Canon’s New EL-1 V2 Speedlite Flash

credits: Canon

Canon has announced the Speedlite EL-1 Version 2, a slight update to its flagship flash that originally debuted back in 2021. The original EL-1 was well-received but notoriously hard to get, spending most of its life out of stock at major retailers. Now, with the V2 officially on the way and already available for preorder, it’s looking like Canon’s real fix might not be in the specs, but simply making the thing actually available.

In terms of actual changes, this new version is almost identical to the original. It still covers the same 24–200mm focal range (with 14mm coverage using the built-in diffuser), still includes 180-degree swivel and 120-degree tilt, and still offers a fast 0.9-second recycle time. It runs on the same rechargeable battery, uses Canon’s same wireless radio system, and even has the same size, weight, and weather-sealing. One difference is the guide number: it’s slightly lower on the V2—58 meters at 200mm versus the original’s 60 meters. Oddly enough, that small drop in power gives the V2 five more full-power pops (340) before needing to recharge, compared to 335 on the original.

All of this would be easier to swallow if the price hadn’t jumped. The EL-1 V2 comes in at $1,349, which is $250 more than the original’s launch price. That means you’re paying more for slightly less power and mostly the same specs. For die-hard Canon users who need the reliability and weather sealing of a pro-grade flash, it might still be worth it, but it’s a steep ask for a minor refresh.

You can see full details on Canon’s website here