Canon announced the Speedlite EL-5 back in November of 2022, and after a couple of delays it is finally in stock at most retailers.
Canon Speedlite EL-5 Key Features
- 2.4 GHz Wireless Radio Transmission
- Guide Number: 197′ at ISO 100 and 200mm
- Runs on LP-EL Lithium-Ion Battery
- Modeling Lamp; Multi-Function Shoe
- Zoom Range: 24-200mm (14mm with Panel)
- Recycle Time: 0.1-1.2 Seconds
- Extended Control from 1/1 to 1/1024
- Joystick, Dial, and High-Definition LCD
- Remote Control with Camera Connect App
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
Canon Speedlite EL-5 $399: B&H Photo // Adorama // Amazon
Some of our articles may include affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Well, I did notice that the EL-5 is slightly larger than the 600EX, and also that the head on the EL-5 does not lock. The head on the 600EX-RT locks for swivel and bounce at forward-facing 0 and 90 degrees, with a push-button release on the hinge. The EL-5 head moves freely (with detents, of course).
I don't like the omission of a charger, though. The EL-1 comes with one, but I guess because it's premium. However, if the purchaser doesn't already have a LC-E6, that's another $60.
I first tried the EL-5 on the R8 with the 24/1.8, the flash felt quite ungainly. Better balanced with the 28-70/2, but then it’s almost like the camera itself is not there. The EL-5 balances perfectly on the R3 with any lens.
I like the LED assist/modeling, though as warned it’s not variable on the R3. On the R3, the flash LED is full brightness for a dim or dark scene, and the intermittent main flash tube firing happens when there’s almost no light (or with the lens cap).
On the R8, the flash’s LED assist is the go-to. I can’t get the intermittent main tube assist to fire even with the lens cap on. The brightness of the flash LED assist does vary, even within the same acquisition – with a very dim scene it starts dimmer then goes to full brightness.
In practice, there’s typically enough light to focus with either camera, I find assist beam activation to be rare. It’s much less frequent than with a DSLR (which makes sense with the improved AF sensitivity).
My initial feeling is confirmed – I’ll use the EL-5 as a go-to on-camera flash and use the 600’s off-camera. The only advantage of the 600 is that I always have fully-charged eneloops available, whereas I may not have the LP-EL fully charged if I don’t anticipate needing a flash. Not a big deal, as the 600’s would get the job done in that case.
Pickin it up tomorrow to pair with the R7 (hopefully as well for 1 of the soon-to-be rumored body releases)
On a whim, I also thought maybe I’d register them online so I snapped pics of the warranty cards. Up in the attic, I decided to take pics of the warranty cards from a few other recent purchases – R8, RF 24/1.8, RF 100-300/2.8 and EL-5.
To my surprise, the usual USA/Canada warranty card for the EL-5 was not in the box. Instead, there were these:
The Aus/NZ card has the model and serial numbers printed on it, the European pamphlet just has empty boxes where I presume that should go.
I preordered it from B&H on launch day, and got it from the first batch they received. Seems Canon may have screwed up the packaging and distribution a bit? No real consequence, I suppose, since there’s nothing geographically specific about the flash (no, I’m not still bitter that they didn’t include a charger, not at all :mad: ).
Somehow, I doubt this means I get 5 years of warranty. I do wonder if there will be an issue when I try to register it online. That happened to me once before, with the EF 70-200/2.8 II – it wouldn’t accept the date, indicating the lens wasn’t available yet on that date even though I tried both the date B&H shipped it to me and the day I received it (so it clearly was available, obviously).
I purchased a BG-R10 from B&H in June. It came with a AUS/NZ Warranty card, same as your EL-5. I attempted to register it in MyCanon, but the listing for the item was not present. (Not in the product database). I called support and brought it to their attention. They agreed it was missing and said they'ed get in added. Somehow I was the only person who ever tried to register their grip in North America. (ok).
In the meantime, I requested an RMA with B&H. I claimed grey market. I'm in CA, so 11 days later I got my replacement. The exact same item (product) I had returned. It looked like they opened the box, put it in another box and sent it right back to me. I was pretty upset. Getting ready to leave for Alaska, took the time to exchange it and then this. This was the first time I hadn't had a stellar experience with B&H.
I actually got an email from Canon telling me I could register my product now. I logged back in and the BG-R10 could now be registered. It accepted the serial number too. I added my receipt. I'm not worried I didn't get a legit product or one that is physically or operationally different than US. All of my other Canon gear, lenses / body's have a US Warranty Card. As long as you can register the flash you should be good to go.
They are not always clearly distinguishable.
Since they are an authorized dealer, and reputable, I was a little surprised is all. This was the first item from them I ever questioned. I' don't think this is in their terms and conditions. Some sites say flat out, we sell GM goods at a discount. You can select GM for this price and US for that price. It wasn't a big deal in the end, but there wasn't any transparency and that's what bothered me. I've been buying from them for about 20 yrs.
Turns out the ST-E10 that I bought from B&H also came with the Aus/NZ warranty card instead of USA/CAN. Like the EL-5, that was preordered on announcement day (I ordered the ST-E10 together with the R3), and mine shipped from the first batch that got to B&H.
I doubt these are gray market items. Rather, I think Canon’s distribution logistics need some work.