The Speedlite EL-1 is the next generation, all-purpose flash that professionals and advanced amateurs have been seeking, providing durability, reliability and a range of power that opens up a numbe...
The Speedlite EL-1 is the next generation, all-purpose flash that professionals and advanced amateurs have been seeking, providing durability, reliability and a range of power that opens up a number of possibilities. The new Xenon flash tube offers increased stability for flash output and 14 f-stops of total flash exposure range allowing you to shoot anywhere from a bright 1/1 to a dim, low power 1/8192 to precisely sculpt your scene with light. The new rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack LP-EL supplies a shorter recovery between flashes as well as an impressive number of continuous flash opportunities, and conveniently lets you recharge when needed.
MSRP: $1,499.99
Item Code: 4571C002
Learn more about the features of the Speedlite EL-1.
Disclaimers:
* 0.9 sec: recycling time when flash is set to Manual Mode, 1/1, Full-power flash.
** 335 cycles when flash is set to Manual Mode, 1/1 Full-power flash.
The Speedlite EL-1 has a maximum guide number of 197 ft. (60m) at ISO 100 to provide you the versatile lighting you desire for flash photography in a variety of situations, such as outdoor weddings, portraits, and low light scenarios during indoor events. It offers a wide range of 24mm to 200mm flash coverage to match popular 24-105mm, and 70-200mm lenses, and can even be used with lenses as wide as 14mm with use of the extendable 14mm wide-panel. To maximize power, and make the flash user-friendly, the Speedlite EL-1 automatically zooms with the focal length of your lens from 24-200mm in accordance with your camera’s sensor (Full-frame or APS-C) , or a manual setting can be selected for manual control.
Improved performance and convenience are the results of the new compact and rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack LP-EL. It delivers the power and reliability needed when shooting any situation, especially weddings or photojournalism opportunities when a moment can be once-in-a-lifetime, so you can feel confident in the flash recycle performance when shooting a series of images for extended periods of time. You can even view the remaining battery level in the top right display of the Speedlite EL-1, letting you know just how long you can go or when it’s time to recharge with the LC-E6 battery charger.
Additional benefits of the new rechargeable Li-ion Battery in the Speedlite EL-1 is the speed at which the flash recycles so you can utilize it back to back repetitively, one flash after another. With an approx. recycle time of 0.9 sec. (approx. 6x faster than the 600EX II-RT when the 600EX II-RT is used with AA/LR6 alkaline batteries) you will find improved consistency and less underexposed black frames, when the opportunity presents itself. The improved power of the rechargeable Li-ion Battery is also evidenced by the number of times you can fire the flash when fully charged, up to 335 times (approx. 3x longer than the 600EX II-RT when the 600EX II-RT is used with AA/LR6 alkaline batteries) before having to recharge or simply swapping out for another LP-EL battery.
New Active Cooling System enabling Longer Operation
An active cooling system helps circulate air throughout the flash head to keep it cool when firing continuously for longer periods of time, using a fan and glass panel to improve heat resistance. This cooling system lets you keep firing the flash for approx. 170 continuous shots*1, while also not impairing the dust- and water-resistance of the Speedlite EL-1.
*1 From 14mm to 135mm.
Improved Thermal Management
A high-durability Xenon-filled glass flash tube helps the Speedlite EL-1 fire more effectively and efficiently.
The Speedlite EL-1 has a wide 14-stop exposure range from 1/1 to 1/8192 to greatly expand the levels of versatility in flash output from brightest to dimmest. This means you’re better equipped to capture all sorts of expression whether it’s at close range like portraits, further away, or even balancing flash with dimly lit scenes where many existing flashes are too bright to obtain proper exposure.
Equipped with an intuitive button layout and dial, the Speedlite EL-1 also features a joystick that allows you to cycle through and select various settings, and work more effectively and quickly. When working under pressure or in dimly lit situations, the Speedlite EL-1 also has an illuminated display to show relevant shooting information at a glance – both when the flash is in use or on standby, for fast and easy reference. Additionally, you can control your speedlite quickly by setting your flash menu to a button, and with the FE memory function, you can even have the Speedlite EL-1 take note of flash settings for specific scenes so you can easily recall the configurations if shooting the same scene or similar scene repeatedly, or after taking a prolonged break and re-visiting, without having to manually set everything all over again.
When setting up your shots, you can utilize the two colour LED modeling lamps on the Speedlite EL-1. These two lamps can help you ascertain the coverage and direction of light to get the results you want prior to shooting, and are also adjustable in brightness and colour temperature when working in a dark studio. Each modeling lamp automatically turns off during release.
The Speedlite EL-1 is designed to maintain the high standard of dust- and water-resistant performance found on Canon's EOS-1D series of cameras. Its exterior seams are sealed to help maintain airtightness, while a dust- and water-resistant adapter mounted to the bottom of the flash surrounds and locks around the camera's hot shoe for a nearly impenetrable seal. By maintaining the overall weather-resistant surface of the EOS-1D series, the Speedlite EL-1 can bring flash photography to more places, in more environments, without compromise.
Radio wireless transmission means the Speedlite EL-1 can be used to support off-camera shooting in a number of ways, including multiple flash shooting, with the use of up to 15 RT Series receiver Speedlites to produce light freely even when not attached to the camera. It also has Second-Curtain Sync for those amazing ambient light trails following your subject for even more creative possibilities.
(The following flashes support radio transmission wireless second-curtain sync as receivers: 600EX II-RT, 600EX-RT, 430EX III-RT).
The Speedlite EL-1’s flash head is designed for easy bounce flash, in any direction. The head can now be angled 120° up, 7° down and can rotate 180° left and right. A bounce lock with release button helps things stay in place. Additionally, the Speedlite EL-1 features a catchlight panel to create catchlights in the eyes of the subject for a more expressive look.
The Speedlite EL-1 is bundled with key accessories designed to help position, diffuse and tone its output for optimal results. The Bounce Adapter SBA-EL widens and diffuses bounce lighting, achieving a soft effect especially in shadow areas. The SCF colour hard-type filter sets include the Colour Filter SCF-ELOR1, which is effective in merging ambient incandescent light with the flash’s bluish output to create a warm mood, and the Colour Filter SCF- ELOR2, useful for balancing the flash output with incandescent lighting found in interior lighting, for more natural, realistic light. Both filters attach and detach with ease for quick and smooth set-up. The Speedlite EL-1 is also bundled with a soft case that is designed not only to hold all its flash accessories, but can also store the flash unit with the filter attached and has a belt loop for speedy access on the go.
Additional external power sources are supported with the Speedlite EL-1, such as the optional Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N. When used, the CP-E4N battery pack can help reduce the recharge time to 0.6 sec. (with AA/LR6 alkaline batteries)*, or 0.4 sec. (with AA/LR6 Ni-MH batteries)* when shooting 1/1 full power consecutively, and increases the maximum flash count to approx. 560 times (with AA/LR6 alkaline batteries)* and 680 times (with AA/LR6 Ni-MH batteries)*.
*Based on Canon testing.
See complete specifications for the Speedlite EL-1.
Flash
Compatible Cameras
Type-A EOS cameras (E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash)
Flash Coverage (Focal length; for 35mm full-frame)
14mm |
Wide Panel: Manual |
24mm |
Zoom • A: Auto |
28mm |
|
35mm |
|
50mm |
|
70mm |
|
80mm |
|
105mm |
|
135mm |
|
200mm |
Guide Number
• The Guide No. is approximately 46.3 ft./14m at ISO 100.
- When the extendable wide panel is pulled out, the flash coverage is 14mm.
• The maximum Guide No. is approximately 196.9 ft./60m at ISO 100 and 200mm flash coverage.
- When the extendable wide panel is pulled out, the flash coverage is 14mm.
Maximum Energy
76Ws
Flash Modes (Exposure Control Modes)
Flash Mode |
Flash Exposure Compensation |
FEB |
FE Lock |
Wireless |
|
Radio |
Optical |
||||
E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash1 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Manual Flash |
Yes |
Yes |
|||
Stroboscopic Flash |
Yes |
Yes |
|||
Auto External Flash Metering |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes*² |
||
Manual External Flash Metering |
|||||
Continuos Shooting Priority Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
||
Group Firing3 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes*⁴ |
Yes |
* 1: Set automatically when the camera shooting mode is set to Basic Zone modes.
* 2: Only Group firing is available.
* 3: Can only be set when the Speedlite is used as a sender in radio transmission wireless operation.
* 4: Only groups set to E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash.
Flash Exposure Compensation
±3 stops, in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop*¹ increments.
* The Speedlite's flash exposure compensation takes precedence if flash exposure compensation is performed by both the Speedlite and the camera. Users who prefer to enable flash exposure compensation by the camera should set flash exposure compensation by the Speedlite to 0.
* 1: Corresponds to exposure level increments on the camera.
FEB
±3 stops, in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop*¹ increments.
* FEB is automatically deactivated after three shots.
* Can be used with flash exposure compensation and FE lock.
* 1: Corresponds to exposure level increments on the camera.
FE Lock
Supported
FE Memory
Supported
• Stores the flash output of E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash and automatically sets the stored output level if users switch the flash mode to manual flash.
* Flash output may vary slightly between E-TTL autoflash and manual flash.
• Colors may vary between E-TTL autoflash and manual flash under the following conditions:
* When the color temperature of the Speedlite light differs greatly from that of ambient lighting and flash exposure compensation is set toward the negative end.
* When E-TTL balance is set to (Ambience priority).
• Differences in colors between E-TTL autoflash and manual flash may be reduced by taking one of the follow steps:
* Using the provided color filter.
* Setting white balance to an option other than AWB.
0: Off |
Disabled |
1: On |
Enabled |
2: On / Mode ETTL - M |
Enabled/ One-touch switching between E-TTL autoflash and manual flash |
Number of Flashes
Approx. 335–2,345 flashes.
* With a fully charged Battery Pack LP-EL.
* Based on Canon Testing Standards.
Recharge Time
Power Supply |
Recharge Time (approx.) |
Flash count |
||||
Normal Flash |
Quick Flash |
|||||
Flash Power |
Min. |
Max. |
Min. |
Max. |
Min. |
Max. |
Speedlite EL-1 |
0.1 sec. |
0.9 sec. |
01. sec. |
0.8 sec. |
335 |
2345 |
Speedlite EL-1 |
0.1 sec. |
0.6 sec. |
01. sec. |
0.5 sec. |
560 |
3920 |
Speedlite EL-1 |
0.1 sec. |
0.4 sec. |
01. sec. |
0.35 sec. |
680 |
4760 |
* Based on Canon Testing Standards
Flash Range
Effective flash range with EF 50mm f/1.4 lens at ISO 100 (Light distibution: Standard)
AF Assist Beam
System:
Infrared AF-assist beam
Compatible AF System:-
TTL second image formation phase-difference AF
Supporting 1–191 AF points (28mm or longer focal length)
• Phase-difference AF during viewfinder shooting
Effective Range (Approx.):
At center: 2.0–32.8 ft./0.6–10.0m
At periphery: 2.0–16.4 ft./0.6–5.0m
Modeling Lamp
Modeling Lamp
Brightness*¹ |
Manual setting: 1 (Low) to 5 (High) *Default setting: 5 (High) |
Color temperatue*¹ |
Manual setting: 1 (Orange) to 5 (White) *Default setting: 1 (Orange) |
On |
Illuminated in response to the following operations |
Off |
Off under the following conditions |
*1: set in P.Fn-08
Higher LED temperatue from prolonged illumination triggers the following safety functions
Temperature in-crease |
LCD Panel |
Modeling Lamp Operation |
|
Icon display |
Illumination |
||
Level 1 |
On |
Modeling lamp brightness is lowered one level, if at the maximum level |
|
Level 2 |
Blinking |
Modeling lamp is turned off |
Wireless Functions for Radio Transmission
Wireless Settings
Sender |
Supported |
Receiver |
Supported |
Communication Functions
Compliance standards |
IEEE 802.15.4, ARIB STD-T66 |
Communication method |
Primary modulation: OQPAK Secondary modulation: DS-SS |
Transmission frequency |
2405-2475 MHz |
Channel |
Channel 1-15 Setting: |
Wireless radio ID |
0000 to 9999 |
Transmission range*¹*² |
Approx. 98.4 ft. / 30 m |
Groups |
Up to 5 groups (A-E) |
Number of possible units for communication |
Up to 16 units of senders and receivers in total |
Max. sender units |
Up to 15 |
Max. receiver units |
Up to 15 |
* 1: Without any obstructions between senders and receivers, and without radio interference from other devices.
* 2: Transmission range may be shorter depending on factors such as how units are arranged, the surrounding environment, and weather conditions.
Transmission Status Display
Transmission status |
Display |
lamp |
LCD Panel |
|
Sender |
Receiver |
|||
Connected |
Yes |
Yes |
On (in green) |
Sender, |
Not Connected |
0.1 sec. |
0.9 sec. |
Off |
Sender, |
Too many units/Error |
0.1-0.6 |
Blinking at 2 Hz |
Sender, |
|
Sub-sender |
0.1-0.4 |
On (in green) |
Sub Sender |
|
Confirmation of linked shooting |
Yes |
On (in green) |
RELEASE |
Wireless Firing Control
Wireless firing control via radio transmission
Flash Mode |
E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash |
|
Manual flash |
||
Stroboscopic flash |
||
Group firing |
E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash |
|
Manual flash |
||
Auto external flash metering |
E-TTL II / ETTL autoflash details
ALL |
A:B |
A:B+C |
Manual flash details
ALL |
Flash ratio seting: 1/8192*¹*² to 1/1 |
A+B |
Flash output seting: 1/8192*¹*² to 1/1 |
A+B+C |
Flash output seting: 1/8192*¹*² to 1/1 |
* 1: Minimum of 1/128 for high-speed sync.
* 2: Speedlites that do not support a minimum flash output of 1/8192 use their minimum flash output instead.
Stroboscopic flash details
Flash count |
1-100 |
Flash frequency |
1-500 Hz |
ALL |
Flash ratio seting: 1/8192 to 1/4 |
A+B |
Flash output seting: 1/8192 to 1/4 |
A+B+C |
Flash output seting: 1/8192 to 1/4 |
Group firing details
Enables separate configuration of flash firing control conditions 1-3 below for each groups (A, B, C, D, E), to combine multiple methods of flash firing control.
For all flash output set for groups A-E above, the same flash exposure compensation can be set.
* Flash exposure compensation ±3 stops
Test flash
Available (Sender/Receiver)
Modeling flash
Available (Sender/Receiver)
Modeling lamp
Available (Sender only)
Remote control from a receiver
Functions on sender units that can be controlled remotely from receiver units:
• Remote release
• Test flash
• Modeling flash
* Sub-senders cannot be controlled remotely
Wireless functions for Optical Transmission
Communication functions
Compliance method |
Optical pulses |
Channel |
Channel 1-4 |
Transmission range (approx.) |
From front of flash head |
Reception angle (approx.) |
• Horizontally: 45° |
Groups |
Up to 3 groups (A-C) |
Max. sender units |
Unlimited |
Max. receiver units |
Unlimited |
Wireless settings
Sender |
Supported |
Receiver |
Supported |
Individual receiver |
Supported |
Wireless
Overview of optical wireless firing control
Sender flash firing |
On: Fires as Group A |
Channel 1-4 |
|
OFF: Does not fire. |
|
Flash mode |
E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash |
Manual flash |
|
Stroboscopic flash |
E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash details
ALL |
Flash metering control of all groups (A, B, C) as if they were a single flash unit. |
A:B |
Flash metering control to obtain the flash ratio set for groups A and B. |
A:B+C |
(1) Flash metering control to obtainv the flash ratio set for groups A and B |
Manual Flash Details
ALL |
Flash ratio seting: 1/8192*¹*² to 1/1 |
A+B |
Flash ratio seting: 1/8192*¹*² to 1/1 |
A+B+C |
Flash ratio seting: 1/8192*¹*² to 1/1 |
* 1: Minimum of 1/128 for high-speed sync.
* 2: Speedlites that do not support a minimum flash output of 1/8192 use their minimum flash output instead.
Stroboscopic Flash Details
Flash count |
1-100 |
Flash frequency |
1-500 Hz |
ALL |
Flash ratio seting: 1/8192 to 1/4 |
A+B |
Flash output seting: 1/8192 to 1/4 |
A+B+C |
Flash output seting: 1/8192 to 1/4 |
Individual Receiver Details
Manual Flash |
Flash output setting: 1/8192 to 1/1 |
Stroboscopic |
•Flash output setting: 1/8192 to 1/4 |
Test Flash
Available (Sender/Receiver)
Modeling Flash
Available (Sender/Receiver)
Modeling Lamp
Available (Sender only)
Linked Shootting via Radio Transmission
Linked Functions
Supports linked shooting with automatic shutter release of up to 16 cameras (sender:1, receivers:15) linked to shutter release on the sender camaera.
*Shooting is not simultaneous, because receiver cameras shoot slightly afterthe sender camera shutter release timing.
Information Display
Type
Reflective memory LCD (normally black)
Size
Approx. 1.89(H) x 1.04(V) in.
Display formation
Dot-matrix display
Dot Count
Approx. 56,000 dots (320x176)
General
Power Source
Battery Pack LP-EL
*AA/LR6 Alkaline Batteries and Ni-MH batteries cannot be used.
Battery Charger
Battery Charger LC-E6/LC-E6E
Car Battery Charger CBC-E6
External Power Source
Supported
*Optional - Supports CP-E4N Battery Pack
PC Terminal
Supported
Modeling LampIllumination Time
Approx. 3 hr 20 min. Continously
*With P.Rn-09 set to [2], and using a fully charged Battery Pack LP-EL
Dust-and-Water Resistance
Supported
*Water-resistant performance to EOS-1D series
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 3.32 x 5.87 x 5.37
Weight (Approx.)
20.18 oz (Body Only)
24.23 oz (Body and Battery)
Functions
Light Distribution
Set in C.Fn-21
0: Standard |
A light distribution setting that balances light distribution and the guide number. |
1: Guide number priority |
Prioritizes illumination at the center of the screen, the periphery may be dark. |
2: Light distribution priority |
Light distribution that reduces peripheral darkness. |
Custom Functions
Function |
Number |
Setting |
C.Fn-00: Distance indicator display |
0 |
m (display in meters) |
1 |
ft. (display in feet) |
|
C.Fn-01: Auto power off |
0 |
ON (90 sec.) |
1 |
OFF |
|
C.Fn-02: Modeling flash |
0 |
Depth-of-field preview button |
1 |
Test flash button |
|
2 |
DOF/Test flash button |
|
3 |
OFF |
|
C.Fn-03: FEB auto cancel |
0 |
ON |
1 |
OFF |
|
C.Fn-04: FEB sequence |
0 |
0 -> - -> + |
1 |
_->0-> + |
|
C.Fn-08: AF-assist beam firing |
0 |
ON |
1 |
OFF |
|
C.Fn-10: Receiver auto power off timer |
0 |
60 min. |
1 |
10 min. |
|
C.Fn-11: Receiver auto power off timer |
0 |
Within 8 hours |
1 |
Within 1 hour |
|
C.Fn-12: Flash recycle with external power |
0 |
External and internal pwer |
1 |
External power only |
|
C.Fn-13: Flash exposure compensation setting |
0 |
Button and dial |
1 |
Direct setting with the dial |
|
C.Fn-18: Modeling lamp lit |
0 |
with lamp button |
1 |
Press the shutter button halfway twice |
|
C.Fn-21: Light distribution |
0 |
Standard |
1 |
Guide number priority |
|
2 |
Even coverage |
|
C.Fn-22: LCD panel illumination |
0 |
Stay on for 12 sec. after operation |
1 |
Disable panel illumination |
|
2 |
Illumination always on |
|
C.Fn-23: Receiver charge confirmation |
0 |
AF-assist beam blinking and flash-ready lamp |
1 |
Flash-ready lamp |
Personal Functions
9 Functions
Function |
Number |
Setting |
P.Fn-01: AF-assist beam emission method |
0 |
Infrared |
1 |
Emmitting small series of flashes |
|
P.Fn-02: Quick flash |
0 |
ON |
1 |
OFF |
|
P.Fn-03: Flash firing during linked shooting |
0 |
OFF |
1 |
ON |
|
P.Fn-04: Change settings with the direct dial operation |
0 |
OFF |
1 |
ON |
|
P.Fn-05: FE memory |
0 |
OFF |
1 |
ON |
|
2 |
ON / MODE: ETTL<-> M |
|
P.Fn-06: Beep |
0 |
ON |
1 |
OFF |
|
P.Fn-07: Fan |
0 |
ON |
1 |
OFF |
|
P.Fn-08: Modeling lamp (brightness, color) |
Brightness: 5 levels |
|
Color: 5 levels |
||
P.Fn-09: Modeling lamp (lit time) |
0 |
5 min. |
1 |
30 min. |
|
2 |
Unlimited |