Best Third Party Battery for Canon EOS R6 Mark II
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a powerhouse, but its high-speed burst rates and 4K video capabilities can drain the standard LP-E6NH battery faster than you might expect. While official Canon batteries are reliable, their premium price tag often pushes photographers toward third-party alternatives. I’ve tested dozens of power solutions in the field, and I’ve found that the right third-party option can offer comparable performance for a fraction of the cost. My top pick, the SmallRig USB-C rechargeable, is a total game-changer for modern workflows.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Third Party Battery for Canon EOS R6 Mark II: Detailed Reviews
SmallRig LP-E6NH USB-C Rechargeable View on Amazon View on B&H
The SmallRig LP-E6NH is arguably the most innovative battery I’ve used in years. Featuring a 2400mAh capacity, it matches the R6 Mark II’s power requirements perfectly, ensuring you get that vital “H+” high-speed mechanical shutter icon. What sets it apart is the built-in USB-C port. You can charge this battery directly from a power bank or car charger without needing a bulky external cradle. In my testing, the charging speed via USB-C is surprisingly snappy, taking about 2.5 hours from empty to full. The shell is made of high-quality fire-retardant ABS, giving it a premium feel that doesn’t swell like cheaper alternatives. The only minor drawback is that the USB-C circuitry takes up a tiny bit of internal space, but the efficiency of the cells compensates for it. If you hate carrying extra chargers, this is the definitive choice for your kit.
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Wasabi Power LP-E6NH (2-Pack) View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has been a staple in my camera bag for over a decade. This 2-pack of LP-E6NH batteries offers a massive 2250mAh per cell, which provides nearly identical shot counts to the OEM Canon version. When shooting a wedding with the R6 Mark II, I found these batteries reliably supported the 40fps electronic shutter without any voltage drops. The kit usually includes a dual USB charger, which is much more portable than Canon’s wall-plug version. One thing I appreciate is their 3-year US-based warranty; it shows a level of confidence you rarely see in third-party brands. While they might show a “communication error” on very rare occasions if the firmware isn’t updated, a simple restart fixes it. For those who need multiple backups for a long day of shooting, the price-to-performance ratio here is unbeatable.
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BM Premium LP-E6NH View on Amazon View on B&H
If you have spent all your savings on the R6 Mark II body and a nice RF lens, the BM Premium batteries are a lifesaver. Marketed with a 2600mAh capacity, they actually perform closer to about 2100mAh in real-world use, but that’s still plenty for a casual afternoon of street photography. They are fully decoded, meaning you’ll see the accurate battery percentage on your LCD screen, and they work perfectly with the original Canon LC-E6 charger. I’ve noticed they lose their charge slightly faster when sitting in the bag compared to the SmallRig or Watson options, so I’d recommend topping them off the night before a shoot. They might not always trigger the “Green” high-speed display mode on the R6 II during low temperatures, but as a “just in case” backup in your bag, they are worth every penny.
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Watson Pro LP-E6NH View on Amazon View on B&H
Watson Pro is often the “professional’s third-party choice,” and for good reason. They prioritize safety and heat management, which is critical for the R6 Mark II when recording 4K/60p video. In my experience, Watson batteries have the most consistent discharge curve; you won’t see the battery drop from 20% to 0% suddenly like cheaper clones. They feel physically robust, with tolerances that fit into the camera battery door just as smoothly as the Canon originals. While they are more expensive than Wasabi or BM Premium, you are paying for peace of mind. They consistently support the maximum frame rates on the R6 II and don’t trigger any “non-genuine” warnings. If you are doing paid client work and can’t afford a battery failure, but still want to save $30 over the Canon branded ones, Watson Pro is the way to go.
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Neewer LP-E6NH with LCD Charger View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer has stepped up their game recently, and this LP-E6NH kit is a perfect example. The batteries are solid 2250mAh performers, but the real star is the included dual-slot charger. It features a bright LCD screen that shows the exact percentage of charge for each battery, which is infinitely more useful than a blinking light. I find this incredibly helpful when I’m in a rush and need to know which battery has 90% versus 40%. The batteries themselves are fully compatible with the R6 II’s high-speed modes. I’ve noticed the Neewer batteries run a tiny bit warmer than the SmallRig ones during intense video sessions, but they remain well within safe limits. It’s a fantastic all-in-one starter kit for anyone new to the Canon mirrorless ecosystem who needs to build up their power reserves quickly.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Third Party Battery
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SmallRig USB-C | Travelers | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power | Reliability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Backups | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Watson Pro | Pro Work | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer Kit | Value Kit | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will third-party batteries damage my R6 Mark II?
Generally, no. As long as you stick with reputable brands like SmallRig, Watson, or Wasabi, they include the necessary overcharge and short-circuit protection. I’ve used third-party cells for years without a single hardware failure. However, extremely cheap, unbranded batteries from unknown sources can swell or leak, so it is vital to stick to the trusted names mentioned in this guide to protect your investment.
Do these batteries support high-speed continuous shooting?
Most LP-E6NH third-party batteries will support high-speed shooting, but only if they can provide the required voltage. Look for the “Green H+” icon on your R6 II display. If the battery level drops below 60%, some third-party options might cause the icon to turn white, slightly slowing your burst rate. SmallRig and Watson Pro are the most consistent at maintaining the high-speed mode even at lower percentages.
Can I charge third-party batteries inside the camera?
Yes, but with a caveat: the R6 Mark II is picky about its USB-C power source. You need a Power Delivery (PD) compatible charger and a high-quality “NH” battery. Most fully decoded third-party batteries like the Wasabi or Watson will charge via the camera’s USB port. However, the SmallRig USB-C version is even better because you can bypass the camera entirely and plug the cable directly into the battery.
Why does my R6 II show a “Communication Error” message?
This usually happens if the battery’s chip isn’t fully decoded or if Canon has released a firmware update that changes how the camera “talks” to the battery. Usually, you can just click “OK” and continue shooting, but you might lose the percentage display. All the batteries on this list are modern and fully decoded, meaning they should work seamlessly without any annoying pop-up warnings.
Is there a difference between 2130mAh and 2400mAh?
On paper, 2400mAh means about 10-15% more shots per charge. In real-world shooting, the difference is often negligible because of how different brands measure capacity. I find that a high-quality 2130mAh cell from a brand like Watson often outlasts a “fake” 2800mAh cell from a budget brand. Don’t get too caught up in the numbers; focus on the brand’s reputation for cell quality and discharge consistency.
Final Verdict
For most users, the SmallRig USB-C is the smartest buy because it simplifies your gear bag by eliminating the need for a dedicated charger. If you are a professional photographer who needs four or five batteries to get through a wedding, the Wasabi Power or Watson Pro options offer the most reliable performance for high-speed shooting. Regardless of your choice, moving away from OEM Canon batteries is a safe and effective way to extend your shooting time.