Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS RP
The Canon EOS RP is a fantastic full-frame entry point, but its compact design comes with a significant trade-off: the diminutive LP-E17 battery. If you’ve spent a day shooting street photography or 4K video, you know the “low battery” blink happens far too soon. I’ve tested various power solutions to see which ones actually communicate with the RP’s software. While the genuine Canon cell is our top pick for reliability, several third-party alternatives offer incredible value for high-volume shooters.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS RP: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 Lithium-Ion Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
There is simply no substitute for the peace of mind that comes with the genuine Canon LP-E17. While third-party manufacturers have tried to reverse-engineer the chip, only the official Canon battery provides a 100% accurate battery life indicator on the EOS RP’s screen. This 1040mAh cell is built with higher-quality internals that manage heat better during 4K video recording, a common stressor for the RP. I find that I get about 250-270 shots per charge with this unit, which matches CIPA ratings closely. The main drawback is the price—it’s significantly more expensive than competitors—but it won’t trigger the “non-genuine battery” warning upon startup. If you are shooting a wedding or a paid gig where a sudden power cut could ruin a shot, this is the only battery I’d trust in my primary slot.
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Wasabi Power LP-E17 (2-Pack) View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has been a staple in my camera bag for years, and their LP-E17 kit is arguably the best value on the market today. For less than the price of one Canon battery, you get two cells and a convenient dual USB charger. These are “partially decoded,” meaning the EOS RP will ask you if the battery is genuine when you turn it on. You’ll have to click “No” and “Yes” to bypass the warning, and you won’t see a battery percentage bar on the screen. However, in terms of raw power, they perform nearly as well as the originals. I use these for long hiking trips where I can charge them via a power bank in my backpack. They are reliable, don’t swell over time, and provide that necessary safety net when you’re far from a wall outlet.
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BM Premium LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve already spent your entire budget on the EOS RP body and a prime lens, the BM Premium batteries are a lifesaver. These are the “no-frills” option of the battery world. Like the Wasabi, they are not fully decoded, so your camera won’t display the remaining charge. You’ll simply shoot until the camera turns off, which can be a bit of a guessing game. However, for the price of a couple of lattes, you get a battery that holds a charge well and fits the RP perfectly. I’ve noticed these can run a little warmer than the Canon originals during rapid-fire bursts, so they might not be the best for heavy sports shooting, but for a casual afternoon at the park, they are more than adequate. Just remember you must use the included BM charger, as they won’t charge in the official Canon cradle.
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SmallRig LP-E17 USB-C Rechargeable Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
The SmallRig USB-C rechargeable battery is a game-changer for the EOS RP. One of the biggest pains of travel photography is carrying bulky charging cradles. SmallRig solves this by putting a USB-C port directly on the battery casing. You can plug it into your laptop, a wall brick, or even a car charger. While it still triggers the “non-genuine” warning on the RP, the sheer convenience of not needing a dedicated charger is worth it. The build quality is exceptional, featuring a fire-retardant shell and consistent voltage delivery. I’ve found the capacity to be very stable, even in colder environments where standard third-party batteries often struggle. It’s slightly more expensive than a standard generic battery, but the reduction in cable clutter in your bag makes it a premium experience for any modern shooter.
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Neewer LP-E17 Replacement Battery Kit View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer is a giant in the photography accessory world, and their LP-E17 replacement kit is consistently reliable. What I like about this set is the compact dual-charger that uses a Micro-USB or USB-C input, giving you flexibility with the cables you already own. The batteries themselves offer a decent runtime, often lasting about 80-90% as long as the Canon original. While you still face the “not genuine” dialogue box on your EOS RP, these batteries don’t suffer from the “sudden death” syndrome that plague cheaper, unbranded clones. They are great for video creators who need to swap batteries frequently during a long shoot. You’ll notice they feel slightly lighter than the Canon cells, but the performance is surprisingly robust for the price point.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Spare Batteries for your EOS RP
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Pros/Full Data | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power 2-Pack | Best Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SmallRig USB-C | Travel | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer Kit | Video Work | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a third-party battery damage my Canon EOS RP?
Generally, no. Reputable brands like Wasabi, Neewer, and SmallRig include over-voltage and short-circuit protection. However, the camera will display a warning message asking if the battery is genuine. You simply have to click “No” and then “Yes” to acknowledge the risk. The biggest real danger is using extremely cheap, unbranded batteries that may swell and become difficult to remove from the battery slot.
Why doesn’t my battery level show up on the screen?
This is due to Canon’s proprietary encryption chip. Most third-party batteries are “partially decoded,” which means they can provide power but cannot communicate data like remaining percentage or “shutter count since last charge” to the camera’s processor. If seeing the battery bars is essential to your workflow, you must stick with the genuine Canon LP-E17 batteries.
Can I charge these batteries via the EOS RP’s USB-C port?
The EOS RP is very picky about USB charging. It usually requires a Power Delivery (PD) compatible charger and a genuine Canon LP-E17 battery to charge in-camera. Most third-party batteries will not charge while inside the camera via USB. This is why many third-party kits include their own external USB chargers, which are much more flexible for travel.
How many spare batteries do I need for a full day of shooting?
For an average enthusiast shooting stills, I recommend having at least three batteries total (one in the camera, two spares). The RP is rated for about 250 shots, but using the EVF and rear LCD frequently will drain it faster. If you are shooting 4K video, you might need 4-5 batteries to get through a heavy day of filming.
Why can’t I charge third-party batteries in my Canon charger?
The Canon LC-E17 charger is designed to communicate with the official chip. Because third-party batteries lack this specific communication protocol, the Canon charger often sees them as “faulty” and will blink a fast amber light. You must use the charger that came with your third-party battery kit to safely replenish those specific cells.
Final Verdict
If you are a professional photographer or someone who hates the anxiety of a disappearing battery meter, the genuine Canon LP-E17 is worth the premium price. However, for 90% of EOS RP users, the Wasabi Power or SmallRig USB-C options are much smarter buys. They allow you to stock up on multiple spares for the price of one original, ensuring you never miss a shot during a long day of travel or family events.