K&F Concept LP-E17 review: three spare batteries, a few compromises

The LP-E17 powers a wide range of smaller Canon bodies. K&F Concept lists compatibility with the EOS R8, R10, R50, R100 and RP, the EOS M3, M5, M6 and M6 Mark II mirrorless cameras, the EOS 77D, 200D, 250D, 750D, 760D, 800D and 850D DSLRs and the PowerShot V1 compact.

Canon also lists the LP-E17 for newer bodies such as the EOS R50 V and R8 Mark II. These are not yet on K&F's list, so check compatibility before buying. The kit does not fit the EOS 2000D or 1300D (Rebel T7 and T6), which take a different battery, the LP-E10.

According to Canon, the genuine LP-E17 is rated at 1040 mAh and 7.5 Wh. K&F quotes 1250 mAh and 9.2 Wh for its batteries – on paper, roughly a fifth more energy. The nominal voltages are stated slightly differently (Canon 7.2 V, K&F 7.4 V), reflecting different conventions for labelling two-cell Li-ion packs.

These are the manufacturer's figures, not our measurements. User reviews on K&F's website are mixed: some say the batteries last about as long as the original, others report shorter runtime. K&F does not state a shot count per charge, and real-world endurance depends on the body, viewfinder, stabilisation and video use.

The kit includes a three-slot charger that charges all the batteries simultaneously. It is powered via Micro USB or USB-C (5 V), so you can run it from a mains adapter, power bank, laptop or car charger. The display shows the status of each battery separately, and once charging is complete the charger switches to a maintenance mode.

The manufacturer quotes around 4 hours to charge three batteries and recommends a 5 V / 2 A adapter for faster charging. No mains adapter is included – only a USB-A / USB-C cable. According to an answer in the manufacturer's FAQ, the K&F batteries are not intended for charging in Canon's original charger, so plan on using the one supplied.

The manufacturer does not give an exact number of shots per charge, and since consumption varies between bodies, we won't guess. For a full-day event, wedding or trip, though, it makes sense to think in sets: the original battery in the camera plus three spares in the bag covers far more than a single battery with one backup.

The real advantage is charging during the day. Plug the USB-powered charger into a power bank or use it in the car, and top up flat batteries between shooting sessions. Label your batteries, rotate them in order and keep flat ones separate to avoid confusion – especially on bodies that don't display their remaining charge.

According to the manufacturer, the batteries and charger guard against overcharging, over-discharge, overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit and overheating. The kit carries CE, FCC and RoHS markings. These are sensible basics, but as with any Li-ion battery, normal care still applies.

Canon explicitly warns against counterfeit batteries that lack adequate protection circuits. K&F, however, does not pass its batteries off as genuine – it sells them under its own brand as replacements. Charge them on a non-flammable surface, don't leave them in a hot car, and stop using any battery with a swollen or damaged casing.

Some K&F materials state that on the EOS RP, R8, R10, R50 and M series the batteries work, but the camera will not show the remaining charge. Several users confirm this and add that the camera then switches off without warning. On DSLRs such as the 77D, 200D or 800D, the indicator should work according to K&F. The charger's display then shows the charge level.

Canon's manuals recommend only the genuine LP-E17, and with a third-party battery the camera may show a battery communication error. According to Canon support, repairs caused by non-genuine accessories are not covered by the warranty. For storage, remove the batteries from the camera and don't leave them fully charged for long periods.