As you delve deeper into the world of photography, you’ll find that you’ll need a couple of important accessories to further enhance your image output. This is exactly the case once you find yourself getting into flash photography. Then again, it’s never as easy as upgrading to just any shoe mount flash. When shopping for imaging accessories (like external flashes or a detachable camera flash), there are a few very important things to consider and remember.
First, there’s compatibility. The best flashes for Canon are the ones that you can use, so the first factor to consider when choosing external flashes should always be whether or not they will work with your Canon camera. For example, if your camera features through-the-lens (TTL) flash control, you’ll want a flash that works with it. Fortunately, you can pretty much use any Canon Speedlite and other popular, highly recommended third-party off-camera flashes go very well with Canon cameras.
Another reason why you’ll want a good detachable camera flash is that you’ll want to make the best use of Canon’s impressive flash metering system. Find a reasonably priced one that is capable of fully integrating with the camera’s exposure meter, autofocus performance, lens aperture, and shutter speed in order to produce the right flash output. And speaking of flash output, you’ll want to make sure that it’s powerful, which you would be able to tell by its guide number (GN).
Finally, a detachable camera flash that can both be mounted and triggered wirelessly is the best way to go if you want professional-quality lighting that you can manipulate to create more natural lighting or even a multi-flash lighting setup for a variety of photography styles.
So if you’re looking to buy the best flash for Canon cameras for yourself or to give it as a gift for a Canon shooter, you’ve come to the right place.
How Does an External Flash Work?
A detachable camera flash is a flash unit that mounts on the hot shoe on top of the camera. It usually illuminates the subject in front of the camera, but some flashes may turn at an angle for more subtle illumination.
The flash is connected to the camera and fires when you press the shutter release button to take a photograph. Camera and flash settings go hand in hand, and, in the case of TTL flashes, they are automatically synchronized. For example, a TTL flash fires a pre-flash and sends the data to the camera, which decides on the flash power needed. When you use a manual flash, you adjust the flash settings manually.
What to Look for When Buying a Detachable Camera Flash
The first thing you should do after deciding you need a detachable camera flash is to consider your budget. The budget dictates whether you should buy a high-end OEM flash or a third-party one. Once you’ve established the price category, you can move on to analyzing other flash features, such as:
Light Power
It represents the maximum brightness of the light emitted by the flash. If you often work in good lighting conditions or in small places, you need less light than when working in low light conditions or outdoors. Light power is one characteristic that determines how much light the flash produces.
Light Duration or Speed of the Flash
It represents the amount of time for which a flash produces the light. If you want to freeze motion, you need a fast flash with a short light duration. Light duration is measured in fractions of a second and varies between 1/100sec and 1/20,000sec.
Recycle Time
It represents the amount of time the flash needs to recharge between fires. It is measured in seconds and varies between 0.1 sec and a few seconds. Recycle time is crucial when you take multiple shots in a short amount of time, such as for event photography or photojournalism.
TTL (Through-the-Lens) Metering
TTL metering indicates a flash able to communicate with the camera and set its parameters based on exposure settings. You don’t have to adjust the light power manually when using a TTL flash. Instead, the flash evaluates the focal length, flash–subject distance, and camera settings and decides how much light it has to produce.
The Best Detachable Camera Flash for Canon Camera Users
While same-brand Canon external flashes are still the ideal choice, we’ve included some highly rated third-party units in our list of the best flashes for Canon cameras below.
Canon Speedlite EL-10
Have you been looking for a flash that won’t overwhelm you with complicated features? Good news, the universe is now introducing you to the one you’re looking for, the Canon Speedlite EL-10. This flash unit is a perfect fit for professionals moving beyond basic models and looking for a powerful tool that can be used in the studio and on-location.
One of its standout features is its ability to control up to 15 other Canon flash units wirelessly. Create sophisticated lighting setups easily and synchronously, giving your photos that professional look! You can save different flash settings (C1, C2, C3) and switch between them easily, so you can adapt to changing light conditions without missing a pic.
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 82.7 ft. at ISO 100 and f/4
- Zoom Range: 24-200mm (14mm with Panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: Approx. 210 -1400 with new AA/LR6 alkaline batteries
- Recycle time: 2.5 seconds
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 190g
Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT
If power is your main priority, Canon’s 430EX III-RT Speedlite delivers. With a pretty decent guide number of 141 ft. (at ISO 100 and 105mm), this detachable camera flash can be used for a variety of shooting conditions. It can even last up to 1200 flash triggers on a single, powerful set of four AA batteries.
A couple of other standout features include this Canon external flash’s user-friendly control panel, new wireless trigger functionality (slave), very compact size, and speedy recycle time of 0.1 to 3.3 seconds. Tilt it upwards by 90°, 180° to the left, and 150° to the right for a more directional flash.
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 141 ft. at ISO 100 and 105mm
- Zoom Range: 24-105mm (14mm with Panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: 180-1200
- Recycle Time: 0.1-3.5 Seconds
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 295g (10.41 oz)
Profoto A10 On and Off Camera Flash
True to its namesake, the Profoto A10 flash works beautifully both on camera and off. If you’re new to using a strobe, you’ll love the easy-to-read display interface. At a glance, you’ll see all the information you need without distractions.
Profoto built this flash with the intention of helping photographers easily set up multi-light kits. The A10 seamlessly communicates with other Profoto flashes without the need for third-party trigger kits.
The round shape of the flash creates an attractive, symmetrical, classic lighting look with a natural spread and smooth fall-off.
This versatile flash unit also offers a 90-degree head tilt and 360-degree rotation. No matter where you need to place your flash to perfectly illuminate your subject, you can keep the display facing you for at-a-glance settings checks.
Key Specifications:
- Recycling time: 0.05-1.0 sec
- Number of flashes: 450
- Tilt and swivel: 90 degree tilt, 360 swivel
- Laser AF assist and LED modeling lamp
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion battery (LP-EL)
- Weight: 1.2 lbs (560g) with battery
- Bluetooth, Profoto Air, and AirTTL connectivity
Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ring Lite Flash
Ring-light flashes create attractive light that surrounds your subject for even illumination.
While many ring lights are bulky and complicated to set up, the Canon MR-14 EX II Macro Ring Lite is as easy as it gets. Just slide the control unit into your hotshoe and screw the light unit onto the front of your lens.
The MR-14EX II Macro Ring Lite features a 67mm filter thread, but you can use it with smaller filter sizes with a step-up ring.
One unique feature of the Macro Ring Lite is the ability to fire the two independent flash bulbs separately or together. When you’re photographing macro subjects, products, or flowers, you can really dial in the look of your lighting thanks to this added flexibility.
Key Specifications:
- Compatible with a range of DSLR cameras
- Contains twin circular flash tubes
- Guide number: 34.4 ft (10m) at ISO 100
- Backlit LCD panel for settings adjustment on the control unit
- Modeling light
- Recycle time: 0.1 – 5.5 sec
- Filter thread: 67mm
- Powered by 4 AA batteries
- Weighs 1.00lb (455g) without batteries
More Detachable Camera Flashes for Canon Cameras:
Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 TTL for Canon
While this speedlight is an inexpensive model in comparison to other units on the market, it benefits from a few great features that make it worth considering when expanding your flash kit.
For starters, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack is eco-friendly and adds extended functionality. Any photographer who has spent hundreds of dollars on AA batteries over the years will appreciate the ability to recharge and continue shooting.
The R2 system uses a 2.4GHz radio remote, so you can shoot on-camera or off. You can also easily combine multiple flash units to shape your light however you want. Plus, Flashpoint makes it a breeze to keep your lighting up-to-date with periodic available firmware improvements.
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 196 ft. at ISO100 and 200mm
- Zoom Range: 24-200mm (14mm with diffuser panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: 650
- Recycle Time: < 1.5 seconds
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
- Weight: 540g (19 oz)
Godox ML-150 Macro Ring Flash
When it comes to floral, food, and macro photography, a ring flash is an incredibly useful accessory. Some photographers rely on ring-shaped modifiers placed over traditional speedlight flash heads, but Godox makes it easy to use the correct equipment for the job with their ML-150 Macro Ring Flash.
Attach the body of the flash to your hotshoe for seamless ETTL integration and screw the ring to the front element of your lens for attractive multi-directional light. With six included lens adapter rings, you can use this flash with lenses of all sizes, including 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, and 67mm.
Godox is a great brand that many photographers swear by, and the ML-150 is an exciting addition to their lineup.
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 32.8 ft. at ISO100
- Max. Number of Flashes: 30-1000
- Recycle Time: Approx. 0.1 – 2S
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 370g (13.05 oz)
Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2 TTL
With a 360° swiveling, round flash head, the Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2 TTL has the look and functionality of a much more expensive flash. This flash unit is designed with extremely fast recycling and wireless TTL precision in mind. So no matter how quickly you work, or how many shots you fire off, it keeps pace with ease.
The round head is popular for its ability to work well with modifiers and its high visual quality. This model takes those benefits one step further with a magnetic accessory mount. And you can add or remove modifiers in no time at all.
Simply put, this flash is interchangeable with other, more expensive models on the market, so it’s a great investment for your camera bag.
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 92 ft. at ISO100 and 50mm
- Zoom Range: 28-120mm (wider with accessory kit)
- Max. Number of Flashes: Approx. 480
- Recycle Time: < 1.5 seconds
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack
- Weight: 534g (18.8 oz)
Flashpoint Zoom-Mini TTL R2
Canon mirrorless shooters will love this compact, reliable flash unit from Flashpoint. Designed to match a smaller camera’s profile and weight, the Zoom-Mini TTL R2 offers many of the same great features as other Flashpoint models in a more diminutive size.
Use the Canon R2 radio system to trigger one or more of these speedlights, or enjoy flawless ETTL automation through your Canon camera’s hot shoe. High-speed sync, second-curtain sync, EXIF recording, flash exposure lock, exposure bias, and AF assist beam functionality are just some of the great features of this tiny speedlight.
You can also seamlessly integrate the Zoom-Mini TTL R2 with any other R2 units already in your kit.
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 118 ft. at ISO100
- Zoom Range: 24-105mm (18mm with Panel)
- Max. Number of Flashes: 500
- Recycle Time: 0.1~1.7 seconds
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack
- Weight: 290g (10.3 oz)
Godox Thinklite TT560II
Among the most affordable speedlight flashes in the Godox family, the Thinklite TT560II is perfect for use with a variety of Canon DSLR cameras. While it is relatively streamlined compared to some of Godox’s flagship models, this unit still offers great features. They include an extended range of motion, 16 channels, three flash modes, and multiple auto-self protections to limit power usage and prevent overheating.
The built-in wireless signal will help you streamline your gear during shoots by eliminating the need for unreliable third-party triggers or receivers. While this flash is powered by AA batteries, it also features a sync socket and power terminals for use with an external power supply.
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 125 ft. at ISO100 and 105mm
- Rotation: 0-90 deg vertically, 0-270 deg horizontally
- Max. Number of Flashes: 100-1500
- Recycle Time: Approx. 0.1-5s
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 310g (10.93 oz)
Sigma EF-630 Multifunctional External Flash
Sigma is well-known for its fantastic cutting-edge technology for third-party lenses. The EF-630 proves they’re up to the challenge of lighting as well! With a similar look and profile to other speedlights on the market, this model excels in unexpected ways.
The user interface is highly intuitive and easy to read. With a dot matrix LCD screen, the menus are clear and bright. Plus, the D-pad and dial controls make changing settings simple and frustration-free.
Like many other Sigma products, you can update this flash unit with the latest software version from any computer using the Flash USB Dock (sold separately).
Key Specifications:
- Guide Number: 206 ft. at ISO100 and 200mm
- Zoom Range: 24-200mm (17mm with wide angle adapter)
- Recycle Time: Approx. 1.8 to 3 Seconds
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 490g (17.28 oz)
Glow ParaPop 28″ II Portable Softbox
Make the most of your off-camera flashes with high-quality modifiers. The Glow ParaPop 28” II Portable Softbox works well with your existing speedlight collection and is compatible with Bowens mount lights, so it will create the same lighting quality as larger studio-strobe setups.
This softbox is easy to set up and pack away so you can arrive on location and have a fully functional photo studio ready in moments. The ParaPop 28” II also features a silver interior for subtle, natural-looking lighting. The parabolic reflector has almost no falloff and the softbox front diffuser is heat resistant to accommodate even the brightest strobes without damage.
Add filters, color gels, and other accessories to your ParaPop gear using the magnetic rim mount for even more lighting control and specificity.
Key Specifications:
- Diameter: 28 in / 71.1 cm
- Depth: 14 in / 35.5 cm
- Size Closed: 21 x 6.5 x 6.5″ / 53.3 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm
- Size Open: 28 x 19.5″ / 71.1 x 49.5 cm
- Mount: Bowens and OTA Adapter
- Assembly time: 3 minutes
- Collapsing time: 1 second
- Materials: Water and heat-resistant fabrics
- Weight: 2 lbs / 907.2g
- Warranty: One year
Why Did We Choose This Detachable Flash Accessory?
Professional photographers are always looking for ultra-portable, high-quality lighting accessories, and the Glow ParaPop 28” II Portable Softbox certainly fits that bill. Take more intentional outdoor portraits, evenly illuminate larger groups, and position the light exactly where you need it every time, so you can elevate your event and portrait photography work.
Detachable Camera Flash Frequently Asked Questions
Are Camera Flashes Universal?
No, a detachable camera flash doesn’t work with any camera. They are proprietary products, and you have to choose a flash compatible not only with your camera brand but also with your camera model. Even if the pins and hot shoes of the camera and flash match, other features might not work, such as TTL.
What Is the Difference Between a Flash and a Speedlight?
In essence, a detachable camera flash and speedlight are the same. Speedlights are smaller flashes that are more compact and more portable. It can stand on a light pole and fire triggered by remote control. It emits less light than a strobe flash and produces a more natural illumination. In a studio photo setup, you may use the more powerful strobe flashes combined with speedlights.
Another difference is the power supply. Speedlights are powered by AA batteries, while the bigger strobe flashes have a rechargeable battery or an A/C outlet.
Do You Need a Trigger for Off-Camera Flash?
If the flash is not on the camera’s hot shoe, you need a trigger to let it know when to fire. There are two types of remote triggers: infrared-based and radio signals-based. Infrared communication requires a clear line of sight between the camera and the flash. Radio signal communication doesn’t need it and works even when the flash and camera are in different rooms. However, it is more expensive and difficult to set up.
When to Shoot with a Flash?
Use a detachable camera flash when you don’t have enough light to achieve your artistic purpose. If the lighting conditions don’t allow you to use the camera settings you want, an external source of light will solve the problem. It doesn’t matter if you are in a studio taking fashion portraits or outside photographing flowers. Flash photography is often the best choice for portraiture, event photography, commercial and product photography, macro photography, and fine art photography.
When Not to Shoot With a Flash?
The obvious situation in which a detachable camera flash is useless is when the subject is beyond the fall-off distance of the flash. For example, photographing landscapes with a flash won’t make a difference. Other situations in which you’d better avoid using it are photographing animated subjects that startle easily (e.g., insects, animals, children), having the subject too close to the camera, and wanting to avoid enhancing details and imperfections (e.g., wrinkles).
After finding the best flash for your Canon camera, level up your photo studio for the optimal shooting space.
Feature image via Shutterstock
