Canon’s powerful speedlite brings all the features and performance of the previous-generation Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2, and adds even more robust wireless, off-camera capabilities — extending its potential range from the transmitter or sender flash unit to 164 feet (nearly 50m). Flash performance is excellent, beginning with its flash coverage and power. Automatic or manual zooming of the flash head can match the coverage of 24mm to 200mm or longer lenses, on a full-frame camera (equivalent to 15mm–125mm+ lenses on an APS-C sensor camera). Maximum flash power delivers a Guide Number of approximately 169.9 (in feet) or 60 (in meters), zoomed to the 200mm position. That translates into an effective flash distance range, at its 35mm zoom setting, of up to 42 feet, at f/2.8 and ISO 100 — that doubles to approximately 84 feet at ISO 400.The good news doesn’t end there. A powerful Canon LP-EL rechargeable battery pack delivers up to 350 flashes at full manual power — and many more at reduced power settings — along with 1.2 second flash recycling (again, at full manual power). There’s a built-in, continuous LED modeling lamp, to preview lighting coverage and shadows. And it’s fully integrated into Canon’s Wireless E-TTL flash system, compatible with all previous radio-based Canon wireless flash units and transmitters. Likewise, it’s fully compatible with Canon EOS cameras equipped with the advanced Multi-function Shoe design¹ , permitting extensive integrated control between camera and speedlite. And for those who prefer to use the controls on the flash, the EL-5 Ver. 2 retains the superb control dial, joystick, and LCD screen from the original EL-5 Ver. 2. **Important: Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 can only be shoe-mounted to Canon EOS mirrorless cameras with Canon’s Multi-function Shoe design. It cannot be attached to any EOS Digital SLR cameras, or to EOS R-series cameras using the original, 5-pin hot shoe connector design.
This Speedlite receives some of the best features of the Speedlite EL-1 flash to improve the agility, & versatility of the working imagemaker, or advanced photographer. With the use of the Canon LP-EL rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, built-in Modeling light (LED), impressive flash output range, and in adopting updated user interface controls, & customization – the Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 is the ideal tool to elevate your flash photography.
Powered by the LP-EL lithium-ion battery pack, the Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 delivers high-speed charging for demanding shoots, surpassing the Speedlite 600EX II-RT with CP-E4N pack. It recycles in just 1.2 seconds at full power—firing up to 95 continuous full-power flashes—and a ultra-fast 0.1 seconds at minimum power. Conveniently, its LP-EL battery charges using the standard Canon LC-E6 charger shared by many EOS cameras.
* Please note that Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 is sold in some markets without the LC-E6 battery charger included; it can be purchased as an accessory, at extra cost.
The versatile Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 easily handles challenging lighting conditions, from distant subjects to close-ups. It features a wide flash output range of 1/1 to 1/1024 power (a 3-stop improvement over the 600EX-II RT) and delivers a Guide Number of 60m/169.9ft at full manual power (200mm, ISO 100). Auto zoom covers 24–200mm lenses, while a built-in 14mm panel extends coverage for wide-angle shots, providing precise flash output control for any creative setup.
The Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 features a digital connector and gold-plated terminals on its Multi-function shoe to ensure reliable, high-quality communication with cameras like the Canon EOS R3, R7, R10, and R6 Mark II. By verifying connection status before communicating, it enables superior camera-to-flash coordination, unlocking features like "Menu direct" access, customizable buttons, and custom flash modes.
Custom Flash modes on the Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 allow photographers to instantly switch between registered settings—like E-TTL auto and Manual power—to seamlessly adapt to changing light or shifting subjects. These settings can link directly to a compatible camera’s C1, C2, and C3 modes, enabling advance registration and instant recall of flash parameters simply by changing the camera's shooting mode.
The Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 inherits the flagship Speedlite EL-1’s intuitive interface, featuring a high-visibility LCD panel, joystick, and Select dial for fast adjustments and easy battery monitoring. Through a customizable "Speedlite menu direct button" on compatible EOS R-series cameras, the joystick can instantly bring up "Flash function settings" or "Quick flash group control" screens on the camera’s LCD for seamless operational control.
The built-in LED modeling lamp simplifies previewing flash effects with five adjustable brightness levels, toggled via a dedicated button or a quick double-press of the shutter. Useful for checking shadow placement or aiding AF assist, the lamp can also be remotely activated or deactivated on off-camera Receiver units directly from a Sender Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 during multi-flash setups.
The Canon Camera Connect app streamlines remote shooting by enabling complete wireless management of off-camera flash configurations, light intensity adjustments, and shutter release directly from a mobile screen. Designed to simplify multi-flash setups, solo operations, and positioning lights in hard-to-reach spots, the app allows photographers to adjust light output and evaluate full image results in real time without ever needing to touch the camera or flash units.
In addition to the new rubber seal around the shoe locking mechanism, the EL-5 Ver. 2 achieves dust and moisture-resistant performance equivalent to that of EOS R5. To ensure airtightness, sealing is applied to the joints of the exterior cover. Even when shooting under difficult conditions, dust and moisture is prevented from penetrating the unit body.
Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 can only be shoe-mounted to Canon EOS mirrorless cameras with Canon’s Multi-function Shoe design. It cannot be attached to any EOS Digital SLR cameras, or to EOS R-series cameras using the original, 5-pin hot shoe connector design.
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