Best Flash for Canon R6 (and Mark ii)

This guide will help you find the best flash for the Canon R6, whether you’re using the original or Mark II model.

The Canon EOS R6 is known for its exceptional autofocus system, impressive image stabilization, and outstanding low-light performance.

However, by incorporating a flash, you’ll be able to get sharp, clear and vibrant photos while keeping your ISO nice and low.

There are quite a few lighting options out there for the Canon R6, suitable for all needs and budgets, whether you’re an amateur or a pro.

All the models below can be used for on-camera, and if you have a wireless transmitter, off-camera flash as well.

So, let’s dive in and take a look at some of the best Speedlite recommendations to up your flash photography game.

What is the Best Flash for the Canon R6 in 2023?

Godox V1 (Best Overall Flash for Canon R6)

The Godox V1 is an all-around great performer.

It’s a ’round-head’ speedlight, which basically means that the flash head is circular and produces a natural-looking light, soft and even, with no hard edges.

That makes it an ideal choice for any photography, but particularly for anyone wanting to use flash when taking portraits, as flattering light is essential for this.

The Godox V6 is extremely adjustable, with 0 to 330 degrees of horizontal movement and -7 to 120 degrees of vertical movement. This makes it a breeze to bounce your light  – the key to avoiding the dreaded ‘deer in headlights’ look.

It’s a very powerful flash (guide number of 92 at 100mm at ISO 100) that supports TTL metering. So, not only will you be able to light everything more than adequately, but you’ll get accurate exposures.

It also incorporates High-Speed Sync, which gives you great manual and creative control by allowing you to shoot at fast shutter speeds.

The head is designed with a magnetic mount, so you can easily add colour gels, diffusers, or other modifiers to the light and take even more control of its effect.

Unlike a lot of external flashes, which use AA batteries (and can munch through these), the Godox V1 takes a rechargeable battery, which will give you more flashes (480) per charge and speedier recycle times (1.5 seconds) to keep you shooting without needing to give your flash a break.

At under $100, this compact yet powerful flash is an excellent budget option.

The first thing you notice is its size. It’s compact and lightweight, weighing in at only 200 grams. It’s perfect for those who want to travel light and remain inconspicuous.

Despite its small size and low price, the Godox TT350C is packed with features you’d expect from a bigger, pricier package. Plus, with a guide number of 36 (105mm at ISO 100), it cranks out a decent amount of power.

It has TTL, High-Speed Syncing, and an in-built wireless receiver that allows it to work off-camera when paired with Godox’s wireless transmitters.

I use these transmitters personally and can vouch for them. They’re very easy to set up and use.

The flash has a rotating, tilting head (tilt up to 90 degrees and rotate up to 270 degrees), so you’ll have no problem bouncing the light if needed.

It also can be used both as a master or a slave. That means if you’re using it as part of a multi-light setup with other Godox flashes, you can use it to control them. Or, it can be controlled by other Godox flashes or transmitters as a slave in this context.

It’s powered by AA batteries, which give you about 210 full-power flashes and a recycle time of 0.1-2.2 seconds. To maximize this, make sure you use high-power rechargeable AAs.

It is better for the environment and, in the long term, for your pocket.

Godox V860III-C (Best Mid-Priced Flash for Canon R6)

The Godox V860III-C is slightly cheaper than the Godox V1 and is more of a ‘classic’ style flash that doesn’t have a round head.

It’s powerful, too, with a guide number of 60 (at 200mm, ISO 100), which is plenty for most shooting situations indoors and outdoors.

If you want, you can get an adapter to allow the light to produce a round head effect, which is something you can’t do with the V1 (change to classic style).

Besides that, this flash option has much in common with the V1.

It has the same improved battery (with the same recycling time and flash times), interface and locking mechanism as the Godox V1. It also has a modelling light, although the position is different (on the flash body versus on the flash head).

This modelling light is an extremely useful feature that allows you to preview the light effect. That means you can fine-tune your settings before firing and not waste any battery.

The menu design of the V860 III is also similar to the V1, although, as I mentioned before, it’s more complicated than the old system, so it can take a bit of time to get used to.

It has ETTL-II metering and High Speed Syncing, plus all the other features you’d expect from a pro-level flash such as zooming and the ability to select front or rear curtain sync.

The flash head can rotate a full 360 degrees and tilt up to 90 degrees, so you have a lot of flexibility regarding where your light points.

Canon Speedlite EL-100 (Best Lightweight Flash for Canon R6)

This is a really compact and lightweight little guy that comes in at only 190 grams.

It has E-TTL II metering to help you get the correct exposure, and although it’s just an entry-level flash, you get Manual Mode, which gives you more creative control over your output.

It has a built-in catchlight panel, which can be a real help in reducing the harsher shadows that can be produced by smaller flashes like this. Just pop it up, and the light will bounce off it.

It is fully wireless and can be used to control other compatible Canon flashes. So, not only is it a good option for anyone looking to get started with flashes, but it’s also handy to have as part of a bigger lighting setup.

The Speedlite EL-100 produces a decent amount of power for its size, although the recycle time is slightly higher than other flashes since it only has two AA batteries powering it.

Make sure to use good quality rechargeable AAs to maximize this flash’s potential.

Canon Speedlite 430EX II (Best Canon Flash for R6)

This is an excellent (and expensive) Canon flash for the Canon R6. It’s one of the most reliable and popular of Canon’s flashes, whose Speedlite series has become a hallmark for excellence.

It’s powerful, with a guide number 43(at ISO 100, 105mm), so you have ample power and light for shooting almost anything you choose.

Its E-TTL II metering ensures your camera and flash are always synced. Also, flash exposure compensation ensures that you get accurate and consistent exposures.

There’s Manual Mode for more complete creative control, plus High-Speed Sync, front and rear curtain sync, and a modelling light to help you test your settings before using up any of that precious battery juice.

It has full wireless capabilities, so it can be used as a master or a slave and, as such, is a great light to have as a single flash or as just one light in a multi-light setup.

Its head can be swivelled and tilted 90 degrees in any direction, so it’s not the most flexible flash, in terms of movement, as other lights in this guide.

That said, I’ve used one for many years without ever feeling it restricted me, so it’s not that big of a deal.

Four AA batteries supply power and the minimum recycling time is a relatively unimpressive 3 seconds.

But, I’ve found that high-quality, rechargeable AAs improve performance.

A note for anyone thinking of buying: don’t get the 430EX III-RT, as it overheats quickly, rendering it useless if you take lots of photos.

Profoto A10 AirTTL-C Studio Light for Canon (Best Premium Canon R6 Flash)

This is a high-end flash with an eye-wateringly high price tag.

But, with Profoto, you know you’re getting only the best lighting, so if you have the cash, why not?

It’s a portable yet powerful round-head flash unit with a guide number of 48 (105mm at ISO 100), allowing you to shoot in a wide range of situations and conditions.

It has TTL metering to get you accurate and automatic exposures and wireless capabilities.

Profoto calls this AirTTL, but that basically means that, if you combine this light with other Profoto lights and accessories, the A10 can act as either a master or a slave, and can be fully synced with other lights.

Another feature is its built-in remote capabilities, which allow you to control the settings of other linked lights from this one. And, it can also be connected via Bluetooth to your phone, and you can control your lighting from there.

It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with a recycle time of under one second, and its High-Speed Sync can operate at up to a mind-boggling 1/20,000 of a second!

What Features Should I Look for in a Flash for the Canon R6?

When selecting a flash for the Canon R6 or R6 Mark II, consider the following features:

1. Compatibility: Ensure the flash is compatible with Canon’s E-TTL II (Electronic Through-The-Lens) metering system for automatic flash exposure.
2. Rotating and Tilting Head: A flash head that can rotate horizontally and tilt vertically allows for bounce flash, producing softer, more flattering light by reflecting the flash off walls or ceilings.
3. High Guide Number: A higher guide number indicates a more powerful flash, which can illuminate subjects from a greater distance.
4. Fast Recycle Time: This determines how quickly the flash is ready to fire again after a full-power discharge. A faster recycle time is especially useful for rapid shooting.
5. Wireless Capability: Look for a flash that can be used off-camera wirelessly, either as a master or slave. This allows for more creative lighting setups.
6. Zoom Range: A zoomable flash head can adjust the angle of the light to match the focal length of your lens, ensuring even coverage.
7. External Power Source Input: An input for an external battery pack can extend shooting time and decrease recycling time.
8. AF Assist Beam: This feature projects a patterned light in low-light conditions to help the camera focus more quickly and accurately.
9. Temperature Protection: Some advanced flashes have built-in cooling systems or thermal protection to prevent overheating during extended use.
10. Customizable Settings: The ability to save custom settings or use modes like stroboscopic/multi-flash can benefit creative photography.
11. LCD Display: A clear and easy-to-read LCD can make adjusting and monitoring flash settings simpler.
12. Weather Sealing: If you often shoot outdoors or in challenging environments, consider a flash with weather sealing for added protection.
13. Durability: A robust build quality ensures the flash can withstand regular use and potential bumps or drops.
14. Portability: Depending on your needs, a compact and lightweight design might be preferable, especially for on-the-go shooting.
15. Accessory Compatibility: To expand your creative options, ensure the flash is compatible with light modifiers like softboxes, diffusers, or colour gels.

What Flashes are Compatible with the Canon R6 and R6 Mark II?

The Canon EOS R6 and R6 Mark II use the Canon RF mount and are compatible with the Canon E-TTL II flash metering system.

This means that any Canon Speedlite that supports E-TTL II should be compatible with the EOS R6 series of mirrorless cameras.

Here are some Canon flashes and third-party flashes that are compatible:

Canon Speedlites:

1. Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
2. Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI
3. Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT
4. Canon Speedlite 320EX
5. Canon Speedlite 270EX II
6. Canon Speedlite EL-100

Third-party flashes (ensure they support Canon’s E-TTL II system):

1. Godox V1-C
2. Godox TT685C
3. Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II
4. Yongnuo YN568EX II
5. Neewer NW-670 (also known as VK750 II)
6. Neewer NW-565EX-C
7. Altura Photo AP-C1001
8. Pixel X900C

Wireless Flash Transmitters (for off-camera flash setups):

1. Canon ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter
2. Yongnuo YN-E3-RT
3. Godox X2T-C

FAQs About Using Flash with Canon R6

Can newer flashes such as the EL-5 or the ST-E10 transmitter be used with the Canon R6?

No, they can’t.

Canon’s latest bodies have additional contacts tucked under the front of the hot shoe mount.

While this allows for improved control of the flash from the camera and supports other accessories, it makes the newer flashes incompatible with older Canon cameras, including all the early EOS R System bodies before the R3/R7/R10 and R6 Mark II.

Will the EL-5 work on the Canon R6 II?

Yes, the Canon R6 II supports the use of the EL-5.

What is the best flash for Canon R6 wedding photography?

That depends on what level of wedding photographer you are.

If you’re at the luxury end of the market, you could choose the Profoto A10 AirTTL-C.

Anyone else would be happy with the Godox V1. Having a good quality round-head light is a bonus at a wedding, where you will likely have to take portraits, too.

What is the best flash trigger for Canon R6?

That depends on which lighting system you’re using.

If you’re using Canon lights and want a Canon trigger, you could get the ST-E3-RT.I’ve also had good experiences using my Canon Speedlites with Godox triggers, which are less expensive.