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8 Best Canon Camera Flashes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Canon Speedlite EL-5, Portable Camera Flash, Compatible with Select EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,405
Recycle Time
Flash Head Movement
Wireless Capability

Most important from
103 reviews

Recycle Time
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery enables faster recycle times and more flashes per charge, ideal for long shooting sessions.
Flash Head Movement
The flash head’s tilt and swivel functions provide versatile lighting angles to shape light precisely as needed.
Wireless Capability
Wireless control through the Canon Connect app enhances creative flexibility by allowing remote adjustment of flash intensity and sync.
Battery Type
After a manufacturer recall fixed the battery issue, the flash now maintains charge reliably, supporting extended use without power loss.

The Canon Speedlite EL-5 is a well-rounded flash designed especially for users of select EOS R Series mirrorless cameras. It uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing faster recycle times and more flashes per charge compared to traditional AA battery flashes—Canon claims it can handle up to 95 continuous full-power flashes without a fan and up to 350 with efficient power use. This makes it great for extended shooting sessions. The EL-5 supports Through-The-Lens (TTL) metering, ensuring accurate flash exposure automatically, and it offers a multi-function shoe connector for better camera communication and more advanced features. Its flash sync speed is around 1/200s to 1/250s, which suits most photography needs.

The flash head can be moved to adjust lighting angles. Wireless control is a strong point, especially with the free Canon Connect app that lets you adjust settings like flash intensity and sync remotely, adding convenience for creative setups. The joystick control and high-definition LCD make menu navigation straightforward. The EL-5 doesn’t include a fan, which can limit rapid-fire shooting in very hot conditions, and the battery pack charger is sold separately.

This flash is best suited for advanced amateurs or enthusiasts who want a portable, feature-packed unit compatible with newer Canon mirrorless cameras and appreciate wireless and app control for flexible shooting.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,405
Recycle Time
Flash Head Movement
Wireless Capability

Most important from
103 reviews

Recycle Time
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery enables faster recycle times and more flashes per charge, ideal for long shooting sessions.
Flash Head Movement
The flash head’s tilt and swivel functions provide versatile lighting angles to shape light precisely as needed.
Wireless Capability
Wireless control through the Canon Connect app enhances creative flexibility by allowing remote adjustment of flash intensity and sync.
Battery Type
After a manufacturer recall fixed the battery issue, the flash now maintains charge reliably, supporting extended use without power loss.
#2

Canon Speedlite EL-10, Portable Camera Flash, Compatible with Select EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras

Rating
9.7
Wireless Capability
Battery Type

Most important from
73 reviews

Wireless Capability
Wireless control capabilities allow managing multiple Speedlites, adding versatility without complexity.
Battery Type
Its compact design and use of common AA rechargeable batteries make it an affordable and practical option.

The Canon Speedlite EL-10 is a solid choice for photographers using Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras who want to step up from basic flashes. It offers a versatile flash head that can tilt up to 90º and swivel widely left and right, making it easy to bounce light creatively. The EL-10 supports TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering, which helps automatically adjust flash power for well-balanced exposures.

Wireless capability is strong, allowing control of up to 15 additional Speedlites, and can be managed via Canon’s smartphone app for remote settings and shutter release. The new multi-function connector adds extra customization and control when paired with compatible cameras. While it isn’t a professional-level flash, its compact size and solid 4.8-star user rating show it is reliable and user-friendly.

Photographers wanting a portable, flexible flash that integrates well with Canon mirrorless systems will find the EL-10 a smart upgrade without being overly complex.

Rating
9.7
Wireless Capability
Battery Type

Most important from
73 reviews

Wireless Capability
Wireless control capabilities allow managing multiple Speedlites, adding versatility without complexity.
Battery Type
Its compact design and use of common AA rechargeable batteries make it an affordable and practical option.
#3

YONGNUO YN24EX TTL Macro Flash Speedlite 2pcs Flash Heads 4pcs Adapter Rings for Canon DSLR Cameras

Rating
9.4
Recycle Time
TTL (Through-The-Lens) Metering
Flash Head Movement

Most important from
24 reviews

Recycle Time
Fast recycle times enable quick shooting without long delays, making it suitable for detailed macro work.
TTL (Through-The-Lens) Metering
Ideal for specialized macro photography, it significantly enhances close-up shots with precise lighting control and TTL support.
Flash Head Movement
The versatile flash head movement allows effective bounce lighting to reduce harsh shadows and improve photo quality.

The Yongnuo YN24EX TTL Macro Flash is designed with Canon DSLR users in mind, especially those interested in close-up or macro photography. It supports TTL metering, meaning it can automatically adjust flash power based on your camera’s settings, which makes shooting easier. The flash has two tubes that can be used separately or together, offering flexible lighting with adjustable brightness across many levels. This is a real plus for controlling light precisely in macro shots.

In terms of flash head movement, the unit can tilt vertically (up to 90 degrees) and rotate horizontally, which helps you bounce light in different directions to avoid harsh shadows. The recycle time is quite fast, about 3 seconds at full power and slightly longer with older batteries, so you won’t have to wait long between shots. It includes an LED focus assist light that helps your camera focus better in low light situations, which is especially useful for macro work where focus can be tricky. The kit comes with several adapter rings to fit different lens sizes, making it versatile.

The flash sync speed is relatively low (1/60 or 1/125), which might restrict some action or outdoor shooting scenarios. This flash suits photographers who want an affordable, specialized macro flash with good manual controls and TTL support but do not require advanced wireless features or very high sync speeds.

Rating
9.4
Recycle Time
TTL (Through-The-Lens) Metering
Flash Head Movement

Most important from
24 reviews

Recycle Time
Fast recycle times enable quick shooting without long delays, making it suitable for detailed macro work.
TTL (Through-The-Lens) Metering
Ideal for specialized macro photography, it significantly enhances close-up shots with precise lighting control and TTL support.
Flash Head Movement
The versatile flash head movement allows effective bounce lighting to reduce harsh shadows and improve photo quality.

Buying Guide for the Best Canon Camera Flashes

When choosing a Canon camera flash, it's important to consider how you plan to use it and what features will best support your photography needs. A good flash can significantly enhance your photos by providing better lighting, reducing shadows, and allowing for more creative control. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a Canon camera flash.
Guide NumberThe guide number indicates the power of the flash. A higher guide number means the flash can illuminate subjects that are farther away. This is important for shooting in large spaces or when you need to light up distant subjects. Guide numbers are usually given in meters or feet. For casual photography or small indoor spaces, a lower guide number (around 20-30) is sufficient. For professional or outdoor use, a higher guide number (above 40) is recommended.
Recycle TimeRecycle time is the duration it takes for the flash to recharge between shots. A shorter recycle time allows you to take multiple photos in quick succession without waiting for the flash to be ready again. This is crucial for event photography or any situation where you need to capture fast-moving subjects. Recycle times can range from less than a second to several seconds. For most users, a recycle time of 2-3 seconds is adequate, but for high-speed photography, look for flashes with recycle times under 1 second.
TTL (Through-The-Lens) MeteringTTL metering is a feature that allows the flash to automatically adjust its output based on the camera's exposure settings. This ensures that your photos are properly lit without needing to manually adjust the flash power. TTL is particularly useful for beginners or those who shoot in varying lighting conditions. If you prefer more control over your lighting, you might opt for a flash with manual settings instead. However, for most users, TTL metering provides a good balance of convenience and performance.
Flash Head MovementThe ability of the flash head to tilt and swivel is important for directing light where you need it. This feature allows you to bounce light off walls or ceilings to create softer, more natural lighting. A flash with a flexible head can be tilted up and down and rotated left and right. This is especially useful for portrait photography and indoor shooting. If you often shoot in different environments, a flash with a fully adjustable head will give you more creative options.
Wireless CapabilityWireless capability allows you to trigger the flash remotely, which is useful for off-camera lighting setups. This can help you achieve more dynamic and professional-looking photos by placing the flash in different positions relative to your subject. Wireless flashes can be controlled via radio or optical signals. For studio photography or complex lighting setups, a flash with reliable wireless functionality is essential. If you primarily shoot with the flash mounted on the camera, this feature may be less critical.
Battery TypeThe type of battery a flash uses can affect its performance and convenience. Some flashes use AA batteries, which are widely available and easy to replace. Others use proprietary rechargeable batteries, which can offer longer life and faster recycle times but may be more expensive and less convenient to replace. Consider how often you shoot and whether you prefer the convenience of AA batteries or the performance benefits of rechargeable batteries. For frequent shooters, rechargeable batteries might be more cost-effective in the long run.

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