# Canon EL-5 Mark II stretches its wireless reach

> Canon’s updated EL-5 flash keeps the same core specs, but gives EOS R shooters much more room for off-camera lighting.
- Title: Canon EL-5 Mark II stretches its wireless reach | Shortify
- Summary: Canon’s updated EL-5 flash keeps the same core specs, but gives EOS R shooters much more room for off-camera lighting. The Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 is mainly a…
- Keywords: canon, speedlite el-5, speedlite el-5 ver. 2, eos r, mirrorless cameras, radio control, off-camera flash, 21-pin multifunction shoe, lp-el battery, e-ttl ii, flashgun, EL-5
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/flashguns/canon-gives-a-massive-boost-to-the-radio-range-of-its-popular-el-5-speedlite-flashgun-for-mirrorless-cameras
- Published: 2026-09-16T01:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: canon, speedlite el-5, speedlite el-5 ver. 2, eos r, mirrorless cameras, radio control, off-camera flash, 21-pin multifunction shoe, lp-el battery, e-ttl ii, flashgun
## One big change
Canon’s Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 arrives alongside the EOS R8 Mark II. It is almost the same flash as before, except for a much longer wireless radio range.

> only differs from the original in one way
## Longer radio reach
The updated flash can be controlled from up to 50 meters away, or 164 feet. That is a 66 percent jump over the original EL-5’s 30-meter range.

> a 66% boost in range
## Built for EOS R
The EL-5 line was Canon’s first strobe made for the 21-pin multifunction shoe on newer EOS R mirrorless cameras. That special hotshoe still limits compatibility.

> specifically designed to work with the 21-pin multifunction connection shoe
## Same flash head
Canon keeps the pan-tilt head and 24-200mm zoom coverage. A built-in wide panel stretches coverage for 14mm lenses, with a lower guide number.

> the other features remain the same
## Manual and E-TTL
The flash supports E-TTL II and E-TTL exposure, plus manual power from full output down to 1/1024. It also has a strobe mode from 1 to 500Hz.
## Wireless groups stay big
Its built-in radio transmitter can control up to 15 Speedlites. A white LED modeling lamp helps preview the lighting before firing.

> control up to 15 Speedlites wirelessly
## Price and bodies
The EL-5 Ver. 2 is due in late October for $379 or £399.95. Compatible bodies include the EOS R1, R3, R5 Mark II, R6 Mark II, R6 V, R7, R8, R8 Mark II, R10, R50, and R50 V.
## Key takeaway

The Speedlite EL-5 Ver. 2 is mainly a range upgrade, built for recent EOS R bodies with Canon’s 21-pin multifunction shoe.