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Powerful and packed with modern features, the Canon Speedlite EL-5 is tuned for advanced photographers. This model pulls some of the best features—such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery pack and modeling lamp—from the flagship and brings them into a smaller, more accessible package.
Powerful and packed with modern features, the Canon Speedlite EL-5 is tuned for advanced photographers. This model pulls some of the best features—such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery pack and modeling lamp—from the flagship and brings them into a smaller, more accessible package.
Note:
The Speedlite EL-5 uses the newer multi-function shoe. This is only compatible with select Canon EOS R Series camera bodies and will not work with older cameras that use a different hot shoe design.
Pure Power
Realize high-powered flash with speed and long shooting times with a combination of features of the EL-5.
Maximum guide number of 197' at ISO 100 and 200mm (76Ws)
Runs on rechargeable LP-EL Li-ion battery pack, with required battery charger available separately
Up to 350 full-power flashes on a single charge
Able to continuously trigger up to 95 flashes in a row
Manual power from 1/1 to 1/1024
Advanced Control
Advanced users can make the most of the EL-5 thanks to a revised control scheme and even more built-in wireless options.
2.4GHZ wireless radio transmission as sender or receiver for wireless triggering and control of up to 15 flash units from up to 98' away
Multi-function shoe enables direct control of settings from compatible cameras
Control settings with your smartphone using the Canon Camera Connect app
Compatibility
The Speedlite EL-5 features the Multi-Function Shoe and requires a compatible camera. This includes:
EOS R1
EOS R3
EOS R5 Mark II
EOS R6 Mark II
EOS R6 Mark III
EOS R7
EOS R8
EOS R10
EOS R50
EOS R50 V
UPC: 013803352238
Canon EL-5 Specs
Key Specs
Guide Number
196.9' / 60 m at ISO 100 (200 mm Position)
Auto Zoom Head
Yes
Bounce/Vertical Adjustment
-7 to +120°
Swivel/Horizontal Adjustment
360°
Exposure Control
Canon E-TTL / E-TTL II, Manual
Wireless Operation
Radio (TTL/Manual) Up to 98.4' / 30 m (Master, Slave)
Internal Power
1x Rechargeable (Included)
Off-Camera Terminal
No
Flash Head
Guide Number
196.9' / 60 m at ISO 100 (200 mm Position)
Coverage
Full-Frame 24 to 200 mm 14 mm (with Wide-Angle Adapter)
Auto Zoom Head
Yes
Bounce/Vertical Adjustment
-7 to +120°
Swivel/Horizontal Adjustment
360°
Recycle Time
Approx. 0.1 to 1.2 Seconds
Secondary Illumination
Modeling Light
Exposure Control
Exposure Control
Canon E-TTL / E-TTL II, Manual
Flash Modes
Hi-Speed Sync, Second-Curtain Sync
Power Range
1/1 to 1/1024
Flash Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Wireless
Wireless Operation
Radio (TTL/Manual) Up to 98.4' / 30 m (Master, Slave)
Its a great upgrade from my 580 EX II. Paired with r6 MII
Canon Speedlite EL-5 is exactly that... Speed.
By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-06
I traded in my Canon Speedlite EL-1 for the 5 because my EL-1 was just too bulky. What impressive is that i find the EL-5 just as powerful, high-performance flash with the new multi-function shoe, offering rapid sub-second recycling and excellent battery life using the LP-EL battery. It features a GN 196 (ft) rating, built-in LED modeling light, and intuitive, customizable controls, making it ideal for event and portrait photography.
See any errors on this page?
Is this R6 compatible?
Is this R6 compatible?
Asked by: Alan
The Canon Speedlite EL-5 (B&H# CAEL5) is incompatible with the original Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera (B&H# CAER6). It is compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras with the new Canon Multi-Function Shoe such as the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera (B&H# CAER3), Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (B&H# CAER62), Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera (B&H# CAER8), and others.
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2023-02-22
Where does the Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N ...
Where does the Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N attach?
Asked by: Gary
The Canon Speedlite EL-5 does not take external power and will not work with the Canon CP-E4N Compact Battery Pack.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2023-05-01
Will the Canon AD-E1 Multi-Function Shoe Adaptor ...
Will the Canon AD-E1 Multi-Function Shoe Adaptor allow this to work with an R5?
Asked by: Jonathan
No, the following item is not needed as the Canon R5 is backwards compatible with Canon EX- and EL-series Speedlites on the market.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2024-08-14
Hi, please someone tell me, this flash show ...
Hi,
please someone tell me, this flash show battery level?
Thank you!
Asked by: Gavrila
The top-right hand corner of the Canon Speedlite EL-5 displays a battery gauge for remaining battery capacity. If you are looking for the percentage of remaining battery capacity, you may follow the following steps: 1) Press the button. 2) Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn the to select , then push the joystick straight in. 3) 2) Press the joystick vertically or horizontally or turn the to select , then push the joystick straight in. The screen that appears will have various battery information, such as the power source, remaining capacity (listed as both a segmented battery gauge and as a percentage), a record of the current battery flash count, and the battery recharge performance.
Answered by: Manzell L
Date published: 2024-08-20
The GN nomenclature seems off to me. A GN is a pow
The GN nomenclature seems off to me. A GN is a power value, not a distance. The GN/aperture = distance to correctly exposed subject. Where am I wrong? And why is it listed with the ' mark indicating feet? And why for a 200mm lens, a GN is supposed to be listed for a normal lens for comparison with other brands, no?
Asked by: c
Canon rates the guide number (GN) on the Canon Speedlite EL-5 with a 200mm lens. They also rate it with other lenses. The chart for that is on page 182 in the manual. The link for that is https://bhpho.to/4vNgeQc.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2026-04-23
Is this going to be compatible with the R5 Mk II ...
Is this going to be compatible with the R5 Mk II when it releases? Since that will be a newer camera.
Asked by: juan
The Canon Speedlite EL-5 is compatible on the Canon r5 II.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2024-09-12
Will the Canon Speedlite EL-5 work as a slave ...
Will the Canon Speedlite EL-5 work as a slave unit to the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT?
Asked by: Kathy
Yes, the Canon Speedlite EL-5 will work as a slave unit to the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT.
Answered by: Andres M
Date published: 2024-10-28
Can this be used on a cannon 6d?
Can this be used on a cannon 6d?
Asked by: Monica
The new Canon Speedlite EL-5 is only compatible with Canon R mirrorless cameras--it isn't compatible with the 6D or any other DSLR.
