Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2: Powerful, Fast and Advanced Wireless Flash

The Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 expands Canon's EL-series flash system with a range of improvements designed for demanding photographers.

It incorporates several features inspired by the flagship EL-1, including a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and integrated LED modeling lamp, while significantly extending the wireless radio operating range.

With 76Ws maximum output, a guide number of 60 m at ISO 100 and 200mm, an extensive 1/1 to 1/1024 power range, and recycling times as fast as 0.1 sec, the Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 is suitable for portraiture, weddings, events, reportage and sophisticated multi-flash lighting setups.

Extended 50m Wireless Radio Range

One of the major improvements of the Version 2 is its extended wireless transmission range.

The Canon EL-5 Version 2 can communicate wirelessly at distances of up to approximately 50 m, compared with approximately 30 m for the previous generation.

This increased range provides greater flexibility for off-camera lighting, particularly in large venues, outdoor environments and situations where flashes need to be placed far from the camera.

Wireless operation supports both TTL and manual control.

Up to 5 Wireless Groups and 15 Channels

For more sophisticated lighting configurations, the Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 supports up to 5 wireless groups and 15 radio channels.

It can be integrated into Canon's radio-based wireless flash system and works with compatible Canon wireless flashes and transmitters.

This makes it well suited to advanced portrait, fashion, wedding and commercial lighting setups.

Powerful 76Ws Output

The Canon EL-5 Version 2 provides up to 76Ws of flash output.

Its guide number reaches approximately 60 m at ISO 100 with the flash head set to 200mm.

Flash power can be adjusted across an exceptionally broad range from 1/1 to 1/1024.

This allows the same flash to deliver powerful illumination for distant subjects or just a subtle touch of fill light to soften facial shadows.

Fast 0.1-1.2 Sec Recycling

The Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 uses advanced high-speed charging circuitry to provide recycling times of approximately 0.1 to 1.2 sec.

At full output, the flash can recycle in approximately 1.2 seconds.

Fast recycling is particularly valuable for action, weddings, events and any situation where multiple frames need to be captured in rapid succession.

Up to 350 Full-Power Flashes

The flash is powered by the included Canon LP-EL rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

A single charge provides up to approximately 350 full-power flashes.

At minimum power, flash count can reach approximately 2450 flashes.

The flash can also deliver up to approximately 95 continuous flashes, depending on operating conditions.

The LP-EL battery can be recharged using a compatible Canon LC-E6 charger, available separately.

Canon E-TTL II / E-TTL

The Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 supports Canon E-TTL II and E-TTL automatic flash exposure.

When paired with a compatible Canon camera, the system can use subject distance and other camera information to automatically determine the appropriate flash output.

Flash exposure can therefore be adjusted based on factors including:

• Subject size
• Subject reflectance
• Distance
• Composition
• Ambient lighting conditions

Custom Flash Modes

Custom flash modes make it easier to change lighting configurations quickly.

Users can rapidly switch between:

• E-TTL automatic flash
• Manual flash
• Custom flash values

On compatible cameras, the flash's C1, C2 and C3 settings can also be linked to the camera's C1, C2 and C3 shooting modes.

This is particularly useful at weddings or events where lighting conditions can change frequently.

24-200mm Auto Zoom Coverage

The Canon EL-5 Version 2 features an automatic zoom head covering 24-200mm on a full-frame camera.

Zoom can be controlled automatically or manually.

For wider focal lengths, the built-in wide-angle panel expands flash coverage to approximately 14mm.

This makes the flash suitable for use with everything from wide-angle lenses to telephoto lenses.

Built-In LED Modeling Light

An integrated continuous LED modeling lamp allows photographers to preview lighting direction and shadow placement before taking the photograph.

Brightness can be adjusted across five levels.

The modeling lamp can also assist autofocus in certain low-light situations.

When using multiple flash units, it can help photographers anticipate the combined lighting effect before firing the flashes.

Canon Camera Connect App Control

The Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 can also be controlled from a compatible smartphone using the Canon Camera Connect app.

This is particularly useful when flashes are installed in difficult-to-reach locations.

Compatible settings include:

• Flash output
• Flash exposure compensation
• Synchronization settings
• Multi-flash configurations
• Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB)

In supported configurations, camera shutter release can also be controlled remotely.

Intuitive Controls

The Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 retains the familiar control interface of the original EL-5.

It features:

• A high-definition LCD display
• Control dial
• Joystick
• Customizable controls

These controls provide quick access to important flash settings during fast-paced shooting.

With compatible EOS R-series cameras, selected flash functions can also be assigned to camera or lens controls.

Canon Multi-Function Shoe Only

The Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 uses the Canon Multi-Function Shoe connection.

This provides enhanced communication between compatible Canon EOS cameras and the flash.

However, it is important to note that this model cannot be mounted directly on Canon cameras using the traditional 5-pin accessory shoe.

It is designed specifically for compatible Canon EOS cameras equipped with the Multi-Function Shoe.

It cannot be directly attached to Canon EOS DSLRs or certain earlier EOS R-series cameras using the original accessory shoe design.

Camera compatibility should therefore be checked before purchase.

Advanced Camera-to-Flash Communication

The Multi-Function Shoe provides deeper integration between the camera and Speedlite.

Depending on the compatible camera, this enables:

• Direct flash control from the camera
• Custom button functions
• Custom flash modes
• Improved flash menu integration

Gold-plated shoe terminals are used to provide reliable electrical communication between the camera and flash.

High-Speed Sync and Stroboscopic Flash

The Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 supports a range of advanced flash modes.

These include:

• High-Speed Sync
• Stroboscopic flash
• E-TTL / E-TTL II automatic control
• Manual flash control

Flash exposure compensation can be adjusted from -3 to +3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments, depending on camera settings.

Dust and Moisture Protection

Version 2 also features improved dust- and moisture-resistant construction.

A rubber seal surrounds the shoe-locking mechanism, while additional sealing is applied to exterior body joints.

This provides additional protection when working in challenging shooting environments.

The flash should not, however, be considered waterproof.

Versatile Lighting for Multiple Applications

With its strong output, fast recycling and advanced wireless functions, the Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2 is suitable for a wide range of applications:

• Portrait photography
• Weddings
• Events
• Reportage
• Fashion photography
• Commercial photography
• Creative lighting
• Outdoor photography
• Multi-flash systems

Its exceptionally wide power range allows it to function as either a primary light source or a subtle fill flash.

Key Technical Specifications

• Type: Canon Speedlite on-camera flash
• TTL compatibility: Canon E-TTL / E-TTL II
• Mount: Canon Multi-Function Shoe
• Maximum output: 76Ws
• Guide number: 60 m at ISO 100 and 200mm
• Power range: 1/1 to 1/1024
• Recycling time: Approx. 0.1-1.2 sec
• High-Speed Sync: Yes
• Stroboscopic mode: Yes
• Flash exposure compensation: -3 to +3 EV
• Automatic flash coverage: 24-200mm
• Wide-angle panel coverage: 14mm
• Auto zoom head: Yes
• LED modeling light: Yes
• Modeling lamp adjustment: 5 levels
• Wireless system: Radio
• Maximum wireless range: Approx. 50 m
• Wireless operation: TTL / Manual
• Wireless channels: 15
• Wireless groups: 5
• Smartphone app: Canon Camera Connect
• Smartphone compatibility: Android and iOS
• Battery: Canon LP-EL rechargeable lithium-ion
• Battery life: Up to approx. 350 full-power flashes
• Minimum-power flash count: Up to approx. 2450 flashes
• Continuous flash count: Up to approx. 95
• Charger: Compatible Canon LC-E6, sold separately
• External power pack support: No
• Off-camera terminal: No
• Protection: Dust- and moisture-resistant construction
• Dimensions: Approx. 14 x 12.4 x 8.1 cm
• Weight: Approx. 600 g with battery

Included Accessories

• Canon Speedlite EL-5 Version 2
• Canon LP-EL rechargeable battery
• Flash stand
• Soft case