The Canon Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor, the 420EX, and includes new features to maximize digital image quality when using a flash. 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 flash is compatible with Canon's latest E-TTL II (Evaluative Through The Lens) auto exposure technology. When combined with a compatible Canon camera (EOS-1D/s Mark II, D-20, Elan 7N/E) 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 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.
| Type | Shoe mount |
| Guide No. | 141' (43 m) @ 105mm |
| Angle of Coverage | 114 Degrees (14mm in 35mm) to 23 Degrees (105mm in 35mm) |
| Vari-Power | Yes, full power to 1/64th (in whole stop increments) |
| TTL Dedication | Yes (E-TTL II with appropriate cameras) |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Zoom Head | 24-105mm (flash head senses focal length, sensor size & adjusts accordingly), plus built-in 14mm panel |
| Off Camera Terminal | No |
| Recycle Time |
3.7 Seconds (based on alkaline batteries & full power) 2 Seconds (based on NiMH batteries & full power) |
| Power Source | Four AA 1.5-volt batteries |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 4.8 x 4" (72 x 122 x 101mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 11.6 oz 330 g) [without batteries] |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Professional quality; consumer price
I mave been Canon film user for years. Their gear has always been strong and reliable for me. I remember buying a new flash for my EOS 1 (film camera) back in 1996 ...Read complete review
I mave been Canon film user for years. Their gear has always been strong and reliable for me. I remember buying a new flash for my EOS 1 (film camera) back in 1996 for a magazine assignment in Germany to document car factories. When I cleaned out my camera bag to make room for my new digital Canon equipment I saw the Porsche factory tour sticker on that same old flash. I popped in the batteries and the darn thing came to life and felt as solid as it did 12 years ago. I got the same feel with the 430EX. The 430EX seems to have a better feel and better build quality than Nikon's lower end flash (SB600). I use fill flash a lot for day-light fill and the 430EX balances sunlight on my 40D very well. I shoot a lot of race car drivers (almost always wearing hats or helmets) so fill flash is vital. I just printed some shots of a BMW driver (hat on in bright sun) that I shot at Lime Rock yesterday and the results were excellent. If you have any camera with a popup flash, an accessory flash will prevent the flash from casting a shadow with a lens like their excellent 17-40 F4.0. If I did weddings, I might have gone for the top of the line flash but since I really need a flash mostly for fill, this works well for me.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Great, but regrets
This is a good flash for the basic user, so from that standpoint it deserves a 5. However, if you grow into a more advanced user you will regret your purchase because this flash...Read complete review
This is a good flash for the basic user, so from that standpoint it deserves a 5. However, if you grow into a more advanced user you will regret your purchase because this flash can not as act as a master to other flashes, it doesn't have a pc sync cord, and it is underpowered when used with an umbrella. If you are using it as an on camera flash only with no other flashes, it is an outstanding flash and you'll enjoy it very much. The performance is excellence. It's only fault there is that it doesn't have a built-in white catch light reflector like the 5xx series flashes have and its smaller sizes means the diffusers you buy for this won't work with 5xx series should you get another flash at some point.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Great flash. I'm just getting into photography and this is an easy flash to use. It has many features for the professional, though. No complaints!
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Easy to use when needed quickly.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I now own two of these little magic light poppers to work in conjunction with my lead Speedlite 580 EXII. Using the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 I can simulate most studio lighting on locations where either there is no juice to fire my portable studio lighting or else space dictates their use.
The ease of use works well for me and the ability to manually adjust the flashes also makes my life simpler.
I had a shoot recently where I could not use my studio strobes and the customer was amazed at what I could do using these flashes along with some snoots, gels, gobos and reflectors....'Far Out' was all he could say.
Downside...I have to always keep an eye out for objects blocking the firing light signal.
Costs....seems like everything costs money these days.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
The flash is a great value. There may be more features on the top end flash, but for the money this flash is excellent.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Product fits well on my rebel xt. The zooming mechanism on the flash is a little noisy but I tolerate it because the light output is really decent. I like being able to pivot the head for indirect lighting, especially for upclose shooting. I recomment the plastic diffuser listed below, I use it every time I use the flash.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This speedlight is fast and efficient. Recycle time is almost nil. Flash photography is effortless - as it should be.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This is a great flash with only a couple limitations. It has no built-in off-camera capability and will not swivel 180 in BOTH directions... only one. Other than that, you can't beat it for the money and the flexibility.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Good range, good metering, diffuser is a must for any king of close work, portraiture etc. Recycling speed is poor if your looking to shoot bursts.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
very functional and ease of use
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
The Canon Speedlite 430EX is versitile and easily adapts to all flash photography applications. Simple attach and go. Quick recovery time and simple operation is a hobbyist valuable friend.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I am happy to have this light. 4 stars instead of 5? I wish this speedlight had the capability to act as a master vs. only a slave. If you are looking to take creative lighting shots, this is a great slave, but you will need to get the 580 to control this unit as a slave. Still, 4 stars because the rest of it works without hassel.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use this product for personal use. My family portrait etc..
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Great Flash for the money. It will surprise you the difference it makes it your photos.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Very good in all situations, powerful and light.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Just purchased this flash to replace a generic one that is not dependable. This flash did not let me down while photographing a wedding last week taking over 1000 flash photos.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Great flash. Has a quick recycle time. A little heavy but not too bad. It can really help take you to that next level with your photography.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This is my first flash and i love it. i use it to take pictures of weddings, randomly around the house, and parties. it has never let me down and is a great flash. im still getting the hang of using it and to me it is a great starter flash.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I just bought this flash and used it to shoot a wedding. I was impressed with its quick recycle times. It also worked very well on the auto setting and adjusted to the varying lighting.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
It's a great flash for the price. I would highly recommend to Cannon shooters who's considering to buy a flash.
Easy to operate, high quality flash. The best part is, almost half price of 580 series.
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Comments about Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I'm glad I purchased this because it does exactly what I want and it is easy to switch to slave. Also it's able to obtain many different angles with its swivel head.
The only down side is that it is slightly bigger than expected but thats not to big of a deal.
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