Canon has introduced a brand new speedlite for its mirrorless EOS R system, the EL-5. The EL-5 flash contains a number of the options of the flagship EL-1 speedlite in a extra compact, inexpensive design.
Let’s begin with the worth. The Canon EL-5 will price $400 when it launches subsequent March. The Canon EL-1 sells for $900 with an ongoing $200 on the spot financial savings. That is a large value distinction. There are, after all, tradeoffs. Nevertheless, the EL-5 contains the identical rechargeable lithium-ion battery, similar high-speed charging circuits and comparable person interface with an LCD and joystick because the Canon EL-1.
A serious distinction between the 2 flashes is that the EL-1 has a built-in fan that permits longer operation. With no built-in fan, the EL-5 cannot fairly match the EL-1’s steady flash spec of 335 flashes. Nevertheless, the EL-5 guarantees roughly 95 consecutive full-power flashes. If you happen to’re taking pictures at decrease energy, the EL-5 can emit as much as 350 flashes on a single cost.
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The Canon EL-5’s recycle time for the full-power flash is 1.2s. For reference, the EL-1’s recycle time is listed at 0.9s. When firing at full energy, the EL-5’s information quantity is 60m (197ft) at 200mm (ISO 100), the identical because the dearer EL-1. The EL-5 is like an EL-1 junior, though there is no distinction relating to most energy – they’re each 76Ws flashes. Reaching the identical energy output for lower than half the worth is spectacular.
By eschewing the inner energetic cooling, which does restrict the EL-5’s velocity efficiency, the EL-5 additionally sheds some weight. The EL-1 weighs 572g (20oz), whereas the brand new EL-5 is 491g (17.3oz). These weights are with out the LP-EL battery pack. Together with the battery provides about 116g (4oz) to each flashes since they use the identical battery.
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The EL-5 contains an LED modeling lamp, as talked about, and is mud and climate resistant with sealing all through, together with round buttons and the battery compartment. The LED additionally aids with autofocus acquisition in dim environments. The flash contains customized flash modes, and sure flash capabilities will be assigned to the management ring on RF lenses.
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Just like the EL-1, the brand new EL-5 makes use of Canon’s new Multi-function shoe connection. Whereas this enables for prolonged performance, it limits compatibility with Canon’s R-series mirrorless cameras. The flash is presently suitable with solely the Canon EOS R3, R7, R10 and the brand new R6 Mark II. When the flash launches in March, suitable cameras would require a free firmware replace.
