The best battery flash for you

Which is the best Elinchrom battery flash unit for you

In the world of professional photography, lighting is everything. It can make or break an image, and having the right tools at your disposal is crucial.

Elinchrom Battery Flash - Quentin Décaillet

Elinchrom has been at the forefront of this industry, consistently delivering innovative and high-quality products. Today, we’re going to explore three of their battery flash units: the Elinchrom FIVE, the Elinchrom ONE and the Elinchrom ELB 500 TTL to see the advantages of each and which one is the best for you.

Common Ground - Shared Features

Before we delve into the unique aspects of each unit, let’s talk about what they have in common. All three units are battery-powered, offering photographers the freedom to shoot anywhere without being tethered to a power source.

Elinchrom ONE - Quentin Décaillet — *No need for a cable or power source. The ONE, Five, and ELB 500 TTL are powered by a battery and can be used anywhere!*

They all support TTL (Through The Lens) metering, so getting a great exposure on the first shot is easier than ever. HSS (High-Speed Sync) is another shared feature, enabling photographers to use flash at any shutter speed. This is particularly useful when shooting in bright conditions where a fast shutter speed is required or if you want to shoot with a widen open aperture outdoors with your strobe.

Elinchrom Transmitter Pro - Quentin Décaillet — *All three units can take advantage of TTL and HSS when used in conjunction with the Transmitter Pro.*

All three units excel in terms of color accuracy and exposure consistency, ensuring that your images are as accurate as possible shot to shot. They also all benefit from the wide range of Elinchrom light modifiers, providing photographers with endless creative possibilities.

Elinchrom Light Shaper - Quentin Décaillet — *The three units are compatible with almost all Elinchrom light shapers.*

Elinchrom FIVE - The portable studio strobe

The Elinchrom FIVE is essentially a cordless version of the Elinchrom ELC 500, a studio strobe. They have very similar technical specifications, and for many, the FIVE could even replace the ELC 500 in the studio.

Elinchrom ELC - FIVE - Quentin Décaillet — *If you are used to the ELC 500 or 125 in studio, the FIVE will be second nature to you: they are almost perfect twins.*

It’s the perfect tool for photographers who want the power and functionality of a studio strobe but with the flexibility to shoot on location. Weighing 3 kg, it’s not the lightest of the three, but it packs a punch with a maximum power output of 522 Ws.

Elinchrom FIVE - Quentin Décaillet — *The FIVE packs quite a bit of power! At max power it delivers 522Ws.*

The FIVE is best suited for studio work or on-location commercial shoots where power and versatility are key but where you don’t want to worry about where to plug your unit, having long enough power cords, or people tripping over the cable.

Even if you need to charge it while in use, you don’t have to worry about cables as you can strap a powerbank to your lightstand and plug it in using a USB-C cable to charge the FIVE. Being able to charge a strobe using USB-C may seem anecdotal, but once you get used to it, it’s hard to go back to the traditional power cords or power bricks.

“The Elinchrom FIVE has become my go-to for high-stakes, high-energy on-location shoots”

As a photographer, I’ve found my Elinchrom FIVE to be an invaluable tool, especially when shooting on location. I recently was shooting in a bustling restaurant kitchen, the lunch service was in full swing, and I was tasked with capturing images of the new menu. The tables were filled, the staff was rushing about, and the last thing I needed was a tangle of cables creating a safety hazard. This is where the Elinchrom FIVE came in.

It offers all the capabilities of the ELC 500 I use in the studio, but its cordless design makes it perfect for such scenarios. It allows me to use large modifiers like the Litemotiv 190 Indirect, shoot through a roll of diffusion, or close down my aperture to get a sharp image from front to back.

The Elinchrom FIVE has become my go-to for high-stakes, high-energy on-location shoots or simply when I need to setup a studio outside of my usual workplace.

Elinchrom ONE: The lightweight companion

The Elinchrom ONE is the lightest and most compact of the three units, weighing in at just 1.5 kg. Despite its small size, it still delivers a respectable power output of 131 Ws. In fact, the One is so small; you can even pack it up in a softbox with an indirect ring if you have a bag large enough to fit it in.

Elinchrom Litemotiv Indirect - Quentin Décaillet — My Elinchrom ONE is most of the time packed inside my Elinchrom 150 Octa Indirect bag. But inside the bag I’ll have the Rotalux Recta Softbox 90x110cm or Octa 100cm, both with t and the ONE mounted on it. I can even fit a small lightstand.

“The ONE is perfect for photographers who need to move quickly and often”

The ONE is perfect for photographers who need to move quickly and often, such as wedding or journalistic photographers. It’s also a great addition to a FIVE setup when you need an extra light source on an on-location shoot that’s not in full sun. I believe it’s an amazing unit for photographers who want to get into flash photography and want the benefits of a battery-powered unit. It’s quite affordable, easy to use, and will work in many scenarios.

Over time, the Elinchrom ONE has become my trusty sidekick for unpredictable shoots. I’m regularly creating content for a luxury hotel, and the shot list can change on the fly. I never truly know what will be thrown at me before I start taking the images. So I need equipment that can keep up and be as flexible as I have to be. The ONE is compact, easy to set up, and light enough to be handheld even with a camera in my other hand. It’s no bigger than a 70-200mm lens, so it doesn’t require a separate case to be carried along.

“The Elinchrom ONE has become my trusty sidekick for unpredictable shoots”

And if the battery runs low, I can power it with a USB-C battery pack. While its 131Ws might seem modest, it’s more than enough unless you’re trying to overpower the midday sun. I prefer to use my lighting to subtly enhance the existing light quality and direction, and the ONE is perfect for that.

When shooting indoors, it serves as a key light, giving me full control over the final result. When before I used to take a hot shoe flash along with me on smaller or fast-paced shoots, the ONE has become a great replacement for these situations. It’s much easier to use, more reliable and it’s compatible with Elinchrom OCF accessories and large range of modifiers, so I can create beautiful light on all my images instead of being limited to the harsh light hot shoe flashes tend to create.

Elinchrom ELB 500 TTL: The All-Rounder

The Elinchrom ELB 500 TTL is a versatile unit that strikes a balance between power and portability. With a power output of 500 Ws and a weight of 2.48 kg (including the battery and head), it’s capable of handling a wide range of shooting scenarios. It’s particularly well-suited for action and sports photography, remote outdoor shoots that require a lot of power, or setups that require two lights while keeping the overall kit light and small.

“The ELB 500 TTL offers the power of the Five, but with the ability to split the output between two heads.”

While the ONE and FIVE have become my mainstays, the ELB 500 TTL still has a special place in my kit and was my favorite Elinchrom unit for a long time. It offers the power of the FIVE, but with the ability to split the output between two heads. This is ideal for on-location corporate headshots, where you need a key and fill or kicker.

Elinchrom ELB 500 TTL - Quentin Décaillet — One ELB 500 head on frame’s left as a key in a Rotalux Octa 100cm, one ELB 500 head on frame’s right with the standard reflector and diffusion on it to soften the specularity on the skin. This is a sample image on me, but I use a similar setup for corporate shots. A reflector can be added below the model’s waste to add some fill and minimize skin retouching.

The ELB 500 TTL is compact and lightweight, and its modular design makes it easy to pack. If you’re hiking to a shoot location, you can distribute the pack, battery, and head(s) between multiple bags so people can help you carry your gear. In contrast to the FIVE, the ELB 500 TTL doesn’t have visible ventilation, making it my preferred choice for dusty or humid environments.

All three Elinchrom units offer unique advantages, and the best one for you depends on your specific needs as a photographer. Whether you need the power of the FIVE, the portability of the ONE, or the versatility of the ELB 500 TTL, Elinchrom has you covered.

About Photographer Quentin Décaillet

Quentin Décaillet is a beauty and product photographer based in the Swiss Alps. Photography became his passion while studying English in New York City, where he discovered the enchantment of this art form that blends creativity and technology. When not photographing, Quetin constantly seeking inspiration. He explore new lighting techniques, experiment with CGI for artistic growth, immerse himself in the awe-inspiring mountains, and tend to his garden. Quentin's family, the natural world, museums, plants, and technology all fuel his creative drive. Specializing in beauty and product photography, he has a meticulous eye for detail and strive to capture the essence of all subjects. From stunning beauty shots to sleek product images, Quentin enjoy pushing the boundaries of his craft and embracing challenges.

Follow Quentin

Elinchrom ONE | Off Camera Flash Kit

EL-20932

Always be ready when inspiration strikes with the supremely compact and lightweight Elinchrom ONE. With only 1.5 kg, the ONE merges 131Ws of capacity with features including an integrated Li-ion battery, USB-C Active Charging, TTL, HSS, and a streamlined touch interface into a low profile housing. A portable, rugged and dependable off-camera flash equipped for your next adventure. Wherever that will be.

Super compact Only 1,5 kg
725 Flashes Full Power
TTL/HSS
Active Charging
Touchscreen
LED for video - Adjustable Color Temperature
Bluetooth och WLAN

Elinchrom ONE - In your hand

Digital Camera World review of Elinchrom ONE - Five Stars

Five Stars to Elinchrom ONE

Digital Camera World is the world's fastest-growing photography website. In a review, they give the Elinchrom ONE the maximum rating "Five Stars".
"The Elinchrom One is a powerful, portable, versatile monolight that delivers fantastic performance in a tiny footprint."
"And you can keep on shooting when the battery is dry, by plugging in a USB source – either via mains power or a USB power bank, which is an absolute godsend when working on location (and isn't possible on the Profoto or Godox)."
"It has a beautiful and intuitive touch menu system..."
"The Elinchrom One is a fantastic flash unit for freezing motion, overpowering the sun with high speed sync, shooting products and portraits in studio or events and lifestyle on location. "
Read the full review in the links tab.

Video Elinchrom ONE

Keep a low profile

Add the versatility of an off-camera flash with light shaping capabilities to any kit while maintaining a minimal footprint with the Elinchrom ONE. Similar in size and weight (1.5kg) to a 70-200mm lens, the ONE is ready to travel with you anywhere and everywhere.

Elinchrom ONE - Small size

Brave the elements

The Elinchrom ONE utilizes a sealed Li-ion battery for maximum portability and enhanced protection from the elements while on location. Plus, you are not tied to proprietary spare batteries or chargers with the ability to charge from any USB-C source.

Elinchrom ONE - Sealed Li-Ion battery

Never lose momentum

Capable of producing 725 full-power flashes on a single charge, the Elinchrom ONE is ready for longer shoots. Additionally, with Active Charging, the ONE can be connected to a power source and continue shooting while charging regardless of the battery’s power level, keeping your workflow uninterrupted.

Shape your story

Shaping light is at the heart of every great photo you create. Designed around an unconcealed flash tube for optimal light spread, the Elinchrom ONE ensures you experience the beautiful light quality Elinchrom is known for.

Elinchrom ONE - Shape Your Story

Your choice of light modifiers

Engineered to use the newly developed Elinchrom OCF modifier mount, the Elinchrom ONE is also natively compatible with most Profoto® OCF light shapers, greatly expanding your selection of available light shaping tools. The included Elinchrom OCF to Bayonet Adapter enables quick mounting to speedrings and reflectors using the traditional Elinchrom bayonet.

Elinchrom ONE - Adapter System

Do more with less

Engineered for peak efficiency, the Elinchrom ONE utilizes its 131 Ws of capacity to generate a light output usually seen in 200+ Ws units. At 1 meter and 100 ISO, the ONE can achieve F-11.9, with the Diffusion Dome attached, and when combined with the HP Reflector, the achievable F-Stop climbs to F-45.2.

Elinchrom ONE - Engineered for peak efficiency

Navigate swiftly

With a touchscreen interface and a newly designed menu structure, experience a streamlined access to the ONE’s settings to ensure you never miss a chance to capture the moment.

Elinchrom ONE - Navigate swiftly

Supreme portability
Weighing only 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) and similar in size than a 70-200mm lens, the ONE is ready to travel with you anywhere and everywhere.
Integrated Li-Ion battery
Enables up to 725 full-power flashes on a single charge and enhanced protection from the elements while on location.
USB-C charge port
Charge the Elinchrom ONE from any USB-C source without proprietary spare batteries or chargers.
Active Charging
Connect the Elinchrom ONE to a power source and continue shooting while charging regardless of the battery’s power level.
Elinchrom OCF modifier mount
Natively compatible with Profoto OCF and the traditional Elinchrom bayonet mount via an included adapter.
Touch screen interface
Clever and streamlined interface designed to provide the most efficient user experience and quick set up times.
Powerful bicolor LED modeling lamp
Adjustable color temperature of 2700 to 6500 with an output of 3000 Lumens and a CRI 95.
Fast recycle times and precise color accuracy
The ONE recycles in 0.9 seconds at full power and maintains a +/- 150K color temperature over the entire power range.
Sync up to 1/8000s with HSS
Freeze motion, overpower ambient light and darken backgrounds.
TTL with Manual Lock
Enables a quick switch from TTL to manual without losing exposure settings.
Smart Pro-Active Cooling
The Elinchrom ONE learns your shooting style and adapts its cooling cycle around it.
Removable tilt-head
The two-way metal tilt-head with 7-8 mm umbrella mount detaches, making the Elinchrom ONE ergonomic for hand-holding.

Elinchrom ONE - Off Camera Flash kit

In the box

Elinchrom ONE
Elinchrom OCF Adapter
Elinchrom OCF Diffusion Dome
Elinchrom 65W USB-C Wall Charger
Elinchrom USB-C Cable 1.8 m
Elinchrom ONE Case

Specifications Elinchrom OFF Camera Flash

Specifications	Elinchrom ONE	Elinchrom THREE
Energy	131 Ws	261 Ws
F-Stop (1m, 100 ISO, HP Reflector 26 cm, max power)	f/45.2	f/64.3
F-Stop (1m, 100 ISO, OCF Diffusion Dome, max power)	f/11.9	f/22
Power range (F-Stop)	5 f-stop	6 f-stop
Power range (Ws/J)	7-131 Ws	7-261 Ws
Power range display	0.1-4.3 (Elinchrom scale) / 5.8-10 (10 scale)	0.1-5.3 (Elinchrom scale) / 4.8-10 (10 scale)
Power increments in Manual / TTL mode	0.1 F-Stop / 0.3 F-Stop	0.1 F-Stop / 0.3 F-Stop
Flash duration t0.1 min/max power (Standard mode)	1/1530 - 1/155 sec	1/1550 - 1/255 sec
Flash duration t0.1 min/max power (Action mode)	1/7000 - 1/625 sec	1/8500 - 1/440 sec
Recycling time min/max power	0.06 / 0.9 sec	0.08 / 1.2 sec
Flash mode	Manual / TTL / HSS (with Transmitter Pro)	Manual / TTL / HSS (with Transmitter Pro)
Action mode	Faster flash duration over the power range	Faster flash duration over the power range
TTL Function	Yes, with Transmitter Pro	Yes, with Transmitter Pro
HSS Function	Yes, with Transmitter Pro	Yes, with Transmitter Pro
Flash colour temperature at max power	5900 K (Action) / 5600 K (HSS)	5900 K (Action) / 5600 K (HSS)
Flash colour stability over the power range (all modes)	± 150 K	± 150 K
Power stability	± 0.5%	± 0.5%
Beam Angle (degrees)	160°	160°
Auto power dumping	Adjusts power settings automatically in real time	Adjusts power settings automatically in real time
Fan cooled	Smart proactive cooling	Smart proactive cooling
Input	USB-C	USB-C
IP Class	IP20	IP20
Flash Tube	EL-24091	EL-24091
Battery
Battery	Li-Ion - Built-in - 41.04Wh	Li-Ion - Built-in - 41.04Wh
Battery capacity min/max power (LED lamp OFF)	9700 / 725	11250 / 525
Battery capacity min/max power (LED lamp ON 100%)	9000 / 420
Battery charge status	On the display if ON and side logo if OFF	On the display if ON and side logo if OFF
Charging time (with 65W USB-C Wall Charger)	60 m (80%) – 80 m (100%) / Fast charge (unit ON) 80 m (80%) – 100 m (100%) / Slow charge (unit OFF)	60 m (80%) – 100 m (100%) / Fast charge (unit ON) 80 m (80%) – 135 m (100%) / Slow charge (unit OFF)
Charging time (with 18W 20000 mAh Power Bank) USB-C sources need to be able to deliver at least 25W for fast charge to be activated	80 m (80%) – 135 m (100%) / Fast charge (unit ON) 105 m (80%) – 180 m (100%) / Slow charge (unit OFF)	80 m (80%) – 135 m (100%) / Fast charge (unit ON) 105 m (80%) – 180 m (100%) / Slow charge (unit OFF)
LED
LED modeling lamp modes	ON/OFF, free, proportional, VFC	ON/OFF, free, proportional, VFC
LED modeling lamp power	20W / equivalent to 120W / 3000 lm / CRI 95	20W / equivalent to 120W / 3000 lm / CRI 95
LED modeling lamp color temperature	Presets from 2700 K to 6500 K	Presets from 2700 K to 6500 K
LED run time (LED only, min/max power)	10 hours / 90 minutes	10 hours / 90 minutes
Radio
Skyport (built-in)	20 frequency channels, 4 Groups	20 frequency channels, 4 Groups
Skyport distance range (Transmitter Pro, manual mode)	Indoor: up to 60 m / Outdoor: up to 200 m	Indoor: up to 60 m / Outdoor: up to 200 m
Bluetooth® (built-in)	Version 4.2 / Compatible Studio Software Win, Mac, iOS, Android	Version 4.2 / Compatible Studio Software Win, Mac, iOS, Android
Skyport Frequency	2404~2478MHz	2404~2478MHz
Bluetooth® Frequency	2402~2480MHz	2402~2480MHz
WLAN	2412~2472MHz	2412~2472MHz
Size
Umbrella fitting (on tilt head)	7-8 mm	7-8 mm
Dimensions with Diffusion Dome and tilt head	25.3 x 16.5 x 10.5 cm	23.3 x 16.5 x 10.5 cm
Dimensions without Diffusion Dome and tilt head	24.5 x 10 x 10 cm	22.5 x 10 x 10 cm
Weight (with/without tilt head)	1.5 kg / 1.3 kg	1.65 kg / 1.45 kg

Product FAQ

Yes. Elinchrom ONE & THREE has built-in Bluetooth and you can control ONE & THREE with Elinchrom Studio Software and/or the iOS App/Android App. In addition, ONE & THREE have a built-in Skyport Bridge so they communicate automatically with older Elinchrom flashes that can also be controlled via smartphone and computer.

Active Charge is a function that allows you to charge the flash's battery while you are shooting. The connection on ONE & THREE is USB-C, which makes it possible to use a USB-C power adapter or power bank to charge the built-in battery while the device is being used.

To lock the touchscreen on the ONE & THREE, press the ON button while turning on the device for 9 seconds. The lock symbol indicates that the touchscreen is locked, to unlock, turn the device OFF and ON again.

It is perfect to use the built-in LED light on ONE & THREE as lighting for film and video production. The light quality is very high, which means that colors and skin tones are reproduced correctly. In addition, the LED light can be adjusted in brightness and the color temperature can be adjusted in fixed steps from 2700K to 6500K. The brightness of the LED light is approx. 3000 Lumen and corresponds to a halogen lamp of approx. 120W

ONE and THREE have an OCF mount for light shapers as standard, which gives access to a large range of light shapers from different manufacturers. In addition, an adapter for Elinchrom bayonet is always included when you buy ONE & THREE, which means that the entire Elinchrom range of light shapers fits.

Yes, at our service the battery can be replaced but this type of question is mostly asked by prospective owners of ONE & THREE, very rarely by users as battery capacity and battery life is first class on Elinchrom products. The built-in battery has a very high capacity, which combined with advanced control of battery charging gives a very long battery life. The combination of built-in battery with high capacity and Active Charging via USB-C connection gives ONE & THREE unique performance. Tip! Always charge the battery after shooting. A completely discharged Li-Ion battery can be damaged if it is left for a long time without maintenance charging.

Elinchrom are a Swiss studio lighting manufacture famed for their consistent innovation and being at the forefront of both portable and studio photographic lighting equipment. Since the start in 1962 Elinchrom have continued to develop and innovate flash lighting, groundbreaking products. Elinchrom studio and portable lighting solutions are available for both professionals and those just getting started with flash photography.

Price, VAT excl.7 496.00

Price9 370.00

In stock

Buy

Elinchrom ONE | Off Camera Flash Dual Kit

EL-20931

Super compact Only 1,5 kg
725 Flashes Full Power
TTL and HSS
Active Charging
Touchscreen
LED for video - Adjustable Color Temperature
Bluetooth and WLAN

Elinchrom ONE - In your hand

Digital Camera World review of Elinchrom ONE - Five Stars

Five Stars to Elinchrom ONE