Best External Flash for Canon (Detachable Camera Flash)
As you advance in the photography realm, you’ll realize that you might need a couple of accessories to improve your image quality. This is especially true if you start to experiment with flash photography.
Then again, it’s never as easy as picking up just any shoe-mount flash. When shopping for an imaging peripheral such as an external flash, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost is compatibility. The best Canon flashes are those you can use; therefore, the first thing you should look for when looking for an external flash is whether or not it will work with your Canon camera.
Another incentive to invest in a decent detachable camera flash is fully utilizing Canon’s outstanding flash metering technology.
That said, if you’re looking for the best external flash for a Canon camera, you’re in the right place.
5 of the Best External Flash for Canon Include
| Best External Flash for Canon | Max Guide Number | Bounce and Swivel | Wireless Master/Slave | Zoom Range | Batteries | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II | 46ft at ISO 100 | None | Master IR | None | 4 x AA | 1 x 5.1 x 4.4 in | 16 oz. |
| Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT | 141ft at ISO 100 | 0° - 90° and 150° - 180° | Slave IR/RF | 24 - 105mm | 4 x MX AAA NiMH | 4.1 x 4.2 x 2.9 in | 10.4 oz. |
| Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT | 197ft at ISO 100 | 7° to 90° and 180° - 180° | Master/Slave IR/RF | 20 - 200mm | 4 x AA/HR6 Ni-MH | 4.8 x 3.1 x 5.6 in | 20.65 oz. |
| Canon Speedlite EL-1 | 197ft at ISO 100 | 7° - 120° | Master/Slave IR/RF | 24 - 200mm | 1 x Li-ion | 8 x 4.5 x 11.2 in | 53.5 oz. |
| Canon Speedlite EL-100 | 85ft at ISO 100 | 0° - 90° and 150° - 180° | Master/Slave IR | 28 - 50mm | 2x AA | 2.8 x 2.6 x 3.6 in | 6.7 oz. |
1. Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II
Unlike standard Speedlites, the MR-14EX II is built on a standalone hotshoe-mounting control unit and a circular flash head that attaches around the front of a lens.
As a result, it’s great for capturing close-ups and works with most of Canon’s macro lenses. Some lenses, however, may require a Macro Lite Adapter with a 67mm or 72mm attachment thread.
Although the flash head of the lens can be rotated, it features two semi-circular flash tubes on the left and right in its default configuration.
Key Specifications
Max Guide Number: 46ft at ISO 100
Bounce and Swivel: None
Wireless Master/Slave: Master IR
Zoom Range: None
Batteries: 4 x AA
Dimensions: 1 x 5.1 x 4.4 inches
Weight: 16 ounces
2. Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT
The Speedlite 430EX III-RT is compact but with a lot of functionality. It has a lot of onboard controls and an LCD display that work together to provide a very user-friendly interface.
Unlike Canon’s more basic Speedlites, this one has a higher zoom range of 24-105mm and is motorized to track the focal length or zoom setting of your lens. It’s compatible with both APS-C and full-frame cameras.
Key Specifications
Max Guide Number: 141ft at ISO 100
Bounce and Swivel: 0° – 90° and 150° – 180°
Wireless Master/Slave: Slave IR/RF
Zoom Range: 24 – 105mm
Batteries: 4 x MX AAA NiMH
Dimensions: 4.1 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches
Weight: 10.4 ounces
3. Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
The range-topping Speedlite 600EX II-RT offers the most powerful max guide number output (197ft at ISO 100) and the most generous motorized zoom range (20-200mm) of any Speedlite in Canon’s current lineup.
It’s also the only one with a slight downward tilt, which makes it ideal for close-up photography.
With complete wireless master/slave functionality in both RF and infrared options, the Speedlite 600EX II-RT is also better connected.
Key Specifications
Max Guide Number: 197ft at ISO 100
Bounce and Swivel: -7° to 90° and 180° – 180°
Wireless Master/Slave: Master/Slave IR/RF
Zoom Range: 20 – 200mm
Batteries: 4 x AA/HR6 Ni-MH
Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.1 x 5.6 inches
Weight: 20.65 ounces
4. Canon Speedlite EL-1
Canon’s premier flashgun, the Speedlite EL-1, is developed exclusively for high-end professional use.
As a result, it’s the first Speedlite to feature the iconic Canon’ red ring,’ which is generally reserved for L-series lenses.
With a weather-resistant build that incorporates sealing comparable to that seen on top Canon cameras, the EL-1 is meant to last.
The EL-1’s battery life, continuous operating performance, and recycling periods have all been given significant consideration by Canon.
Key Specifications
Max Guide Number: 197ft at ISO 100
Bounce and Swivel: -7° – 120°
Wireless Master/Slave: Master/Slave IR/RF
Zoom Range: 24 – 200mm
Batteries: 1 x Li-ion
Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 11.2 inches
Weight: 53.5 ounces
5. Canon Speedlite EL-100
Canon’s entry-level Speedlite lacks the features of its more expensive siblings.
The EL-100’s onboard controls are very limited; however, it offers a rudimentary mode dial with configuration settings for wireless infrared master operations and simple slave operation.
Manual zoom settings are limited to full-frame 24mm and 50mm focal lengths, but horizontal swivel and vertical bounce are now accessible.
Key Specifications
Max Guide Number: 85ft at ISO 100
Bounce and Swivel: 0° – 90° and 150° – 180°
Wireless Master/Slave: Master/Slave IR
Zoom Range: 28 – 50mm
Batteries: 2x AA
Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.6 x 3.6 inches
Weight: 6.7 ounces
Final Thought
All in all, there are plenty of external flash systems for Canon cameras, but we have listed the best ones in our opinion.
At the end of the day, selection will be based on your preferences and needs, but regardless of which one you choose, you’ll be getting a top-notch product.
See Also
Best DSLR Camera for Filmmaking
Best Camera for Landscape Photography
Best Camera for Portrait Photography
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