Since the launch of the EOS R system, the Speedlite situation for the system has been a bit of a mess.
Currently, the flagship Speedlite EL-1 isn't expected to ship again until May of 2024, while it's compatible the entire EOS R lineup, it's also prohibitively expensive for a lot of shooters. The Speedlite EL-5 isn't compatible with the EOS R5, but works with the EOS R3, EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R7 and EOS R10.
The EL-100? It doesn't really check all the boxes for a lot of shooters, but compatibility isn't an issue with the EOS R system.
We have no idea what the ongoing issues are with Canon Speedlites, the EL-5 was delayed for more than 6 months and the EL-1 stock levels remain inconsistent. The EL-5 is easy to come by, but we think it would be far more popular if it was compatible with the EOS R5.
We are now being told that the EL-1 “may never be available again” and that Canon is “revamping the entire Speedlite line next year”. What that means, we're not 100% sure, but it would make sense to address it with the expected EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II launches next calendar year.
We previously reported than Speedlite EL-10 was on the way, and apparently that is still going to be happening. While it was rumoured to appear late this year, that didn't come to pass. With the issues surrounding Speedlite's for EOS R, we're not surprised things have been bumped…… again.
Just FYI the EL-5 is a great flash even though I use it infrequently.
might require a redesign towards shorter discharge durations in order to
cram that into the exposure times and make a difference.
Other than that, the Godox X system does everything one needs - and more.
EL-5 me bolox
So either there is one or not, it seems that it didn‘t fit grip at the market.
So starting again seems to be a possible choice.
Right now, I see no reason to abandon my old EX SL.
- Canon Speedlites are way too expensive
- Third party flashes do the job at a much lower price point
Unless Canon can sell a competitively priced flash that offers a tangible benefit to flash shooters they'll continue to be overrun by third parties. Until then I'll stick with my first-gen 430EX when I need TTL, and my set of Yongnuo YN560-III when I'm doing studio stuff.
So many people say you can buy 4 (Godox/Yongnuo/etc.) for the price of an EL-1. Read the reviews of the Godox V1 on B&H. Tons of reviews saying it broke after the 1st event, especially the foot. One reviewer said he was on his 5th(!) V1.
At that point, he's spent more money on his 5 V1s than if he just bought an EL-1.
"Buy nice or buy twice..."
And I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but sort the reviews by "worst reviews," and you'll see what I'm talking about:
Which leaves R RP R5 R6 in the dust... And the adapter is too expensive for what it is.