Canon Speedlite EL-5 Flashgun V2
The Canon Speedlite EL-5 Flashgun V2 is a powerful, professional flashgun designed for selected EOS R-series mirrorless cameras equipped with Canon’s Multi-function Shoe. Building on the original EL-5, Version 2 improves wireless connection stability and extends the radio transmission range to up to 50m, while retaining the fast performance, intuitive controls and durable construction of its predecessor.
With a powerful Guide Number of 60m at ISO 100, rapid 0.1-1.2 second recycling, up to approximately 350 full-power flashes from the rechargeable LP-EL battery and output adjustable all the way down to 1/1024 power, the EL-5 V2 gives photographers excellent control across everything from portraits and events to location and multi-light photography.
The Perfect Flashgun For
- Professional and enthusiast photographers using compatible EOS R-series cameras
- Portrait, wedding, event and location photography
- Fast-paced shooting where quick flash recycling is essential
- Multi-light setups requiring reliable radio wireless control
- Photographers who need precise low-power flash control
- Outdoor shoots where dust and moisture resistance are important
Key Features
- Powerful GN60 output at ISO 100
- Improved wireless stability and transmission range up to 50m
- Canon Multi-function Shoe connection
- Fast 0.1-1.2 second recycling time
- Flash output adjustable from 1/1 to 1/1024 power
- Up to approximately 350 full-power flashes per charge
- Approximately 95 or more consecutive full-power flashes
- Control up to 15 receiver Speedlites across five groups
- 24-200mm automatic flash zoom range
- 14-200mm flash coverage with wide panel
- High-speed sync support
- Built-in LED modelling light
- Rechargeable LP-EL lithium-ion battery
- Reflective LCD display with joystick control
- Dust- and drip-resistant construction
Powerful GN60 Flash Performance
With a Guide Number of 60m at ISO 100, the Speedlite EL-5 V2 delivers the power needed for demanding professional photography while retaining a compact on-camera design. Its flash head provides a 24-200mm zoom range, with coverage extending to 14mm when using the wide panel.
Fast 0.1-1.2 Second Recycling
Designed to keep pace with fast-moving shoots, the EL-5 V2 offers recycling times from approximately 0.1 to 1.2 seconds. Canon rates it for approximately 95 or more consecutive full-power flashes under its specified test conditions, helping photographers capture sequences without constantly waiting for the flash to recover.
Precise Control Down to 1/1024 Power
Flash output can be adjusted across an exceptionally wide range from full 1/1 power down to just 1/1024. This fine level of control is particularly useful when balancing flash with ambient light, working at close distances or creating subtle lighting effects where only a small amount of additional light is required.
Improved Wireless Radio Performance
The EL-5 V2 features Canon radio wireless transmission for flexible off-camera lighting. When used as a sender, it can control up to 15 receiver Speedlites arranged across as many as five groups. Compared with the original EL-5, Version 2 improves connection stability and extends the transmission range to up to 50m, including in environments with crowded radio traffic.
Canon Multi-function Shoe
Designed for compatible newer EOS R-series cameras, the EL-5 V2 connects directly through Canon’s Multi-function Shoe without requiring an additional adapter. Its 15-pin gold-plated connection supports high-speed communication between the camera and Speedlite while helping provide a stable, reliable connection.
When using the EL-5 V2 with the EOS R3, EOS R7 or EOS R10, Canon specifies that the camera must be running the firmware released in spring 2023 or later.
High-Speed Sync
High-speed sync gives photographers greater freedom when mixing flash with daylight. By allowing flash to be used with faster shutter speeds, photographers can work with wider apertures outdoors to create shallow depth of field and beautifully blurred backgrounds while still adding controlled flash illumination.
Rechargeable LP-EL Battery
The supplied rechargeable LP-EL lithium-ion battery provides the capacity required for extended shoots. Canon rates the EL-5 V2 for approximately 350 full-power flashes from a new, fully charged battery, with the maximum flash count extending considerably further when working at reduced output levels.
LED Modelling Light
A built-in LED modelling light provides a convenient way to preview lighting and assist with positioning. In compatible wireless setups, the modelling lamp of a receiver unit can also be controlled from the sender unit.
Intuitive Controls
The reflective memory-in-pixel LCD display provides a clear view of flash settings, while a joystick positioned within the control dial makes navigating menus and changing settings quick and intuitive. Custom flash modes can also be configured to streamline frequently used setups.
Built for Demanding Shoots
Dust- and drip-resistant sealing helps make the EL-5 V2 suitable for professional location work and challenging shooting conditions. The shoe locking mechanism incorporates a rubber adapter and sealing around the foot to help prevent dust and moisture entering when the flash is correctly mounted and locked to a compatible camera.
What's Included
- Canon Speedlite EL-5 (Ver. 2)
- LP-EL rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack
- Mini stand
- Speedlite case
TFC's Verdict
The Speedlite EL-5 V2 packs a serious amount of performance into a relatively compact Canon flashgun. GN60 power, rapid recycling, 1/1024 minimum output and the rechargeable LP-EL battery make it equally useful for fast-paced professional work and carefully controlled creative lighting. The big improvement over the original EL-5 is its more reliable wireless performance and increased 50m transmission range, making Version 2 particularly attractive to photographers building multi-Speedlite setups.
MPN: 7327C003
