Speedlite Recommendation for EOS R6 Mark ii

[JeroneKingsby]

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

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

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

Speedlite EL-5 (canon.com)

[rs-eos]

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.

[JeroneKingsby]

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 ... 

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

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

Speedlite EL-5 (canon.com)

[JeroneKingsby]

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?

[rs-eos]

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.

[Danfaz]

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.

 

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

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.

[Canonphan]

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.

[shadowsports]

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