Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS RP
The Canon EOS RP is a fantastic entry point into full-frame mirrorless photography, but it has one glaring Achilles’ heel: battery life. With a CIPA rating of just 250 shots, the native LP-E17 battery often taps out before the golden hour even begins. I’ve spent years testing power solutions for the R-series, and while the genuine Canon LP-E17 remains the gold standard for reliability, several third-party contenders offer incredible value for photographers who need to pack three or four spares without breaking the bank.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS RP: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 Lithium-Ion Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want zero compromises, the genuine Canon LP-E17 is the only way to go. The most significant advantage here is the proprietary “decoded” chip. Unlike many third-party options, this battery communicates perfectly with your EOS RP, providing an accurate percentage on your screen and working seamlessly with the LC-E17 charger. In my experience, the 1040mAh capacity feels more “honest” than the inflated numbers often seen on generic brands; I consistently get better shot counts and more reliable cold-weather performance from the OEM cell. The only real drawback is the priceβit’s significantly more expensive than the competition. However, for a wedding or a paid gig where a battery failure isn’t an option, I always reach for the Canon original first. Itβs the safest bet for your camera’s long-term health and your own peace of mind.
Check Price on Amazon β Check Price on B&H
β Free Shipping Β· β Easy Returns Β· β Secure Checkout
Wasabi Power LP-E17 (2-Pack) View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has earned a stellar reputation in the community for providing the best “bang for your buck.” This kit gives you two batteries and a compact dual-USB charger for a fraction of the price of one Canon battery. In real-world use with the RP, these cells perform admirably, though you must be aware of the “third-party quirk”: the camera may not display the exact battery percentage, and you’ll likely see a prompt asking if the battery is genuine (just click ‘No’ and ‘Yes’ to continue). You also can’t charge these in the original Canon charger. Despite these small hurdles, the 1100mAh cells hold a solid charge. I find them perfect for long travel days where I can keep the dual charger plugged into a power bank in my bag. Itβs the ultimate kit for someone who needs quantity without sacrificing too much quality.
Check Price on Amazon β Check Price on B&H
β Free Shipping Β· β Easy Returns Β· β Secure Checkout
BM Premium LP-E17 Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve already spent your entire budget on the EOS RP body and a nice RF lens, the BM Premium is your financial lifesaver. These batteries are incredibly affordable and surprisingly durable. Like most budget LP-E17 clones, they are “non-decoded,” meaning your camera won’t show the battery meter, and you’ll have to use the BM-provided charger. While this sounds like a hassle, I find it quite manageable for casual street photography or family outings. You essentially shoot until the camera shuts off, then swap. While the capacity isn’t quite as robust as the Wasabi or Canon versionsβyou might notice it struggling slightly more during high-speed continuous shooting or 4K videoβitβs a fantastic “Plan C” to keep in your pocket just in case you forget to charge your main cell. For the price of a couple of lattes, you get a working power source.
Check Price on Amazon β Check Price on B&H
β Free Shipping Β· β Easy Returns Β· β Secure Checkout
Watson LP-E17 Li-Ion Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
Watson is often the brand of choice for photographers who shop at B&H and want something better than generic Amazon brands but cheaper than Canon. Their LP-E17 is a high-tier third-party option that prioritizes stability and circuit protection. While it still suffers from the “non-decoded” chip issue (meaning no battery meter on the RP), the build quality is noticeably better than cheaper clones. The plastic housing feels sturdier, and the terminals are well-aligned. In my tests, Watson batteries tend to have a lower self-discharge rate, meaning they stay charged longer when sitting in your bag for a few weeks. Itβs a great middle-ground choice for those who are wary of “too-cheap” batteries but don’t want to pay the “Canon Tax.” Itβs reliable, consistent, and generally outlasts the super-budget options by a significant margin over its total lifespan.
Check Price on Amazon β Check Price on B&H
β Free Shipping Β· β Easy Returns Β· β Secure Checkout
Neewer LP-E17 USB-C Rechargeable View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer has recently introduced a clever innovation to the LP-E17 market: a battery with a built-in USB-C charging port. This is a game-changer for minimalist travelers. You don’t need to carry a separate bulky wall charger; just plug a standard USB-C cable directly into the battery itself. While the capacity is slightly lower than the Canon original due to the space taken up by the charging port, the sheer convenience is hard to beat. You can charge it from your laptop, a car charger, or a portable battery pack while itβs in your pocket. Like other third-party units, it won’t show the battery percentage on your RP, but the LED indicator on the battery itself turns from red to green when fully charged. If you hate carrying extra gear, this is the smartest “Also Great” pick you can find today.
Check Price on Amazon β Check Price on B&H
β Free Shipping Β· β Easy Returns Β· β Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Spare Battery for Canon EOS RP
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Pros/Full Communication | β β β β β | Check |
| Wasabi Power 2-Pack | Travel Value | β β β β β | Check |
| BM Premium | Budget Backup | β β β β β | Check |
| Watson LP-E17 | Quality Reliability | β β β β β | Check |
| Neewer USB-C | Minimalist Travel | β β β β β | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a third-party battery damage my Canon EOS RP?
Generally, no. Modern batteries from reputable brands like Wasabi or Watson include built-in circuitry to prevent overcharging and overheating. However, extremely cheap, unbranded batteries from unknown sources can pose a risk of swelling or leaking. Stick to well-reviewed brands and you’ll be fine. The main “risk” is simply the lack of a battery meter on your screen, which is an annoyance rather than a safety hazard for your camera hardware.
Why doesn’t my RP show the battery percentage with a spare?
Canon uses a proprietary “handshake” chip in their batteries. Third-party manufacturers often can’t legally or technically replicate this chip perfectly. When the RP doesn’t recognize the chip, it disables the battery meter as a security measure. You will usually see a prompt asking if the battery is genuine. If you select “No,” the camera will still function perfectly, but the battery icon will remain empty or hidden entirely during your shoot.
Can I charge third-party batteries in the Canon charger?
In most cases, no. Because the charging protocols differ due to that same chip technology, the Canon LC-E17 charger will often blink rapidly (indicating an error) when you insert a third-party battery. This is why most aftermarket batteries are sold with their own dedicated USB charger. It’s best to keep your “sets” together: Canon batteries in the Canon charger, and Wasabi batteries in the Wasabi charger.
Can the Canon EOS RP charge batteries via USB-C?
Yes, but it’s picky! The RP supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD). To charge a battery inside the camera, you need a high-wattage USB-C PD wall adapter and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Most old phone chargers won’t work. Furthermore, the camera usually only charges the genuine Canon LP-E17 in-body; it may refuse to charge third-party cells via the USB-C port for safety and software reasons.
How many spare batteries do I realistically need?
For a full day of casual shooting, I recommend having at least two spares (three batteries total). If you are shooting 4K video or using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) exclusively, you might even need four. The RP is quite power-hungry, and the LP-E17 is a small battery compared to the LP-E6N found in the R5 or R6. Always carry more than you think you’ll need; they are small and light!
Final Verdict
For professional work where you need to know exactly how much juice you have left, the genuine Canon LP-E17 is non-negotiable. However, for 90% of hobbyists, the Wasabi Power 2-pack offers the best practical experience, providing plenty of backup power for long weekend trips. If you’re a minimalist traveler, the Neewer USB-C rechargeable battery is a brilliant way to simplify your kit. No matter which you choose, never leave home with just one battery!