Selects: Top 7 Canon Flashes for Photographers

Looking to add some pop to your photography? A top-notch flash opens up a new world of creative possibilities. Whether you want to shoot portraits or want to enhance your images with fine-tuned lighting, a first-rate Canon flash is essential.

In this article, we'll walk through our top picks, highlighting the standout features of each. You'll learn key factors to consider like power, functionality and ease of use. Find out which flashes deliver the best blend of performance, portability and value.

With the right flashguns in your gear bag, you can take your low light photography to the next level. Read on for the complete rundown of our favorite Canon flash options available today.

Our Favorite: Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT

Key Specs

• Guide number: 141 ft/43 m

• Recycle time: 3.5 seconds

• Flash coverage: 24-105mm

Upsides

• Impressive maximum power

• Speedy recycling

• Compact size

Downsides

• Some features are tricky to use

The Canon 430III-RT packs a punch with professional features in a compact, easy-to-carry package. This speedlight delivers ample power with a guide number of 141 feet, versatile flash head coverage from 24-105mm and integrated radio transmission for reliable wireless control. The 430EX III-RT provides pro-level performance made portable.

An intuitive interface with illuminated buttons makes on-camera use effortless. Recycling is swift at 3.5 seconds, powered by just 4 AA batteries. The 430EX III-RT is sturdy, compact, and light enough for comfortable off-camera use. It's compatible with Canon's full-frame and APS-C DSLR lineup for expanded utility.

For Canon shooters seeking professional lighting capabilities in a take-anywhere flash, the 430EX III-RT delivers. With radio wireless transmission, a powerful and versatile head, efficient battery power and illuminated controls, this speedlight empowers impressive lighting where portability matters. The price is another appealing aspect of the 430EX III-RT, making it budget-friendly for photographers.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Key Specs

• Guide number: 190 ft/58 m

• Recycle time: 5 seconds

• Flash coverage: 24-105mm

Upsides

• Impressive power

• Speedy, silent recycling

• Wireless flash control

Downsides

• Slightly larger than previous models

The Canon 580II is a powerhouse pro-level flash packed with advanced features. With a guide number of 190 feet, a 180-degree tilt/swivel head and robust wireless radio triggering, this speedlight delivers incredible lighting versatility for complex shoots. The 580EX II provides portable studio-quality output.

Intuitive controls like the large LCD panel, Quick Access buttons and clear menu system make this flash highly user-friendly. It can rapidly fire up to 100-150 flashes per set of AA batteries and pairs perfectly with pro-Canon DSLRs. The 580EX II is built rugged to withstand professional use.

For photographers who demand powerful, consistent and controllable lighting from an on-location flash, the Canon 580EX II hits the mark. With abundant power, intelligent wireless control and professional-grade durability, this speedlight is a portable yet mighty workhorse for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Canon EL-100 Speedlite

Key Specs

• Guide number: 69 ft/21 m

• Recycle time: 5.8 seconds

• Flash coverage: 24-50mm

Upsides

• Lightweight build

• Flexible flash head

• Simple wireless setup

Downsides

• Low power output

• No display screen

The Canon EL-100 is an entry-level external flash that offers basic lighting capabilities in a compact and lightweight body. With a guide number of 21 meters, it provides adequate power for adding fill light to portraits or moderate backlighting. 

The flash head can tilt up and rotate left and right for simple bounce lighting. It runs on 2 AA batteries and has a recycle time of 3 seconds. While it lacks advanced features like wireless control or zoom, the EL-100 gives beginning photographers an affordable option to start experimenting with external flash photography and improve lighting quality in their images. 

The straightforward operation and Canon EOS compatibility make it easy to use straight out of the box. For those new to artificial lighting, the Canon EL-100 Speedlite is a good first step before moving to more powerful and sophisticated models.

Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT

Key Specs

• Guide number: 197 ft/60 m

• Recycle time: 5.5 seconds

• Flash coverage: 20-200mm

Upsides

• Easy to use

• Terrific build quality

• Great zoom range

Downsides

• Subpar control panel

TheCanon 600II-RT speedlight is a real workhorse flash for demanding photographers. With a guide number of 60 meters, this speedlight packs a serious punch whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors. 

The flash head tilts and rotates to allow for flexible bounce flash capabilities. It also features E-TTL II technology for accurate exposures even at high shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. And, thanks to its weather-sealed build, integrated catchlight panel and optical master/slave modes, the 600EX II-RT feels ready to keep up with you in any shooting conditions. 

For Canon shooters looking to step up their flash game, the 600EX II-RT has the power, features and resilience you need to get the shot. Dedicated photographers will appreciate what this speedlight brings to the table.

Canon 470EX-AI Speedlite

Key Specs

• Guide number: 154 ft/47 m

• Recycle time: 3.5 seconds

• Flash coverage: 24-105mm

Upsides

• Innovative tech

• Solid maximum output

• Speedy recycling

Downsides

• No radio-controlled operation

Tired of fiddling with flash positioning to nail the perfect bounce lighting? Canon's got you covered with the Canon 470EX-AI speedlight. This flash takes the guesswork out of bounce flash thanks to its AI Bounce system that automatically sets the ideal bounce angle and direction based on your camera and lens. It analyses your setup and does the bounce calculations so you don't have to.

The 470EX-AI also packs plenty of power with a guide number of 47 meters, offers E-TTL II autoexposure, can function as an optical master and has a durable moisture and dust-resistant build. With handy features like auto-intelligent bounce, an LED lamp and large LCD screen, the 470EX-AI makes on-the-fly bounced flash simple. If easy, attractive bounce light sounds appealing, take a look at the 470EX-AI.

Canon Speedlite 270EX II

Key Specs

• Guide number: 89 ft/27 m

• Recycle time: 3.9 seconds

• Flash coverage: 28-50mm

Upsides

• Quick, silent recycling

• Bounce flash head

• Multi-angle coverage

Downsides

• No swivel capabilities

The Canon 270II is a compact, lightweight flash ideal for Canon EOS cameras. With a guide number of 27 meters at ISO 100, it provides sufficient power for everyday use. The head zooms from 28-50mm and can be tilted upwards 90 degrees for bounce flash. Features include E-TTL II autoexposure for accurate exposures with all Canon DSLRs, manual flash control, a built-in reflector panel, and a simple on/off switch. Powered by two AA batteries, it offers fast recycle times and conserves battery life. The 270EX II also supports high-speed sync for shutter speeds up to 1/4000s.

Despite its small size, the flash is remarkably durable. For a flash that's highly portable yet still versatile for fill flash and simple bounce lighting, the Canon 270EX II is an excellent choice.

Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-26EX-RT

Key Specs

• Guide number: 85 ft/26 m

• Recycle time: 5.5 seconds

Upsides

• Excellent for macro photography 

• Adjustable light power per head

• Radio frequency (RF) wireless transmission

Downsides

• Only suited for macro photography 

The Canon MT-26EX-RT brings sophisticated dual flash lighting capabilities to close-up photography. With wireless radio control, power adjustment, and flexible flash heads, the MT-26EX-RT provides extensive options for crafting pro-level macro lighting. The twin flash heads can be independently positioned and adjusted to sculpt light exactly as needed for intricate macro subjects.

Operation is intuitive through a simple button and dial interface. The bright LED guide lights help preview flash position effects prior to shooting. With a powerful guide number of 26m, the MT-26EX-RT delivers ample power for everything from vibrant nature macros to detailed product shots.

Offering radio-based wireless triggering, a pair of adjustable flash heads, and robust power in a compact form, the Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-26EX-RT is an essential lighting tool for photographers seeking to take their close-up lighting skills to the next level. The MT-26EX-RT provides the sophisticated control over dual flash lighting that discerning macro photographers demand.

What To Look For in a Canon Flash

Light Power

A camera flash produces a burst of light to illuminate a scene. Flash power is measured in watt-seconds or joules, with higher values indicating more powerful light output that can reach farther subjects. Guide number combines flash-to-subject distance and aperture to quantify power. Most on-camera flashes range from 20-60WS, sufficient for basic indoor shots. Higher power outputs allow for illuminating more distant subjects. Features like zooming heads, reflectors and diffusers maximise effectiveness. Choosing a flash with suitable power output and controls is key to properly lighting photographic subjects with artificial light.

Flash Speed

The speed of a camera flash determines how sharp it can render moving subjects. Flash duration, measured in fractions of a second, determines how well motion is frozen. Built-in and basic external flashes typically have durations of 1/1000s or slower. Higher-end options can emit flashes as fast as 1/2000s or better, ideal for freezing action. Lower power settings enable faster flash speeds. High-speed sync allows ultra-brief bursts at fast shutter speeds. The ability to emit short, bright flashes makes it possible to sharply capture moving subjects. Selecting a flash with sufficient speed for the desired effect allows photographers to illuminate fast-action scenes with crisp, vivid images.

Recycle Time

After firing, a camera flash needs to recharge before it can emit another burst of light. This recycle time determines how quickly consecutive flashes can be produced. Built-in and basic external flashes often have recycle times of several seconds at full power. Higher-end options can recycle in under one second. Faster recycle times of under a second allow shooting in rapid succession without missing shots. Recycle time is also affected by power output, so lower settings recharge faster than full power. Features like external battery packs can drastically shorten recycling. Choosing a flash with a recycle time fast enough to keep up with your shooting pace allows capturing multiple consecutive images lit with flash.

Through-the-Lens Metering

Through-the-lens (TTL) metering allows a camera to calculate the correct amount of light needed from the flash by using measurements taken through the lens itself. Unlike older flash systems that relied on manual settings or sensors not located directly in the optical path, TTL metering measures the actual light levels hitting the film or digital sensor.

When a photo is taken with TTL metering, a short pre-flash is emitted from the flash unit immediately before the shutter opens. The camera measures this pre-flash reflection and uses that data to determine how much flash power is required for proper exposure. The main flash then fires with the calibrated settings. This system accounts for the camera-to-subject distance, reflectivity of the subject, ambient lighting and other variables. The precision of TTL metering enables more consistent flash photography, as the flash output is tailored to the exact scene being captured through the lens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Canon Flash on Other Cameras?

Canon flashes can be used with non-Canon cameras, but with limitations. The flash only works in manual mode, without E-TTL automation. Features like high-speed sync may not function properly. While adapters can enable more functionality, full compatibility isn't guaranteed. For best results with other camera brands, use a flash made specifically for said brand.

What Is the Difference Between a Flash and a Speedlight?

A flash is a standalone lighting unit that produces a quick burst of light, usually powered by batteries or a capacitor. Flashes were traditionally quite large and heavy, designed for studio use or mounting on a camera bracket.

A speedlight is a smaller, lighter type of flash that can be mounted directly onto a camera's hot shoe connector. Speedlights gained popularity with the rise of portable cameras and on-camera flash use.

The main differences are:

• Size/weight: Flashes are larger and heavier while speedlights are more compact and portable.

• Power: Studio flashes have higher power output and recycle times. Speedlights have less power but recycle faster.

• Features: Flashes offer basic light output. Speedlights add advanced features like zooming flash heads, swivel mounts and LED modeling lights.

• Mounting: Flashes need external brackets or stands. Speedlights have feet to mount directly on a camera hot shoe.

• Applications: Flashes are mainly for studio work. Speedlights are designed for on-camera, handheld and general photography use.

Simply put, flashes offer brute power while speedlights provide portable lighting with more finessed features. Speedlights give photographers advanced creative options for artificial lighting in a lightweight package.

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