Recommended flash for Canon EOS R8

[Hindy]

Hi,

Is the Canon EOS R8 hot shoe strong enough to support the Canon EL-5 speedlight? The Canon EL-5 flash-606 grams weighs more than the R8 camera-461 grams. And, the new multi-function hot shoe is very delicate and can easily become loose or broken. Additionally, the EL-5 doesn't have such good reviews- people have reported problems regarding the radio connection, and there is no way to connect a wire in case the radio fails. Am I better off getting an older flash that uses the older, stronger hot-shoe? I would appreciate it if people can please recommend a good on-camera flash for the Canon EOS R8 that can be bounced from the ceiling and used indoors with a fast recycle time.

Thank you in advance.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I am not a flash expert.  I own a 430 EXII, and today I purchased a 430 EXIII-RT

The EL-100 is the smallest and most affordable.

The 430 EX-III RT - Affordable mid range flash (with wireless) should the need arise.

The EL-5 is another option for the R8, but not for my R5 C.

There are some used options too, but if you want to keep it light, the EL-100 or 430 EXIII-RT are the lightest options.  I don't recommend non Canon flashes.  Lighting is another story, but they are not portable.

Let's see what others recommend.

[p4pictures]

Yes the EOS R8 multifunction accessory shoe is strong enough to support the EL-5, though it's not well balanced with a heavier flash on a lighter camera. The multifunction shoe on the EL-5 is pretty durable - same as the EL-1 - though it does have the 21-pins at the front of the foot where they are more exposed. 

I have both EOS R6 Mark II and the EOS R10, both have multifunction accessory shoe, I have used them with the AD-E1 adapter and a Speedlite 600EX-RT, this puts more strain as the weight of the flash has more leverage than even the EL-5 as it is an extra inch from the body due to the adapter. Mostly I have elected to use the ST-E10 transmitter on the camera and work with my Speedlite off-camera. I look forward to a new Speedlite based on the Speedlite 430EX III-RT but with multifunction shoe.

The smallest and lightest unit you can use is the Speedlite EL-100 it weighs 190g. Going up in flash power, features, size and price is the Speedlite 430EX III-RT weighing 295g. Though both of these have the older style foot they will fit on the EOS R8 multifunction accessory shoe without using the AD-E1 adapter as they are not weather sealed.

[Hindy]

Thank you very much for the suggestions.

[shadowsports]

I bought the 430 EXIII-RT Refurb.  They are still in stock as of this evening.  A steal with a CarePak  

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