topic Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii in Gear Guide

Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

JeroneKingsby — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:38:59 GMT

Please reccomend a Speed-light for my R6 mark ii, that will be Easy to install and Use, Thank you

Re: Speedlight R6 Mark ii

rs-eos — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 23:54:45 GMT

Any of Canon's own speedlites would be a great addition to your camera. I would though highly recommend units capable of radio control (units have RT in their model numbers). This will let you do more complicated setups if moving the flash off-camera. i.e. you don't always have to have line-of-sight.

The RT units are also scalable in that you can add more over time.

Personally, I started out with an older 400-series speedlite along with short cable to do some limited off-camera flash work. When I moved to my full frame DSLRs though, I purchased Canon's kit at the time that provided two 600 EX RT flashes along with the ST-E3-RT transmitter. Then I was hooked; adding more units over time.

You could definitely do the same multi-flash setups with the 400 series.

Re: Speedlight R6 Mark ii

shadowsports — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:03:27 GMT

My vote is the Canon EL-5. Perfect match for any camera with a multi-purpose hot shoe.

Speedlite EL-5 (canon.com)

Re: Speedlight R6 Mark ii

JeroneKingsby — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 04:47:36 GMT

That's a lot of Great information, Thank you

if you were to recommend the latest and greatest, for my R6 Mark II, that will be easy to set-up and Use, give me One Speed-light that will put me above the crowd ... I'm ready to purchase Today ...

Re: Speedlight R6 Mark ii

JeroneKingsby — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 04:53:22 GMT

Release date, March 2023 ... I will definitely purchas the EL-5. What do you recommend until then? I hear the GODOX V860iii, ( if that's not taboo to talk about here ), may be great for the R6 Mark II ... what's your take on that?

Re: Speedlight R6 Mark ii

rs-eos — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:54:27 GMT

Personally, I don't use any third-party parts with my Canon gear. I really like Canon's integration and realibility when using all Canon parts.

Having said that, it really depends upon what your goals are. Are you wanting a single flash? Or do you plan to to work with two or more off camera flash units? If the former, you may want to consider the EL-1 which has a much higher guide number than the EL-5. If the latter, make sure you budget accordingly; e.g. it would be quite costly to have multiple EL-1 units. Unless you need the extra power, multiple EL-5 units would be a good choice to keep costs down.

Re: Speedlight R6 Mark ii

shadowsports — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 14:33:07 GMT

Agree with Ricky. Stick with Canon. The EL-5 will be worth the wait. If you want something now, anything 430 EX III - RT (2008 or later) and above will work.

This may also help.

Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 (canon.com)

3rd party gear may not work, even if adapted with the above.

The 430 EX III - RT can be had refurbished directly from Canon. This can get you over the hump and is slightly less expensive than the Godox. Except for batteries, I don't use 3rd party gear any longer either. Its not an issue with older gear (DSLR's) but with newer MILC body's, 3rd party gear can often lead to compatibility challenges, compromise or grief.

Shop Canon Refurbished Speedlite 430EX III-RT | Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Re: Speedlight R6 Mark ii

Danfaz — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 02:18:11 GMT

Hi Ricky, if I'm reading the specs for the EL-1 and EL-5 correctly, the guide numbers are the same.

I think the EL-5 would be the best choice for the R6II to take advantage of the multifunction hotshoe. Unless of course you need extended rapid fire shooting.

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

Canonphan — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 18:36:16 GMT

Will an older speedlight 580 ex ii still work? The manual says you have to get the hot shoe adapter. I saw online interview by Canon staff that you can still use any speedlight but you lose the weather seal without the adapter.

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

shadowsports — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 19:03:55 GMT

Based on what I've read, the 580ex II should work (direct mount) without the adapter.

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

JoeySnaps — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:40:45 GMT

For my EOS R6 mkII I have the Speedlite 430 EX III RT which works very well. I also have the ST-E10 transmitter which works well with the Speedlite in RF radio mode. I also have on order the EL-5, hoping it will arrive any day now. The EL-5 and ST-E10 each utilise the new multi-function shoe on the camera.

Agreeing with previous comments in this thread, I wouldn't recommend third party flash for the R6 mk II, Canon flashes are well built, fully compatible, and not over-priced (unless you include the diamond-encrusted EL-1). I would go for the EL-5 unless the budget won't stretch to it, in which case the 430 EXIII RT is a great-value alternative.

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

PeterSarmiento — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:05:19 GMT

I'm loving the EL5 on the R6ii. Even got the ST-E10 for off camera lighting.

The 1/1024 power output gives a nice touch of light to completiment ambient.

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

JeroneKingsby — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 23:52:47 GMT

Which Softbox, if any, and S Bracket are you using for your EL-5?

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

PeterSarmiento — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:15:38 GMT

I'm using the Godox S2 bracket,, not sure if the EL5 would fit the S1 bracket.

Bowens mount beauty dish,,

Although I'm wishing I picked up an Archer Speedbox.

Let me know if anyone has tried the Archer Speedbox.

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

PeterSarmiento — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 03:55:22 GMT

Sorry I meant Angler Fastbox, not Archer Speedbox.

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

DanAhl — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 20:53:13 GMT

EL 5 on my R6 M2 was good and bad. Nice results for lighting. Horrible results on battery draining. I put a fully charged battery in the EL 5, stored with my gear and it was totally drained 3 days later with no use of the flash. this happened 4x over the course of 3 weeks. I'm exchanging for another EL 5 to see if this one was faulty. In another forum, this draining of the battery appears to be an issue. It even drains rapidly if you store it outside of the flash. (YES, the flash was switched off each time, but it drains the batter much faster if it's left in the flash.) Canon's suggestion was to charge the battery the night before taking it to use the following day. so I can't count on having a flash ready for a quick shot if I don't plan a day in advance? Bad Solution Canon. we'll see if this one works, or it's Godox V1 Pro or Westcott FJ II M (m= multi brand) with those flashes work with my hot shoe, or will they require an adapter?

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

mglotspeich — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 22:43:28 GMT

Hello. Will the Godox V1 Pro have the special connectors on the foot for the Canon R6 Mark 2? Thanks!

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

Curamantel — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 03:00:27 GMT

On either the R6MII or R5MII, the 580EXII fits tight with the weather seal on. I pulled the weather seal off of the 580EXII and it slides on/off easy. It still works fine!

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

Curamantel — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:21:46 GMT

580 EX-II and 430 EX-II have been working for me with R5 MII and R6 MII

Re: Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

mglotspeich — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:56:46 GMT

Thank you!