EL-5 Availability?

[JoeySnaps]

Does anyone actually have a Speedlite EL-5? Here in the UK I placed an order for one, the dealer expected delivery in February but now it's March and no sign of it yet.

[rs-eos · Accepted solution]

Canon USA's page mentions that the estimated arrival is March 30th.

[JoeySnaps]

Thank you. Disappointing, but I guess I can be patient. My dealer was clearly ill-informed, or over-optimistic.

[deebatman316]

Well Canon has already released the manual for the speedlite. So I guess that means that the speedlite is coming some. But there are a few gotchas with certain cameras with the new multi purpose hot shoe.

-Demetrius

Current Gear: EOS 5D Mark IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III USM, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM, EF 85mm F/1.8 USM, EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM, 470EX-AI & 600EX II-RT

Retired Gear: EOS 40D & Sigma 17-50mm F/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

As far as I'm aware, the release date has been March 30th all along. 😀

Coming soon! 

[deebatman316]

That's why Canon released the manual for the speedlite. But I didn't realize that there were certain restrictions with this speedlite. The R6 Mark II has no restrictions.

-Demetrius

Current Gear: EOS 5D Mark IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III USM, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM, EF 85mm F/1.8 USM, EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM, 470EX-AI & 600EX II-RT

Retired Gear: EOS 40D & Sigma 17-50mm F/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

[JoeySnaps]

Thanks for this information, guys.

Incidentally, I'm in the UK, where the price of Canon gear is significantly higher than it appears to be in the US. For instance, Canon USA are listing the EL-5 at $399 but in the UK it's £499 which is roughly $600. I believe your purchase tax system is different than ours, though - prices here are always quoted inclusive of VAT (purchase tax). So, can I ask, when this flash is listed at $399, how much you guys would actually be paying to buy one? Does it vary between states?

[jrhoffman75]

There is no federal tax in the US. Individual states may have a sales tax. Some do not. In states where there is a tax there may also be lower level county or city taxes. 

[Danfaz]

Sales tax does vary. The national average is somewhere around 5%. So, a $399 flash would be approximately $418.95.

[JoeySnaps]

Thanks everyone.

I have today discovered that Canon Japan have apparently announced that the release of the EL-5 is now delayed until the summer. I've started a new thread with the link to CanonWatch where I found it and the Canon Japan statement.