Canon Speedlite Automatic Flashes
When darkness falls, do you put your camera away? Don't miss out on capturing moments during indoor events, parties, and evening activities. The solution is flash photography, and with Canon Speedlites, it's made easy and automatic. Designed to integrate seamlessly with Canon SLR cameras, Speedlites eliminate the need for complicated calculations or guesswork.
For Canon A-series cameras, Speedlites perform automated functions such as setting the correct x-sync speed and, in some cases, the appropriate lens aperture. Viewfinder symbols indicate when the flash is fully charged and, after the shot, whether the exposure was correct. Flash photography with Canon Speedlites is designed to be enjoyable because it's straightforward.
Canon Speedlite Models and Features
Canon offers a range of Speedlite models, each designed to meet different photographic needs, from compact portability to powerful illumination.
188A and AE-1 PROGRAM
The 188A is an ideal match for the AE-1 PROGRAM camera. To ensure you capture the action, a '[f symbol]' appears in the camera's viewfinder when the flash is charged. Upon shutter release, this symbol blinks to confirm correct exposure. The selected auto aperture is also displayed. The 188A provides varying degrees of flash automation on other A-series models.
166A
This Speedlite operates efficiently by measuring reflected light from the subject and conserving unneeded energy for subsequent shots. If it expends all its power on a distant subject, it automatically switches the camera to normal AE photography mode. You can then shoot with available light while the flash recharges. The camera reverts to flash mode when the pilot lamp illuminates. The 166A offers 35mm lens coverage and uses four AA-size penlight batteries.
199A
The 199A represents advanced electronic sophistication, utilizing an I²L LSI for full flash automation. Despite its capabilities, it remains surprisingly easy to use. Simply turn it on and select one of three auto apertures: f/2.8, f/5.6, or f/11 (at ASA 100). It features a powerful Guide Number (GN) of 30 (at ASA 100, meters). This extra power is beneficial for bounce flash, a technique made possible by tilting the flash head up to 90° with intermediate click stops. Slow sync flash is another creative option, achieved by setting the Auto/Manual switch to Manual and selecting a shutter speed slower than 1/60 sec. The calculator dial and aperture selection window can be illuminated for use in dark conditions. With a Wide Adapter, the 199A covers the angle of a 24mm lens. Its seamless integration with camera circuitry allows for automatic flash continuous shooting with a power winder or motor drive.
177A, 155A, and 133A
These economical Speedlites offer worry-free automatic flash photography. The 177A and 155A feature two auto flash apertures (f/2.8 and f/5.6) plus a manual setting, providing ample light for most situations. The 133A has a single f/4 auto aperture and a GN of 16. All three units provide 35mm flash coverage. A 28mm Wide Adapter is available for the 177A.
011A
The petite 011A is the most compact member of the Speedlite family, designed for ease of use and portability. It weighs just 155g with batteries and is slim enough to fit in a pocket. It is compatible with the New F-1 and any A-series SLR camera. Despite its size, it offers surprising power and full coverage with lenses as wide as 35mm. Its pilot lamp glows when the unit is charged and also functions as a flash test button.
577G and 533G
For scenarios requiring significant illumination, such as photographing large groups or indoor sporting events from a distance, the 577G and 533G are powerful options. They offer nearly three times the firepower of smaller Speedlites and are favored by many professional photographers. The 577G boasts a GN of 48 (at ASA 100, meters) and can be powered by an external alkaline-manganese or rechargeable Ni-Cd battery pack. Both models attach to the camera via a quick-release bracket, with a separate sensor mounted on the camera's hot shoe. Wide Adapters extend flash coverage to 24mm or 20mm, and an optional Tele Adapter is available for 100mm lenses. Their adjustable heads allow for total bounce control, and slow sync flash is also an option. Multiple flash units can be used in series.
ML-1
This twin-headed flash is ideal for close-up applications, providing an appropriate distribution of light. It is particularly effective when used with a Canon Macro Lens or the New FD 80-200mm f/4 zoom lens, finding use in medical applications and among amateurs exploring close-up photography. The flash head can rotate around the optical axis, and either head can be switched off independently.
Understanding Flash Terminology
Guide Number (GN)
The Guide Number indicates the flash unit's output. It is expressed in meters (m) for ASA 100 film or feet (ft.) for ASA 25 film. To determine the correct lens f/stop for exposure in manual mode, divide the Guide Number by the distance to the subject. For example, GN 16 (m) divided by a distance of 4 meters equals an f/4 aperture (16 / 4 = 4).
Bounce Flash
Bounce flash is a technique used to avoid the harsh, direct lighting effect of standard flash. By tilting the flash head upwards or horizontally, light can be bounced off a ceiling or wall. For optimal results, the reflective surface should be neutral in color, preferably white.
Slow Sync Flash
Normal flash sync speed is typically 1/60 sec for most Canon SLRs (1/90 sec for the New F-1). Slower shutter speeds can be selected to brighten dark backgrounds or create special effects. Slow sync flash photography is available on specific Canon SLR models (A-1, F-1, New F-1) when used with compatible Speedlites (199A, 533G, and 577G).
Canon Speedlite Comparison Chart
| Model | Guide Number (ASA 100 m) | Guide Number (ASA 25 ft.) | Min. Usable Lens Focal Length (without Adapter) | Auto/Manual Switch | Auto Shooting Dist. Range (Min. to Max.) | Bounce Manual Flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 011A | 14 | 23 | 35mm | Manu | 0.5-7m 1.6-22ft. | No |
| 133A | 16 | 26 | 35mm | F4 | 0.5-8m 1.5-26ft. | No |
| 155A | 17 | 28 | 35mm | F2.8, 5.6 (ASA 100) Manu | 0.5-6m 1.6-20ft. | Yes |
| 166A | 20 | 33 | 28mm (with Wide Adapter) | F2.8, 5.6, 11 (ASA 100) | 0.5-7m 1.6-22ft. | No |
| 177A | 25 | 41 | 24mm (with Wide Adapter) | F2.8, 5.6, 11 (ASA 100) Manu | 0.5-9m 1.6-30ft. (less with Wide Adapter) | Yes |
| 188A | 30 | 50 | 24mm (with Wide Adapter) | F2.8, 5.6, 11 (ASA 100) Manu | 0.5-10.6m 1.5-35ft. (less with Wide Adapter) | Yes |
| 199A | 36 | 60 | 24mm (with Wide Adapter) | F2.8, 5.6, 11 (ASA 100) Manu | 1-12.8m 3.3-42ft. (more with Tele-Adapter, less with Wide Adapter) | Yes |
| 533G | 36 | 60 | 24mm and 20mm (with Wide Adapter) | - | 1-17m 3.3-56ft. (more with Tele-Adapter, less with Wide Adapter) | Yes |
| 577G | 48 | 80 | 20mm (with Wide Adapter) | - | 1-17m 3.3-56ft. (more with Tele-Adapter, less with Wide Adapter) | Yes |
Canon's Commitment to Photography
Canon is proud to be the Official 35mm camera of the 1980 Olympic Games and has contributed to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Canon is also the Official Camera of the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and the PGA, and the Official Photographic Consultant to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, demonstrating its dedication to supporting professional sports photography.
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