Dead batteries are probably one of the most frustrating disruptions to the creative process. Each of us has developed our own strategy over the years to overcome this problem.
You usually start with the simplest, but also the most impractical method: charging the battery in the camera via USB cable. This is a makeshift solution because the camera is blocked and the charging process often takes an eternity.
The next step is the charger supplied by the manufacturer. This is already better, but usually only charges one battery and is often a rather pragmatically designed piece of plastic. However, anyone who works with multiple batteries, as is unavoidable on longer shoots or when traveling, quickly reaches their limits here too. You constantly have to remember to swap the batteries.
So I was faced with the question of whether a specialized third-party charger like the llano 30W fast charger for my NP-W126S batteries could represent a real improvement to my workflow and simplify the charging infrastructure when traveling.
Material, Size, Scope of Delivery
Even when unpacking the llano charger for the first time, it’s noticeable that there’s a different standard for product quality here. While the original charger from Fuji is purely functional and made of simple hard plastic, the housing of the llano device feels significantly more valuable.
The housing is made of aluminum. It has a velvety, almost soft surface that is not only pleasant to hold but also insensitive to fingerprints. The processing quality leaves a solid and durable impression. Nothing creaks or seems fragile.
A well-thought-out detail is the underside of the device, which is provided with a rubber coating. This sounds like a small thing, but it proves to be very useful in practice.
In terms of size, the charger is slightly more compact than two original chargers placed side-by-side. However, it is noticeably more massive and also a bit heavier. This higher weight is a double-edged sword. The difference is around 50 grams.
On the one hand, it contributes to the premium feel and conveys robustness; on the other hand, every gram counts on trips in the photo backpack. For stationary use in the studio or at home, the weight is irrelevant; for the traveling photographer, it is a factor to consider.
The scope of delivery includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in addition to the charger itself. As is common with many devices today, a power adapter is not included. The idea behind this is that most users already have suitable USB-C power adapters from their smartphones or laptops anyway.
Functions
The core function of a charger is trivial: it should charge batteries. But how it does so makes the difference. The llano charger accommodates three NP-W126S batteries simultaneously. The batteries fit precisely and securely in the charging bays. The NP-W126S fits, among others, in the Fujifilm X100VI, X100V, XT-20, XM5, X-T30, X100F, X-T3, X-T2, or XE4.
The decisive advantage over most standard solutions is speed and flexibility. Thanks to the USB-C connection, you are no longer dependent on proprietary power supply and a wall socket. The ability to power the charger via a power bank, laptop, or a USB port on a train or plane is a huge gain in independence. Especially when traveling, where you are often faced with different socket systems, a universal USB-C connection significantly simplifies the charging infrastructure. You only need one powerful power adapter and the right cable for your smartphone, laptop, and the camera charger.
The device supports fast charging, which is advertised as 30 watts in the product description. In practice, this means that three fully discharged batteries are ready for use again in about two hours. The charging indicator is located on the front. It shows the current charging status for each charging bay individually and is easy to read. This is a significant improvement over simple chargers, which often only signal with a single LED whether charging is in progress or the charging process is complete.
The disadvantage of the USB-C concept is that you need to carry an additional cable and a power adapter if you don’t already have one for other devices in your luggage. However, in today’s world, where USB-C has become the standard, this should no longer be a real obstacle for most photographers. The flexibility and the gained independence from the power socket far outweigh this minor disadvantage.
Conclusion on the llano Camera Battery Charger
Let’s return to the original question: Can the llano 30W fast charger meaningfully improve a photographer’s charging workflow? After careful consideration, the answer is yes.
It is more than just a replacement for the original charger; it is a well-thought-out tool that simplifies and makes camera power management more flexible. The high-quality workmanship and pleasant feel clearly distinguish it from standard chargers. The ability to charge three batteries simultaneously and quite quickly is a real advantage in everyday photographic life.
However, the biggest advantage is the power supply via USB-C. The associated possibility of charging batteries on the go via a power bank creates a new form of autonomy and is very reassuring on long photo days far from civilization or when traveling.
The slightly higher weight is a compromise made for the quality and functionality offered. Those who only charge at home won’t be bothered by it. Those who count every gram while traveling need to weigh whether the benefits outweigh the additional load.
For me personally, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. The llano charger is a sensible investment for all photographers who regularly handle multiple batteries and are looking for a reliable, flexible, and high-quality charging solution.
Buy Charger
The charger for NP-W126S is easiest to find on Amazon. There are also versions for the battery types: LP-E6NH, NP-FW50, DMW-BLK22, NP-FZ100, and LP-E17.