Llano Fast Charger Review

Llano Fast Charger Review: Compact, Fast, and Surprisingly Thoughtful

In an age where high-end cameras are shipping without chargers—and in some cases, without power bricks altogether—photographers and videographers are left fending for themselves when it comes to keeping their gear powered. If you’ve ever unboxed a new camera only to find a USB-C cable and a note essentially saying, “Good luck,” you’re not alone. Fortunately, third-party solutions are stepping up in ways that are not only functional but, in some cases, surprisingly elegant.

One such example is the Llano Fast Charger line, which includes both a sleek, fast dual-battery charger and a more versatile charger-power bank hybrid that doubles as an on-the-go energy station. After spending considerable time with both models, I can confidently say: Llano didn’t just fill a gap in the market—they elevated it.

First Impressions: Premium Build in a Compact Package

The first thing that strikes you when unboxing the Llano fast charger is the build quality. It’s compact, yes—but this isn’t another flimsy plastic charger that feels like an afterthought. The charger has a soft-touch silicone exterior that feels remarkably premium in hand. It’s grippy, durable, and offers just enough weight to feel substantial without being bulky.

There’s also something to be said about the design—Llano clearly put effort into the aesthetics. It has the kind of clean, modern design that wouldn’t look out of place next to a MacBook or inside a Pelican case full of camera gear. One might even say it looks like a miniature camera itself. It’s stylish without being loud, and that’s a rare win in the world of camera accessories.

Features That Actually Matter

Unlike some third-party battery chargers that prioritize quantity over quality, Llano has focused on practical features that make a real difference.

LCD Display with Real-Time Readouts

The dual battery charger features a small but sharp LCD screen that displays the charge percentage of each battery individually. This is a massive step up from the vague red/green LED indicators most cheap chargers offer. You no longer have to guess how much charge is left—it’s all there, down to the percent.

Built-In SD Card Slot

A surprisingly thoughtful touch is the inclusion of an SD card slot built into the charger. While it doesn’t read or write data, it’s a simple convenience feature that allows you to safely store an extra card while traveling. In a profession where space and organization are paramount, small details like this make a big difference.

USB-C Power and Fast Charging

Both the standard dual charger and the power bank version utilize USB-C input, with the standard charger offering 18W of fast charging and the power bank version upping the ante to 20W. In practice, this means you can charge two depleted Sony NP-FZ100 batteries in approximately 2.8 hours with the regular charger, or around 2.5 hours with the power bank model.

Compared to slower, generic third-party chargers (which often take 5–6 hours to charge the same batteries), this is a significant improvement. For professionals and content creators on the go, this speed can be the difference between missing a shot and nailing it.

The Power Bank Model: A Charger That Travels With You

The real standout in the Llano lineup, though, is the 2-in-1 Charger + Power Bank Hybrid. Think of it as a cross between an AirPods case and a battery management system for your camera. It’s compact, travel-friendly, and smartly designed to handle multiple roles at once.

Dual Battery Charging + Internal Storage

At its core, this device is still a dual-battery charger. But it also houses a 12,400mAh internal battery, allowing you to charge your camera batteries even when you’re nowhere near a power outlet. This is ideal for outdoor shoots, travel documentaries, weddings, or any situation where staying plugged in isn’t feasible.

You can insert a depleted battery into the charger, and it will automatically begin charging using its internal power reserve. The LCD screen tells you not only the battery percentage of the inserted batteries, but also how much internal juice the power bank has left.

Pass-Through Charging and Dual USB-C Ports

One of my favorite features is pass-through charging. The power bank can charge your batteries while also being charged itself. This means you can plug it in overnight and wake up with everything—your power bank and both camera batteries—fully juiced and ready to go.

Even better, both USB-C ports are bidirectional, meaning you can use them to charge the power bank or output energy to other devices. Want to top off your phone, laptop, or gimbal on the go? You can. You don’t even need to have the camera batteries inserted—just use the internal battery storage as a standalone power bank.

Real-World Use: From Studio to Field

In actual use, I found myself splitting duties between the two chargers. The standard Llano fast charger became my go-to for studio work. It stays plugged into a wall, neatly holds my batteries, and gives me an instant readout of charge levels—perfect for prepping gear before a shoot.

The power bank model, on the other hand, now lives in my camera bag. It’s compact enough not to be a burden and incredibly useful in travel or field scenarios. Knowing that I can keep shooting even when I’m far from power has made this a staple in my kit.

Even more importantly, it protects the batteries. I’ve had other chargers in the past that left my batteries jostling around loosely in my bag, which led to cracked casings and even questionable reliability. Llano’s locking compartments and sturdy cases give me peace of mind that my gear won’t be damaged in transit.

Compatibility and Battery Options

Llano makes versions of their chargers for a wide variety of camera systems, not just Sony. Whether you’re using Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, or another popular system, chances are there’s a Llano charger made for you. However, as of now, the 2-in-1 power bank version is primarily available for Sony’s NP-FZ100 batteries.

You can buy their chargers bundled with third-party batteries, but many professionals (myself included) prefer to stick with OEM batteries when possible. Thankfully, Llano’s chargers work flawlessly with official Sony batteries. The display shows accurate charge levels, and I’ve had zero compatibility issues so far.

Final Verdict: High-End Charging Without the High-End Price

There are plenty of third-party camera chargers on the market. Most of them are functional at best, frustrating at worst. Llano’s fast chargers are among the rare few that go above and beyond. They feel well made, look great, charge significantly faster than the competition, and include practical features you didn’t even know you needed—like SD card storage, pass-through power, and detailed LCD feedback.

At their price point (especially when on sale), these chargers offer tremendous value, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone serious about photography or videography.

If you’re someone who frequently shoots on the go, the 2-in-1 charger/power bank is a no-brainer. And if you primarily work from a fixed location or studio, the dual fast charger will serve you well for years to come.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality with soft silicone exterior
• Fast charging speeds (2.5–2.8 hours vs. 6 hours on generic chargers)
• LCD screen with individual battery readouts
• Built-in SD card holder (dual charger model)
• Internal power bank with pass-through charging
• Dual bidirectional USB-C ports
• Secure battery compartment for safe travel
• Available for multiple camera systems

Cons:

• Power bank version currently limited to Sony FZ100 batteries
• Third-party battery options may not be as reliable as OEM (though optional)

Bottom Line:
Llano has delivered a thoughtful, efficient, and travel-friendly charging solution that fills a much-needed gap in modern camera gear. Whether you’re a hobbyist, pro content creator, or working photographer, these chargers are more than just accessories—they’re essential tools.