Speedlite EL-5
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Canon Speedlite EL-5

A powerful, advanced flash with fast recycling, great creative control and outstanding performance for all situations.

Built for brilliance

Choose the powerful Speedlite EL-5 to catch those unique moments, with improved communication and features thanks to Canon’s Multi-Function foot.

See full specification
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5
Speedlite EL-5

Power and control when you need it most

See how the Speedlite EL-5 can earn its place in your kitbag with its compelling combination of solid dependability and professional performance.

Portraits

Add detail to your faces will fill-in flash

Weddings

Capture the blur of a dress with a slow-sync burst

Events

When you’re under pressure, capture the moment without delay

Creative

Control up to 15 Speedlites remotely with radio mode

Battery being changed

Professional lighting with performance to match

Capture unmissable moments with a powerful GN60-rated flash with fast recycle times and long continuous busts, while a power level indicator gives reassurance on the LP-EL Li-ion battery charge.

Multi-Function Foot for advanced operation

Control the SPEEDLITE EL-5 direct from the camera thanks to Canon’s Multi-Function Foot 1 , a new interface offering reliable connection with improved communication and features.

Hotshoe
Multi-flash FE memory sample

Feature packed for creative photography

Use FE Memory 2 for quicker setups and Manual mode for fine control down to 1/1024th power 2 , 3 . Custom Flash Modes allow settings to be stored and linked to a compatible camera’s own Custom settings 2 .

Multi-flash lighting for studio quality shooting

Control up to 15 Speedlites wirelessly with the built-in radio transmitter at up to 30m away and model the lighting thanks to a Dual White LED with brightness adjustment.

Multi-flash 3
Companion app

Intuitive interface and advanced handling

Control settings using the Speedlite’s joystick or from the camera’s LCD via the Speedlite’s (Flash) Direct Menu button, or remotely via the Camera Connect App. SPEEDLITE EL-5 can tilt upwards to 120° or sideways for bounce lighting.

Remote, reliable operation every time

Shoot with flash in all weather conditions thanks to weather resistant seals and an improved internal airflow design that helps to keep the flash head cool.

Product Weather Sealing

Specifications

  • Guide number 60m

    Light up distant subjects and large groups

  • Fast 0.1-1.2 sec recycle times

    Up to approx. 85* full power flashes in a burst

    * Using a fully charged LP-EL battery under Canon testing conditions. Continuous flash count at full output until flash firing restriction Level 1.

  • Multi-Function foot interface

    Reliable, fast communication with increased functionality

  • Rechargeable Li-ion battery

    Up to approx. 350* shots at full power

    * Using a fully charged LP-EL battery under Canon testing conditions. Continuous flash count at full output until flash firing restriction Level 1.

  • Wide range of power levels

    From full to 1/1024* power, for maximum flexibility

    * Minimum flash output is 1/128 for high-speed sync.

  • Built-in LED modelling light

    With 5 brightness levels

  • Accurate battery level indicator

    So you’ll know when to replace or recharge a battery

  • Weather-resistant construction

    Work confidently in poor conditions

See full specification Get Support

Comparison

See how the SPEEDLITE EL-5 compares to the SPEEDLITE EL-1 and 600EX II-RT
Speedlite EL-5

Speedlite EL-5

EL-5

Speedlite 600EX II-RT

600EX II-RT

Speedlite EL-1

EL-1

Camera mount shoe supported

Multi-Function shoe1
5-pin hotshoe
5-pin hotshoe

Flash Zoom coverage

(14mm) 24–200 mm
(14mm) 20–200 mm
(14mm) 24–200 mm

Bounce angle (max.)

-7° to 120° / -180° to 180°
-7° to 90° / -180° to 180°
-7° to 120° / -180° to 180°

Autoflash support

- / E-TTL / E-TTL II
TTL / E-TTL / E-TTL II
- / E-TTL / E-TTL II

Manual flash output setting range (high speed sync)

1/1 to 1/1024 (1/128)
1/1 to 1/128 (1/128)
1/1 to 1/8192 (1/128)

External flash metering sensor

―
Yes
Yes

Continuous shooting priority (CSP) mode

―
―
Yes

Custom flash mode

Yes (C1, C2, C3)
―
―

FE memory

Yes
―
Yes

Modelling lamp

Yes (white)
―
Yes (bi-colour)

Modelling flash (when mounted on a camera)

―
Yes
Yes

Optical / Radio wireless functionality

Radio only
Optical / Radio
Optical / Radio

Modelling lamp on/off (Radio)

Yes
―
―

Modelling flash (Radio)

As receiver unit only with a compatible camera and Speedlite as sender
Yes
Yes

Joystick control

Yes (customisable)
No
Yes

(Flash) Menu direct button

Yes
No
No

AF-assist beam

White LED
Infrared
Infrared

Recharge time (normal flash)

Based on Canon's testing standards.

Approx. 0.1–1.2 sec
Approx. 0.1–5.5 sec
Approx. 0.1–0.9 sec

Estimated number of continuous full power flashes (approx.)

Continuous flash count at full output until flash firing restriction level 1. EL-5/EL-1: Using a new, fully charged LP-EL; 600EX II-RT: Using new AA/LR6 alkaline batteries. Set to manual flash and based on Canon measurement standards.

85
100
160

Flash count at full power (approx.)

Based on Canon's testing standards.

3502
1003
3352

Battery

LP-EL (Rechargeable Li-ion)
4 x size-AA batteries
LP-EL (Rechargeable Li-ion)

Battery level indicator

Yes
―
Yes

Dimensions (approx. width × height × depth)

80.2×139.9×123.3 mm
78.7×143.2×122.7 mm
84.4×149.0×136.4 mm

Weight (approx.)

Speedlite only, without battery

491 g
435 g
572 g

Weather resistance

Yes (equivalent to EOS R5)
Yes (equivalent to EOS-1D)
Yes (equivalent to EOS-1D)

Active Cooling

Enhanced passive cooling design
―
Yes

External power source socket

―
Yes
Yes

Sync terminal

―
Yes
Yes

Bracket attachment screw holes

―
Yes
―

Canon colour filters and bounce adapter supported

―
Yes
Yes

  1. For use with compatible cameras with Canon's Multi-Function shoe, a firmware update may be required. Note, not all functions may be supported with all cameras (the EOS R5 C and camcorders with the Multi-Function shoe are not supported).
  2. Using a fully charged LP-EL
  3. Using AA/LR6 alkaline batteries

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Speedlite EL-5

What's in the box

  • Speedlite EL-5

  • LP-EL Battery

  • Mini stand

  • Speedlite case

  • Shoe cover

Related accessories

  • Canon Camera

    Battery pack LP-EL

    Specially designed for Canon Speedlites, the LP-EL is able to quickly discharge large currents and has a capacity of 1920mAh.
  • Canon Camera

    Battery charger LC-E6E

    Charges compatible Canon LP-E6 series and the LP-EL batteries.
  • Speedlite ST-E10

    Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10
    Connect and control your compatible Speedlite flashes remotely with this small, convenient Multi-function shoe accessory.
    View details Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10
  • Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT V3

    Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.3)
    Fire compatible radio-frequency Speedlite flashguns over distances of up to 30m. Additional remote features for the EL-1 and EL-5 supported.
    View details

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  1. On-camera support requires a camera with Canon’s Multi-Function shoe and supported firmware - not all functions may be fully supported with all cameras. Not compatible with EOS R5 C.
  2. With compatible cameras.
  3. Minimum flash output is 1/128 for high-speed sync.