Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm) USA
- Price: $299.00
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The Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash is Canon's mid-range shoe mount flash, yet it offers many of the same advanced features as its bigger brother, the 580EX II. It is designed to fully support the entire range of Canon digital SLR and G-series cameras.
The Speedlite 430EX II Flash is compatible with Canon's latest E-TTL II (Evaluative Through The Lens) auto exposure technology. When combined with a compatible Canon camera and compatible lens, E-TTL II utilizes subject distance and other information that automatically modifies flash power, resulting in accurate flash exposure regardless of subject size, reflectance, or photographic composition. This is great for photographers that shoot high contrast or reflective subjects, like those encountered in wedding photography. Photographers can now capture every detail from the black of tuxedos to the white of wide smiles and wedding dresses.
The fully swiveling bounce head zooms automatically over a range of 24mm-105mm. Its Wireless E-TTL II compatibility permits it to function as a slave unit, triggered by a 580EX, ST-E2, or MR-14EX. Any number of 430EX and 550EX Speedlites can be combined as slave units for creative effects.
The Speedlite 430EX also automatically transfers color temperature information to recent models of digital SLR cameras. The camera then sets the best white balance setting for the flash shot. This feature works when the camera's white balance mode is set to Auto White Balance (AWB) or Flash white balance mode.
- Flash or Camera's LCD Panel
- Flash controls can now be set on the flash's rear LCD panel, or directly on the camera's LCD screen on compatible EOS Digital SLR cameras.
- Quick Access to Features
- Intuitively placed controls keep features easily accessible, such as adjusting manual flash exposure from full power to 1/64 in 1/3 stop increments, and enabling the second curtain sync function. A separate Custom Function button provides maximum control over various flash functions.
- Added Flexibility
- Nine custom functions are also now available, as well as a flash head that is more maneuverable and capable of more angles for bouncing flash illumination than its predecessor.
- Multiple Flash Exposure Modes
- E-TTL II, E-TTl, TTL & Manual
- Improved Recycling Time
- 20% faster recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX
- Optimum Flash Coverage
- Automatically adjusts the flash coverage to adjust for differences in chip size on APS-C sized digital cameras
- Pro Functions
- High-speed FP sync mode, Rear curtain sync, SE Save Energy, and FE Lock (spot/partial flash metering)
- Wireless Operation
- Wireless TTL "slave" flash with EOS 1V, EOS 3, D30 and Pro Digital cameras
- AF Assist
- Ultra-bright 2-LED focus assist-beam compatible with all focus points of all EOS AF systems, up to 9-point AF
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 141' (42.98 m) at 105 mm position |
| Exposure Control | Manual/TTL |
| Angle of Coverage |
84° - 23.3° Wide-Angle Adapter: 114° - 23.3° |
| Vari-Power | 1/1 - 1/64 |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Coverage | 24 mm - 50 mm (Full frame) |
| Zoom Head | Full frame: 24 mm - 105 mm |
| Off Camera Terminal | None |
| Compensation | None |
| Wireless Communication Channels | None |
| Wireless Groups | None |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline, Lithium, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.8 x 4.8 x 4.0" / 7.11 x 12.19 x 10.16 cm |
| Weight | 11.6 oz / 329 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 1577 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (1303)
- Fast recycling (985)
- Consistent output (943)
- Durable (813)
- Versatile (784)
Cons
- Heavy (185)
- Heavy / bulky (114)
- Slow recycling (46)
- Weak output (18)
- Not interchangeable (13)
Best Uses
- General purpose (1151)
- Fill flash (977)
- Portraits (977)
- Night photography (555)
- Photojournalism (317)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (588), Semi-pro photographer (347), Casual photographer (286), Pro photographer (136), Enthusiast (108)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (928), Yes (82)
Most Liked Positive Review
Darn nice light
I am very pleased with my 430. After doing my own research i decided that i would be better off with the 430 over the 580 as my first external flash. I had a ...Read complete review
I am very pleased with my 430. After doing my own research i decided that i would be better off with the 430 over the 580 as my first external flash. I had a borrowed 580 for the first week of ownership with the 430 and did extensive comparison and dual flash experimentation. As well as two jobs; engagement photos and a dinner party.
The 430 is clearly not as powerful as the 580 and this is noticeable when bouncing light off a distant ceiling or in overly large rooms. (That is not say that the 430 is weak because it's not! It's just that the 580 is very powerful.) I was shooting a dinner party in a large stone mansion that was very dark. The photos with the 430 were a bit dimmer than those taken with the 580. The comparison photos were all using indirect lighting; i had the flashes pointed up to reflect the light off the ceiling. So if i were to do a lot of this type of shooting i would want the 580 but since i don't i cannot justify the expense. The only other significant difference between the two flashes for me is the wireless capabilities.
The 430 is a wireless slave only. But since i had a borrowed 580, which is capable of wireless slave and master, i had to try out the wireless capabilities. In less than 45 seconds i had figured out how to set the 430 as a slave and was taking two flash photo's within a minute after deciding to try it!
Also, i should note the durability of the 430. I neglected to lock it onto a tripod when using as a second flash and it took about a four foot tumble landing right on the head on ice and it continues to work just fine!
I also find the weight difference between the 430 & 580 to be surprising. The 580 is downright heavy. Even when i had both to use for a week i preferred the 430 most of the time just for the weight.
Like any speed light the 430 is prone to washing out when pointed directly forward if the subject is too close. I plan to try out some of the after market defusers for this. But for now, i generally point it up and use indirect lighting.
As many have said before me, the 430 is a great starter flash; powerful, easy to use and a bit less expensive than the 580. If/when the time comes that i require a 580 for certain tasks the 430 will probably remain the primary flash for general purpose. It is lighter and powerful enough for most situations. I should also mention that E-TTL II rocks! If you don't know what that is read about it before you buy any flash. The 430EX-II is a great flash that should not be underestimated.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not bad, but would not buy again
This is definitely a flash for non-professional uses... If you're looking for a decent flash for a reasonable price, this is the flash for you. However, this flash will not cut it ...Read complete review
This is definitely a flash for non-professional uses... If you're looking for a decent flash for a reasonable price, this is the flash for you. However, this flash will not cut it for professional purposes. The flash itself is very easy to use, and for the most part efficient for most purposes. The biggest downfall in this speedlite is its tendency to overheat. Even in the first few pages of the manual for the flash, it warns of overheating and flash degradation. It says "After 20 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at LEAST 10 minutes." I can't really complain about anything other than what's already been listed, but it's definitely enough of a reason to deter me from buying this again.
Reviewed by 1577 customers
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This product is perfect for shooting portrait!
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I got two of these to replace my aging 550 EXs. I briefly considered buying the new 600EX-RT, but couldn't justify what you get for the price. I already own a set of PocketWizard FlexTTs, so my wireless shooting is taken care of.
Slightly lower guide number was not much of a concern. Plenty of power for my most common bounce flash shooting situations.
I've been preferring smaller gear lately and these things are nicely compact.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use the flash in bulidings, and at night. I have no complaints.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I made a mistake by buying an off brand flash, not to name any names, but I got what I paid for.
I purchases this Canon 430EX II, and so far shot 2 wedding with amazing results. Fully compatible with my RebelXT. I'd like to buy another for a slave flash. Just a little heavy, but Got what is needed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I am very happy with my speedlite and it was a great price compared to other places. It came in super fast time too ! It's proved to be a great purchase with my photography ! I have used it at ever shoot since I bought it - even if for a few pictures ! I am very happy
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Powerful enougth, easy to use and ligth, I use with my new 7D and work great. Wireless is very easy to set Up, just few seconds and WORK!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I purchased the 430EXII to use as an off-camera slave with an off-camera 580EXII as a master when doing table-top photography. Although it is not as powerful as the 580EXII it is still very powerfull. Be aware that the 430EXII will NOT serve as a master flash and does NOT have a PC connector. You will need a shoe cord connector if you do not trigger it wirelessly. Overall it is still the same Canon quality as the the 580EXII.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I have used a strobe in studio for portraits and also have done a lot of natural lighting photography but always wanted to get an off shoe flash for creating on location portraits. this has been a great buy. The head is very mobile, the settings are complex enough to have choices with what you want to do with your light, but simple enough for an amateur like me to use. Plus I saved $40 buying it from this site versus my local camera store. Super rad!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Just received the flash last week, bought it for use in adding light to interior home shots for work. Needed something to brighten up the rooms without over doing it and so far this little flash has worked great. Bouncing and diverting light is simple, recycles very quickly and battery life has seemed more than adequate thus far. Also messed around shooting portraits on Mothers Day and am very pleased with the results. Have only paired it with a T2i so far and am still learning functions and features, hence the 4 stars instead of 5. Will update to 5 stars if and when it lives up to that rating, which I'm sure it will.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use it like as amateur photographer
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
- Menu interface
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I have some inexpensive manual strobes for most of my off-camera work, but whenever I place anything on my hot shoe, its a canon EX series flash. As the title states, I've had a 430EX for a couple of years, and since purchasing my 7D, I decided to get the EX II to take advantage of the off-camera capabilities the two together now possess. Also I needed a reason to buy another now that my 430ex is on my 30d as a backup rig.
I take these reviews quite seriously myself, so from one consumer to another - you will not be disappointed. I have used many other brand strobes; when it comes to build quality, performance and reliability - this cannot be beat.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
As a professional photographer transitioning from continous lighting to strobes this unit was an excellent and cost efficient start to my kit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This was purchased to help with my fish photography. I must say that I am very happy with this flash unit. I will be purchasing another due to the ease with which they work together and link up. I now understand ow my fellow photographers were able to get great shots, this unit makes it easy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Harsh direct light
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use this flash primarily in conjunction with my Canon EF 28-135mm IS lens. The range of the flash is very close to the range of the flash, so I use the flash ranging from indoor portrait photos to outdoor medium telezoom photos. I only use the flash during low light conditions that would require ISO above 1600 and try to bounce the flash at all times. I will be moving onto using the flash externally soon enough.The high sync mode is great as it allows me to fire away in continuous mode and only miss the flash fire with the photo about once every seven or eight shots. The effective range of the flash is quite impressive as is the light produced by bouncing the light off a wall or ceiling. The only downside, which is true about all flashes, is the light produced when shined directly on the subject is too harsh and looks very unattractive. This and the missed shots on continuous shotting are the only reasons for providing a 4 star instead of 5 star review.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Use it for weddings. Fast, dependable lighting. Works well with my Canon RebelXT.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Head Movement
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
- Weddings and events
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use several of the 430EX II's for wedding and portraiture photography and I love them. Although you pay a price for keeping rechargable batteries around, the ability to shoot wireless and on the go is priceless!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Appollo Orb Speed light Kit
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Use this flash and my primary flash. Love the fast recycle, swivel head, tele-settings, power adjustments.I can't find any fault with this flash unit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I am an amateur photographer and I have been learning how to use this flash with my 60D. its simple and easy to use and has been providing me with plenty of great shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Great flash. I used a 580 EX I before and i actually prefer this one. A tad bit expensive but I made the money back my first two weeks using it at my job (taking photos of people at night clubs). I also bought the sto-fen omni bounce diffuser and rechargeable batteries with it: highly recommended. I can not think of any bad things about this flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Stofen omni bounce diffuser
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.23
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $9.50
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $69.95
- Price: $14.99
What's in the Box
- Hot Shoe Stand
- Soft Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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