Canon Speedlite EL-5 (Version 2)

Quick Overview

• Compatible with Canon E-TTL II / E-TTL
• Expanded Wireless Range: 164'
• Output: 76Ws; 1/1-1/1024
• Recycling: 0.1-1.2 sec
• LP-EL Battery; 350 Full-Power Flashes
• Zoom Range: 24-200mm (14mm with Panel)
• Built-in LED Modeling Light
• Multi-Function Shoe Connection
• Dust & Moisture Protection
• Includes Battery, Stand & Soft Case

Product Description

Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 Flash

Enhanced Performance and Wireless Versatility

Building on Canon's popular EL-series Speedlites, the Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 combines proven features from the previous generation with enhanced functionality for today's photographers. Key improvements include an expanded wireless transmission range of up to 164', refined interface controls and customization options, and a dust- and moisture-resistant body for greater reliability in demanding environments.

Powered by a rechargeable LP-EL lithium-ion battery, the EL-5 Version 2 delivers up to 350 flashes on a single charge, keeping you ready for extended shooting sessions.

Important: The EL-5 Version 2 can only be shoe-mounted to Canon EOS mirrorless cameras equipped with Canon's Multi-Function Shoe. It cannot be mounted to cameras with other accessory shoe designs, including EOS digital SLR cameras or EOS R-series cameras featuring the original 5-pin hot shoe.

Extended Wireless Range and Intuitive Controls

The EL-5 Version 2 retains several features associated with Canon's flagship EL-1, including a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and built-in LED modeling lamp. Its wireless transmission range has been increased by 67%, extending from the original EL-5's 98' range to up to 164'.

The familiar EL-series joystick and select dial provide quick, intuitive control of flash settings, while expanded customization options and improved output capabilities give photographers greater flexibility across a range of shooting situations.

Advanced Wireless Control

With a wireless transmission range of up to 164', the EL-5 Version 2 provides flexible off-camera flash control for creative lighting setups. When mounted directly to a compatible camera's Multi-Function Shoe, flash settings can be controlled from the camera itself.

As part of Canon's wireless flash system, the EL-5 Version 2 is compatible with previous radio-based Canon wireless flash units and transmitters. Flash settings can also be adjusted remotely using the Canon Camera Connect app on a compatible smartphone.

Versatile Flash Output

Whether you need powerful illumination for a scene requiring greater depth of field or a subtle amount of fill light to soften facial shadows, the EL-5 Version 2 offers a wide range of manual output control.

Its 76Ws flash provides an output range from 1/1 to 1/1024, making it suitable for a broad range of lighting applications. Stable flash output and consistent recycle performance make it a dependable option for demanding and fast-paced shooting environments.

Power and Reliability

The EL-5 Version 2 features a guide number of 196.9' at ISO 100 when positioned at 200mm. It can recycle to full power in approximately 1.2 seconds and provides up to 350 full-power flashes from a single LP-EL battery charge.

The included rechargeable LP-EL lithium-ion battery pack can be charged using the separately available LC-E6 battery charger. The flash can fire continuously for up to 95 flashes and can achieve approximately 2,450 flashes at minimum power.

Using the same high-speed charging circuits found in other EL-series models, the EL-5 Version 2 offers recycle times ranging from approximately 0.1 to 1.2 seconds. Its efficient design provides impressive flash capacity without requiring a built-in fan.

Canon E-TTL II / E-TTL Auto Exposure

The EL-5 Version 2 supports Canon's E-TTL II / E-TTL automatic flash exposure technology. When used with a compatible Canon EOS camera equipped with a Multi-Function Shoe, the TTL system uses subject distance and other camera information to automatically adjust flash output.

This helps produce accurate flash exposures across different subject sizes, reflectance levels, and compositions.

Custom Flash Modes

Custom flash modes allow you to quickly change flash settings as shooting conditions change. E-TTL auto flash, manual flash, and individual flash values can be configured for convenient access, making these modes particularly useful for weddings and other environments where ambient lighting can change frequently.

On compatible cameras, the flash's C1, C2, and C3 custom settings can be linked with the camera's corresponding C1, C2, and C3 shooting modes. Once flash settings are registered, selecting the corresponding camera shooting mode can automatically recall the associated flash configuration.

Familiar Interface and Customization

The EL-5 Version 2 retains the control dial, joystick, and high-definition LCD screen of the original EL-5, providing a familiar and intuitive operating experience.

When paired with a compatible EOS R-series camera, users can assign flash functions to the control ring for quick flash group adjustments and multi-flash shooting.

The Canon Camera Connect app also enables remote adjustment of settings such as flash intensity, flash exposure compensation, synchronization settings, multi-flash control, and Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB).

Smartphone App Control

Canon Camera Connect provides convenient remote control for multi-flash configurations, hard-to-reach flash positions, and situations where limited assistance is available.

Using a compatible smartphone, you can adjust light intensity while reviewing shooting results on the phone's screen. The app allows you to operate and configure flash settings remotely without directly handling the camera or flash unit.

Flexible Flash Coverage

The flash head provides a zoom range of 24-200mm, with coverage extending to 14mm when the built-in wide-angle diffusion panel is used.

Automatic or manual flash-head zooming can match the coverage of 24-200mm lenses on a full-frame camera, equivalent to approximately 15-125mm+ lenses when used with an APS-C sensor camera.

For wider-angle shooting beyond 24mm, the included 14mm wide-angle panel provides additional flash coverage.

Built-In LED Modeling Lamp

A built-in continuous LED modeling lamp allows you to preview lighting coverage and anticipate how shadows will fall across your subject. It can also assist with autofocus in appropriate shooting conditions.

The modeling lamp offers five brightness levels with convenient onboard controls. When multiple flash units are used together, the EL-5 Version 2 also allows you to preview the combined flash effect.

Multi-Function Shoe Connection

The Multi-Function Shoe connector enables advanced communication between the flash and compatible Canon cameras, providing integrated control of flash settings directly from the camera.

The EL-5 Version 2 is exclusively compatible with Canon EOS mirrorless cameras featuring the Multi-Function Shoe. It cannot be mounted or used with Canon cameras featuring other accessory shoe types, including EOS digital SLR cameras and EOS R-series cameras equipped with the original 5-pin hot shoe connector.

Enhanced Camera Integration

The EL-5 Version 2 provides enhanced coordination between the camera and flash compared with previous Canon Speedlite models. Improvements include enhanced menu-direct functionality, customizable button assignments, and expanded custom flash modes.

Gold-plated contacts on the shoe help provide reliable communication and connection with compatible cameras, including the Canon EOS R3, R7, R10, and R6 Mark II.

Dust- and Moisture-Resistant Construction

Designed for use in challenging environments, the EL-5 Version 2 features dust- and moisture-resistant construction. A rubber seal around the shoe-locking mechanism, combined with additional sealing at the exterior joints, helps prevent dust and moisture from entering the unit.

The flash measures approximately 5.5 x 4.9 x 3.2" and weighs approximately 1.3 lb with the included battery, balancing durability and portability for both indoor and outdoor shooting.