The Speedlite EL-5 is a newly designed flash that receives many features from the flagship Speedlite EL-1 while also including modern features all its own. Two popular features found in the EL-5 are the modeling lamp and the use of the high-capacity LP-EL rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. The modeling lamp aids the photographer in seeing the effect of the flashs light emission including providing an idea of how shadows will fall on a subject. With this battery pack and firing at full 1/1 manual flash power the Speedlite EL-5 emits a guide number of 60m/169.9ft @ 200mm at approx. ISO 100 with the ability to recycle to full power in just 1.2 seconds and with the potential for up to 350 full power flashes being possible on a single battery charge. To improve working with the Speedlite EL-5 the joystick and select dial from the EL-1 are featured making operation easy so adjustments can be made quickly while shooting. Additionally the new Multi-function connector at the EL-5s “foot” enables advanced communication on multi-function shoe equipped cameras1 providing more customization and control to be shared between the flash and camera.
- The Speedlite EL-5 borrows some of the best features of the flagship EL-1 flash such as a lithium-ion rechargable battery and a modeling lamp.
- Utilizing the same high-speed charging circuits as the EL-1 and a lithium-ion battery the EL-5 acheives a recharge time of 0.1 to 1.2 sec.
- Since the EL-5 uses the rechargable LP-EL battery it can emit up to 350 continuous flashes on a single charge.
- Features the same joystick control and high-definition LCD as the EL-1.