Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS R100
The Canon EOS R100 is a fantastic entry-level mirrorless camera, but it shares a common weakness with many compact bodies: limited battery life. Using the relatively small LP-E17 cell, you’ll likely find yourself running out of juice during a long day of sightseeing or video work. While the original Canon battery remains the gold standard for reliability, several third-party options offer incredible value. I’ve tested various brands to help you find the perfect balance between reliability and price.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS R100: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
When it comes to powering your R100, the official Canon LP-E17 is the undisputed king of performance. I’ve always found that using OEM batteries provides a level of peace of mind that third-party brands can’t quite match. Because this battery is “fully decoded,” the R100 can communicate with it perfectly, showing you an accurate percentage of remaining life on your LCD. It features a 1040mAh capacity, which typically yields around 300-400 shots depending on your usage of the EVF. While it is significantly more expensive than competitors, you are paying for safety circuits that prevent overheating and overcharging. The only real drawback is the price point, but for a primary backup during an important event like a wedding or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it is the only battery I fully trust not to fail unexpectedly.
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Wasabi Power LP-E17 (2-Pack) View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, Wasabi Power is a brand I’ve recommended for years. This kit includes two batteries and a dual-slot USB charger, which is incredibly convenient for charging on the go via a power bank or car adapter. Each battery claims a slightly higher capacity than the original, though in real-world testing, they usually perform about 90% as well as the Canon. Note that these are “partially decoded,” meaning they will power the R100 perfectly, but the camera might not display the remaining battery percentage, and you may see a prompt asking if the battery is genuine. You simply click “No” and “Yes” to proceed. For hobbyists who don’t mind a quick menu click to save fifty dollars, this is an unbeatable value proposition.
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BM Premium LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
BM Premium offers one of the most affordable entries into the LP-E17 market. For the price of a single Canon battery, you can often get three of these. For the casual shooter who only takes the R100 out for family gatherings or occasional weekend walks, these are a lifesaver. However, you should be aware of the limitations: like most budget options, they aren’t fully decoded, so you won’t see a battery meter. I’ve noticed that BM Premium batteries can sometimes lose their charge slightly faster when sitting in a camera bag for weeks compared to the OEM version. That said, they are safe, functional, and ideal for someone who just needs a “just in case” spare in their pocket. They represent the most honest balance of “you get what you pay for” without compromising the safety of your camera’s electronics.
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Watson LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
Watson is often seen as the “professional” third-party brand, frequently stocked by high-end retailers like B&H. What sets the Watson LP-E17 apart is the quality of the cells used inside the casing. In my experience, Watson batteries maintain their capacity over hundreds of charge cycles much better than the generic budget brands. While they are still “partially decoded” (meaning no battery meter on the R100), the build quality is noticeably sturdier. They fit into the battery tray perfectly without any of the tightness sometimes found in cheaper alternatives. If you want a battery that sits exactly between the expensive Canon original and the cheap Amazon knock-offs in terms of performance and reliability, Watson is the smart choice for a serious enthusiast who demands consistency from their gear.
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Neewer LP-E17 USB-C Rechargeable View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer has introduced a game-changer with their USB-C rechargeable LP-E17. This battery features a tiny USB-C port directly on the side of the battery casing. This means you don’t even need to carry a dedicated wall charger anymore; you can just plug it into your laptop or phone charger. For travelers trying to pack light with their R100, this is incredibly convenient. I find this especially useful for long flights where I can top off the battery via the seat’s USB port. The trade-off is a slightly lower capacity because the charging circuitry takes up physical space inside the battery shell. It won’t last as long as the Canon original, but the convenience of charging anywhere makes it a unique and valuable addition to any camera bag.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Spare Battery for Canon R100
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Maximum Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power 2-Pack | Bulk Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Strict Budgets | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Watson LP-E17 | Premium Quality | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer USB-C | Travel Convenience | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a third-party battery damage my Canon R100?
Generally, no. Reputable brands like Wasabi, Watson, and Neewer include built-in protection circuits to prevent overvoltage and overheating. However, extremely cheap “no-name” batteries from unverified sellers can occasionally swell or leak, which could damage your camera’s battery compartment. I always recommend sticking to well-known third-party brands that have been on the market for several years and have thousands of positive user reviews from the photography community.
Why doesn’t my R100 show the battery level with a spare battery?
This is because many third-party LP-E17 batteries are not “fully decoded.” Canon uses a proprietary chip to communicate battery data. If the chip isn’t perfectly cloned, the camera can’t read the voltage accurately. You will see a warning message upon startup; once you bypass it, the camera works normally, but you won’t know when the battery is about to die until it actually turns off.
Can I charge third-party batteries in the original Canon charger?
It depends on the specific battery. Most partially-decoded third-party batteries cannot be charged in the official Canon LC-E17 charger. This is why most third-party kits come with their own dedicated USB or wall charger. Conversely, you can usually charge an original Canon battery in a third-party charger, though the charging speed might be slightly slower than the official Canon wall unit.
How many shots should I expect from a full charge on the R100?
Using the official Canon LP-E17, you can expect roughly 310 shots when using the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and about 400 shots when using the LCD screen. Third-party batteries typically offer about 10-15% less real-world performance. If you are shooting 4K video, expect the battery to drain much faster, usually lasting around 45 to 60 minutes of continuous recording time.
Is it safe to leave my spare battery in the camera?
While it is generally safe for short periods, all batteries have a small amount of “parasitic drain.” If you aren’t planning to use your R100 for more than a week, I recommend removing the battery. This prevents the battery from deep-discharging, which can shorten its overall lifespan. Always store your spare batteries in a cool, dry place and use the protective plastic cap to prevent short circuits.
Final Verdict
For most Canon EOS R100 users, I recommend the Wasabi Power 2-pack kit. It offers the best balance of price and utility, and the USB charger is a lifesaver. However, if you are doing professional work or recording critical video, don’t skimp—buy at least one original Canon LP-E17 so you always have an accurate battery meter when it matters most. For light travelers, the Neewer USB-C version is a fantastic innovative alternative.