topic R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes in Gear Guide

R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

Thudstaff — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:03:41 GMT

I'm looking for help using the R50 to trigger multiple light sources. I may not be using the right terminology, but what I want to do is this: set up a small studio in my basement for non-portrait photography…things like macro and creative objects such as backlit flowers and water droplets.

I’m currently using constant lighting from an led panel I use for online meetings and have some smaller led cubes. I was watching some YT videos where folks are using triggered lights. I love the idea of realizing that I need to open up my aperture on my camera one stop to get the look I want and then being able to use the trigger to reduce the lights by one stop. With the constant lighting, it’s just endless random adjustments until I achieve the look I’m after. I added a picture of the stuff I like doing. I do have an EL-5 flash but am looking for strobes I can put modifiers on.

Specifically, what I'm looking for is gear recommendations (Canon and third-party) to make the above happen. The supplied image is the type of stuff I'm doing.

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

deebatman316 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:23:49 GMT

The EOS R50 uses a proprietary Canon hot shoe. The hot shoe only has the necessary pins to allow multi function accessories work. In order to use older style flashes the AD-E1 hot shoe adapter is REQUIRED to use older style flash units.

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

LeeP — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:08:10 GMT

Thank you. I learned something today. I almost never take flash pictures and if I do I use the pop up on my R100 because it's likely a snapshot rather than a "photograph". I will investigate the AD-E1 out of curiosity because I didn't even know it existed. I have ancient dedicated flashes for my Pentaxes, and even have a Vivitar 285 (?) which was the "gotta have" flash back in the day, none of which I would use on my Canons. I also have an E-TTL Canon Speedlight that I bought in conjunction with my Elan IIe. It will be fun to investigate even if it just for the arcane knowledge.

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

March411 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:17:19 GMT

If there is one person I would turn to on this site about flash photography it's Demetrius. His knowledge on the topic is insane!

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:21:54 GMT

Hello, Thudstaff!

Have you considered a light box?

Newton

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

deebatman316 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:36:24 GMT

@LeeP the AD-E1 hot shoe adapter is for use with weather sealed flashes on R series cameras with a digital hot shoe. The weather sealing gasket prevents it from mounting correctly. The EOS R8 would be one of those cameras. Older EX series speedlites DO NOT require this as they don’t have a weather sealing gasket. The EOS R50 requires it for older style flash units. Other cameras with the digital hot shoe still contain the legacy pins or older style flash units to work. Now the flash that came with the EOS Elan IIE was the 380EX. It will work on modern cameras with full functionality. Though the in camera flash menu will NOT be completely functional. The camera retains the ability to set 2nd curtain Sync and Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC). Note the HSS switch on the flash overrides the camera’s ability to set 1st or 2nd curtain sync. The Flash Functions Menu is still available to show current Flash settings.

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

Thudstaff — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:50:09 GMT

I have been looking at them. For what I want to do (in my head), I think it would be limiting.

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

Thudstaff — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:55:08 GMT

I just ordered the AD-E1 from Adorama.

For clarity, could I get something like the Godox X3 trigger for the adapter and use it with the EL-5 off-camera along with one or more lights such as the Godox AD200 and a Godox TT660? Not saying this is what I’m going to do…it’s more about can I do this?

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

deebatman316 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:00:11 GMT

@Thudstaff Godox and Canon’s communication standards for off camera flash are NOT cross compatible. Note there are some INCOMPATIBILITIES between Canon cameras and Godox’s speedlites and transmitters.

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

Thudstaff — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:29:27 GMT

@deebatman316
I'd read elsewhere on the internet that I could do this, which is why I'm here asking on a Canon forum. I just want my stuff that I purchase to work.

With the Canon R50 (that I own), AD-E1 (that I ordered), and Canon EL-5 (that I own), what are my options (specific lights/triggers/etc) to put my studio together? In my mind, in addition to the EL-5, I'd want two more lights and something to run them with on the R50.

While I don't want to spend crazy money, I also tend to be the buy once, cry once consumer when possible.

Thanks!!

Re: R50: Compatible Off-Camera Flash/Strobes

deebatman316 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:50:58 GMT

What you have to remember is that Godox has to reverse engineer Canon’s E-TTL flash system. Canon doesn’t license out any of their communication standards. That includes for the lens mount too.