Canon SPEEDLITE EL-5 (Ver.2)

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

Built for brilliance

Choose the powerful Speedlite EL-5 (Ver.2) to catch those unique moments, with improved communication and features thanks to Canon’s Multi-Function foot.

See full specification

Power and control when you need it most

See how the Speedlite EL-5 (Ver.2) 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 in an instant.

Creative

Control up to 15 Speedlites remotely with radio mode.

Professional lighting with performance to match

Capture unmissable moments with a powerful GN60-rated flash with fast recycle times and long continuous bursts, 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 (Ver.2) direct from the camera thanks to Canon’s Multi-Function Foot1 interface, offering reliable connection with improved communication and features.

Feature packed for creative photography

Use FE Memory2 for quicker setups and Manual mode for fine control down to 1/1024th power2,3. Custom Flash Modes allow settings to be stored and linked to a compatible camera’s own Custom settings2.

Multi-flash lighting for studio quality shooting

Control up to 15 Speedlites wirelessly with the built-in radio transmitter at up to 50m away and model the lighting thanks to a Dual White LED with brightness adjustment.

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 (Ver.2) 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.

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

Comparison

See how the Speedlite EL-5 (Ver.2) compares to the Speedlite EL-5 and EL-1 (Ver.2).

Speedlite EL-5

Speedlite EL-5

Speedlite EL-5 (Ver.2)

Speedlite EL-5 (Ver.2)

Speedlite EL-1 (Ver.2)

Speedlite EL-1 (Ver.2)

Camera mount shoe supported

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

Guide Number

60
60
58

Flash Zoom coverage

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

Bounce angle (max.)

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

Autoflash support

- / E-TTL / E-TTL II
- / 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 1/1024 (1/128)
1/1 to 1/8192 (1/128)

External flash metering sensor

―
―
Yes

Continuous shooting priority (CSP) mode

―
―
Yes

Custom flash mode

Yes (C1, C2, C3)
Yes (C1, C2, C3)
―

FE memory

Yes
Yes
Yes

Modelling lamp

Yes (white)
Yes (white)
Yes (bi-colour)

Modelling flash (when mounted on a camera)

―
―
Yes

Optical / Radio wireless functionality

Radio only (up to approx. 30m)
Radio only (up to approx. 50m)
Optical / Radio (up to approx.0.7-15m / 30m)

Modelling lamp on/off (Radio)

Yes
Yes
―

Modelling flash (Radio)

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

Joystick control

Yes (customisable)
Yes (customisable)
Yes

(Flash) Menu direct button

Yes
Yes
No

AF-assist beam

White LED
White LED
Infrared

Recharge time (normal flash) Open

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

Estimated number of continuous full power flashes (approx.) – to Level 1

40-85 (depending on zoom position)
40-85 (depending on zoom position)
160-170 (depending on zoom position)

Flash count at full power (approx.)

3502
3502
3402

Battery

LP-EL (Rechargeable Li-ion)
LP-EL (Rechargeable Li-ion)
LP-EL (Rechargeable Li-ion)

Battery level indicator

Yes
Yes
Yes

Dimensions (approx. width × height × depth)

80.2×139.9×123.3 mm
80.2×139.9×123.3 mm
84.4×149.0×136.4 mm

Weight (approx.) Open

491 g
487 g
566 g

Weather resistance

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

Active Cooling

Enhanced passive cooling design
Enhanced passive cooling design
Yes

External power source socket

―
―
Yes

Sync terminal

―
―
Yes

Bracket attachment screw holes

―
―
―

Canon colour filters and bounce adapter supported

―
―
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

Gallery

Layout

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What’s in the box

  • Speedlite EL-5 (Ver.2)

  • LP-EL Battery

  • Mini stand

  • Speedlite case

  • Shoe cover

Related accessories

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

LC-E6E Battery Charger
Charges compatible Canon LP-E6 series and the LP-EL batteries.

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10
Connect and control your compatible Speedlite flashes remotely with this small, convenient Multi-function shoe accessory.

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.

Off Camera Shoe Cord OC-E4A
A versatile off shoe cord for Canon cameras with a multi-function shoe that puts you in control of lighting and audio.

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EOS R6 Mark III
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SPEEDLITE EL-1 (Ver.2)
An advanced Speedlite that delivers superb reliability and advanced high-speed performance in a tough weather-resistant body.

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  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. With compatible cameras.
  3. Minimum flash output is 1/128 for high-speed sync.