Did Canon Miss the Boat on Flash Systems?

[scottburgess]

There were rumors several years back that Canon would replace the vintage 2004 ETTL-II flash system with something more advanced. After 2015, I think there have only been a handful of flash releases: the 470EX-AI, the 600EX II-RT, the EL-100, the EL-10, the EL-1 and EL-1v2, and the Macro Twin Lite MT-26EX-RT are the only ones I can think of. No new system has been forthcoming. An ideal time to deploy a new system might have been in the last few years when the number of R-series bodies was small and they could be easily adjusted with only a few firmware updates, but multiple R lines are now moving to second generation products.

So what do folks think about this, especially those who use multi-flash setups or do studio work? Did Canon miss a golden opportunity to introduce an improved flash system? Do folks find the current system adequate? Have many moved to other brands for a better flash system? Are there particular capabilities elsewhere that you wish Canon had?

 

[jannatul18]

Canon flashes are reliable, but the system does feel dated compared to what Godox and Profoto are offering. For studio work especially, the flexibility and wireless control options elsewhere are hard to ignore.

 

[koenkooi]

I dread the moment my MT24-EX stops working, I don't want to spend €900 for the MT26 nor do I want the godox variant with non-replaceable batteries. I love my EL-5, but it really wish it could be charged over USB-C!

 

[scottburgess]

I dread the moment my MT24-EX stops working, I don't want to spend €900 for the MT26 nor do I want the godox variant with non-replaceable batteries. I love my EL-5, but it really wish it could be charged over USB-C!

I feel the same way about my MR14-EX. I also don't like the small hole on both that prevents wide apertures, nor that the MR14-EX flashes aren't facing inward enough for close subjects on even a 100mm macro. I'm waiting until I get near a larger city to have a look at the Nissin MF-18--not a brand I would normally be seeking out, but I do want to compare it side-by-side with the Canon as some folks think it is better. I'll probably look at the Godox products as well. I still get plenty of use out of my ring flash, so I want to be prepared for the worst and perhaps upgrade sooner if I find something better.