The market offers countless chargers and power banks. An exciting product here is the llano 2-in-1 charger with an integrated power bank.
The promise: Charge batteries, store them, and simultaneously have a power source for other devices – all in one housing. But can such a combination device truly simplify a photographer's daily life sustainably and replace the many individual accessories?
Build Quality, Size, Package Contents
Right from unpacking, it's clear that llano values an appealing presentation. The device comes in a chic, sturdy packaging that conveys a high-quality first impression.
Included in the package, besides the charger itself, are a USB-C to USB-C cable, a short manual, and a small fabric bag for transport.
The housing itself feels robust and well-made. The matte plastic surface is pleasantly grippy.
However, with a weight of around 410 grams (without batteries) and a size that some compare to a second camera body, it's no lightweight. You can clearly feel that a powerful 12,400 mAh battery is installed.
The device sits well in the hand, but it's definitely too big and too heavy for a pocket. Its place is clearly in a camera backpack or a larger shoulder bag.
Functions of the Llano CS3
The true strength of the llano charger lies in its multifunctionality. At its core, it's a dual charger that can hold and charge two NP-W126S batteries simultaneously.
A central display on the front shows the charge status of the integrated power bank in percent, while the charging progress of the individual camera batteries is shown via a simple four-bar indicator. A percentage display, like the one for the power bank, would have provided more precision here.
The device features two USB-C ports that function as both input and output. This allows for remarkable flexibility. You can connect the device to a power outlet and simultaneously charge the internal power bank as well as the two inserted camera batteries.
Once charging is complete, the device switches to standby mode to save energy. This pass-through function is particularly practical in a hotel room or at home, as only one power outlet is needed to supply power to three batteries at once.
The real magic, however, unfolds on the go. The internal 12,400 mAh power bank is the heart of the concept. It allows you to fully charge the two camera batteries without an external power source. The capacity is sufficient for eleven to twelve full charging cycles.
This makes the device the ideal companion for multi-day hikes, wedding shoots, or other events where battery consumption is high and access to power outlets is limited.
You can simply place the empty batteries in the case, stow it in your backpack, and while you continue shooting or are on the move, they will be charged in the background. This is a clean and uncomplicated solution that eliminates the need to handle a separate power bank and loose charging cables.
Additionally, the llano device serves as a fully-fledged power bank for other devices. Via the USB-C ports, smartphones, tablets, or even another camera can be charged.
In everyday life, this means you can forgo an additional power bank for your phone, which in turn saves space and weight in your luggage. This dual function makes the device a true all-rounder for photographers who travel frequently or spend long days away from home.
Conclusion on the llano 2-in-1 Charger
Can the llano 2-in-1 charger sustainably simplify a photographer's daily life? The device solves the problem of battery management in an elegant and well-thought-out manner. The combination of secure transport, charger, and powerful power bank in one housing is extremely practical and reduces the number of accessories to carry.
Especially during long assignments without a power source, such as extensive hikes or all-day events, the ability to charge batteries directly in the backpack proves to be an invaluable advantage. The function as a universal power bank for your smartphone is also a welcome bonus in daily use.
However, you must be aware of its size and weight. It's not a device for the minimalist camera bag, but rather for the well-equipped backpack. You also need the discipline to regularly recharge the power bank itself to fully utilize its benefits.
For the future, some improvements would be desirable. A slightly more compact version, perhaps with only one charging slot for maximum portability, would be an exciting addition to the product range.
Even more interesting would be a modular system with interchangeable inserts to charge different battery types – for example, for a main camera and an action camera – simultaneously.
Despite these wishes, the llano 2-in-1 charger in its current form is a convincing and very well-thought-out solution that noticeably optimizes the mobile photographic workflow. It's not a revolutionary product, but one of those intelligent advancements that make life as a photographer a whole lot easier.
Buy
The charger can be easily ordered via Amazon. There are also variants for the following battery types: NP-FZ100, LP-E17, NP-W235, and EN-EL15.
