Inside, I found the charger itself, a USB cable, and a convenient carrying pouch. The packaging is not what I'd call premium, but the accessories are functional and adequate.
The charger is available in various versions depending on your camera brand (Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji). I received the Canon version for this review. The inclusion of the pouch and cable enhances convenience and makes it ready to use right out of the box. The build quality feels solid enough but is not overly premium.
I primarily use Canon cameras, and the battery life on newer models feels noticeably shorter compared to older ones. The idea of carrying a charger that could both power the camera and other accessories on the go was very appealing.
Functionality and Features
The LLANO Two-in-One is a three-in-one device: it charges camera batteries, acts as a power bank for other devices, and serves as a regular wall charger. The ability to simultaneously charge camera batteries and another device through its dual USB-C ports is a useful feature. The charging time for batteries is approximately 2 hours.
While it works as advertised, the LLANO is limited to providing only two full charges for most camera batteries. I had hoped for a slightly higher capacity. Its power delivery for other devices is 20W, which is decent but not blazing fast.
The single button controls the charging; a long press stops the charging of the batteries, while a short press starts it. This is helpful for managing power when you want to prioritize charging your phone over your camera battery.
Build Quality and Design
The LLANO charger is surprisingly large, about the size of a second camera body. While the soft plastic feels comfortable, the bulkiness makes it less portable than ideal for on-the-go use. The lack of a locking mechanism for the battery compartment lid is a design flaw; the batteries can easily fall out if the lid is open and the unit is tilted.
The design is rather generic; a more modern and stylish aesthetic would significantly improve its appeal. While functional, the LLANO's size could be reduced, and the inclusion of mounting points (e.g., 1/4"-20 screw mounts) for attaching to tripods or rigs would enhance its versatility.
During testing, I noticed a rattling sound, suggesting a loose component inside the charger. This raises concerns about build quality and potential long-term reliability.
Final Verdict and Value for Money
The LLANO Two-in-One offers decent value for money if you consider its ability to double your battery capacity and also function as a charger and power bank. However, its bulkiness and design issues significantly detract from its overall appeal. The limited battery charges (only two) also leave something to be desired, especially considering the battery bank’s capacity.
For those on a budget or needing a charging solution for cameras that don’t come with dedicated chargers, this might be a worthwhile purchase. But for professional photographers who prioritize portability and need more charging cycles, the LLANO's size and limited capacity are significant drawbacks.
Adding another power bank can extend the charging cycles, which might make it suitable for long trips where access to power is limited. Overall, while it functions, its design and capacity limitations hold it back from being a top recommendation.