Canon Speedlite EL-5

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.

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

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 Foot1, a new 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 30m 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 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.

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

Specifications in detail

Power

Guide Number (ISO100) Meters
60 (200mm)

Zoom

Zoom Head
Auto/Manual
Focal Length Coverage
24-200mm
Coverage with Wide Panel
14mm
Auto Zoom for Sensor Size
Yes

Mounting Foot

Foot Type
Multi-Function Foot (Gold plated terminals)1

Flash Modes

Auto Exposure Control
E-TTL II / E-TTL
High Speed Sync (FP)
Yes
Manual / Output Settings
Yes - 1/1 to 1/1024 2
Manual Steps
1/3-stops
Continuous Flashes in a Burst
Maximum at full power: Approx. 85 3
Strobe / Output Settings
Yes - 1/4 - 1/1024
Stroboscopic Frequency
1 - 500Hz

Flash-Related Function

FE Lock
Yes
FE Memory
Yes
Flash Exposure Compensation
±3 stops
Flash Exposure Bracketing
±3 stops
Second-Curtain Flash Sync
Yes (including wireless)4
Modelling Flash
No (supported as off-camera receiver unit only) 5
Modelling Lamp
Yes, 2 x White LED
(user selectable duration and 5 brightness levels)
Colour Temperature Info Communication
Yes

Wireless Flash

Transmitter
Yes
Transmission Type
Radio only
Transmitter Range
30m (approx.)6
Receiver
Yes
Max. Number of Transmitters / Receivers
15 / 15 (16 in total of any combination)
Number of Groups
5 (A/B/C/D/E)
Number of Channels
Auto, 1-15
Remote Shutter Release
Yes

Flash Head Movement

Up
45, 60, 75, 90, 120°
Down
7°
Left
60, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180°
Right
60, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180°

AF Assist

AF-Assist Beam
Dual white LED lamp7
Number of AF Points Supported
n/a
AF-Assist Beam Type
Approx. 0.6-10m

Power Source

Battery
Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack LP-EL
Battery Level Indicator
Yes - 5 levels / percentage
Minimum Recycling Time
Approx. 0.1-1.2 sec8, 9
Number of Flashes (Fully Charged Battery)
Approx. 350 (at full power)10
External Power Supply
No

Construction

Dust and Water Resistance
Yes
Active Cooling
No - Enhanced passive cooling design

Miscellaneous

Custom Function
11 x C.Fn / 8 x P.Fn
(plus 3 x Custom Modes (C1, C2, C3))
Flash Settings from Camera Menus
Yes - On-flash Menu Direct button11
External Flash Exposure Sensor
No
PC Terminal
No
Accessories (Included)
Battery Pack LP-EL
Speedlite Case
Mini Stand
Mounting foot cover
Accessories (Optional)
Battery Charger LC-E6E
Car Battery Charger CBC-E6
Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 (Multi-Function foot)
Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) (Standard 5-pin foot)
EX series Speedlites with radio receiver function

Physical Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 80.2 x 139.9 x 123.3 mm
Weight
Approx. 491g (body only)

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).
Minimum flash output is 1/128 for high-speed sync.
Using a fully charged LP-EL battery under Canon testing conditions. Continuous flash count at full output until flash firing restriction Level 1.
With compatible cameras/devices and not available with stroboscopic shooting.
Modelling flash is available when being used as a receiver used both with other Speedlites featuring sender functionality and with cameras supporting modelling flash that are equipped with a conventional accessory shoe, such as the EOS-1D X Mark III. In this kind of arrangement, modelling flash can be activated from the camera (by using the DOF preview button).
Without any obstructions between sender and receiver, and without external radio interference. Arrangement of units and other external factors may affect the range/performance.
With compatible cameras, the Speedlite automatically adjusts the LED intensity depending on scene brightness. Automatically switches to intermittent mode if the internal temperature rises during LED AF-assist beam firing.
Using a fully charged LP-EL battery under Canon testing conditions. Continuous flash count at full output until flash firing restriction Level 1.
1/1024 to 1/1 power charging time required for firing.
Using a fully charged LP-EL battery under Canon testing conditions. Continuous flash count at full output until flash firing restriction Level 1.
With compatible cameras.