At Ted's, we believe that artificial lighting is a must if you want consistently good exposures and you want to make the most of your high-quality digital camera. In saying that, we know that flash guns and video lighting are unfamiliar for most beginners, and just looking at available models and all of their features can be overwhelming.
With this roundup, we take a look at Canon's Speedlite range and try to help you decide on which model is the best fit for you.
Canon Speedlite EL-100
At the entry-point of the Canon Speedlite range, you find an excellent portable Speedlite, the EL-100. Perfect for beginners, the EL-100 is very lightweight at just 190 grams, while it contains enough features for you to fully embrace flash photography for the first time. This includes a bounce head, an optical receiver that allows you to fire the flash when it is off-camera, as well as stroboscopic and 2nd curtain sync.
The compact Canon EL-100 has a guide number of 26 and its head tilts up so you can experience a bit of bounce flash.
Learn more about the EL-100
Canon Speedlite 430EX III
As its name suggests, the Canon 430EX III has a little history, being the third in its series. It features numerous advancements, resulting in faster and quieter recycling performance. This flash will be ready to fire again before you know it, and it won't distract others around you with loud operating sounds.
The guide number of this flash is 43, it can be used as a slave unit in a wireless setup, and it features a swivelling flash head which is more versatile in movement than the entry-level EL-100, so you can explore more advanced flash techniques.
Learn more about the 430EX III
Canon Speedlite 430EX III RT
Like the 430EX III, the Canon Speedlite 430EX III RT features a guide number of 43, fast and quiet recycle times, and a versatile bounce head. Where this Speedlite differs is the crucial addition of a 2.4 GHz wireless triggering system which unleashes both master and slave capabilities. This radio flash system allows the flash to communicate effortlessly with other flashes in a wireless setup, with less risk of communication failure.
Traditional optical-based triggering relies on a line of sight being maintained between the units, which can sometimes lead to performance issues.
Learn more about the 430EX III RT
Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ringlite Flash
If you are keen on Macro photography, you have probably heard of the usefulness of Ring Lights when it comes to improving your work. The Canon MR-14EX II is the perfect Speedlite for this close-up work, with its flash tubes being positioned around the front of your lens to provide an even spread of light. The dual tubes can be adjusted independently for versatile lighting effects, while the guide number of 14, when combined with the close range of your subjects, allows you to shoot with small apertures to maximise the details within your images.
Compatible with the full range of EOS DSLRs, this flash unit transmits white balance data to your camera, which improves the accuracy of auto white balance.
Learn more about the MR-14EX II
Canon Speedlite EL-1
Quite comfortably the flagship model in the range, the Canon Speedlite EL-1 is in fact the most powerful and full-featured Canon has released so far. In a first for a flash gun, the EL-1 has been deemed as worthy of L-Series membership — this is not only thanks to its fantastic performance features but also its rugged weather-sealed build. Thanks to this toughness, the EL-1 can be trusted by demanding professionals to light up their most important work, whether that is taking place in the studio or out on location.
This lithium battery powered flash gun features a guide number of 60m at ISO 100, with 14-stops of power adjustment. It recharges at a lightning-fast speed and is capable of up to 160 flashes in a continuous burst. A perfect fit for photographers of various types and with various goals in mind, the Speedlite EL-1 features dual LED modelling lights for video lighting, a versatile swivelling bounce head and advanced wireless functionality.
Learn more about the EL-1
Canon Speedlite EL-5 Flash
A recent addition to the Canon Speedlite range, the EL-5 is compatible with the newer EOS R mirrorless camera releases that feature the newest multi-function shoe, which at the time of writing includes the EOS R3, R6 II, R7 & R10. As well as a strong guide number of 60, the EL-5 is notable for its blistering speed, boasting figures such as 0.1–1.2 seconds recharge, and up to 95 continuous flash bursts. These specifications obviously make it less likely that you will ever have to go without flash to capture a split-second image.
The Canon Speedlite EL-5 can automatically adjust its output to match any scene, making it ideal for mixing artificial and ambient lighting for a more natural finished image. It also includes an AF-assist beam and a built-in LED modelling lamp for versatile usage. Rounding up the feature set is a rugged weather-sealed build and a long-life lithium rechargeable battery.
Learn more about the EL-5
Canon Speedlite EL-10 Flash
The Canon Speedlite EL-10 is a compact and reliable flash option for photographers who value both portability and durability. Powered by readily available AA batteries, it's ideal for outdoor use thanks to its weather-sealed construction. The intuitive interface, featuring a joystick, dial, and clear LCD screen, allows for quick and effortless control over settings. Notably, the EL-10 boasts impressive wireless capabilities, enabling control of up to 15 additional Speedlite flashes from distances of up to 98 feet, perfect for creating complex lighting setups.
Learn more about the EL-10