Batteries are not included. Please make sure to purchase batteries to operate the device.
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.
| 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 PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
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
Uneven frame coverage
Bought it along with 7D as it has wireless transmitter, thus no need for 580ex.
Everything works as expected, besides the white wall test. On wider zooms (27-50 equiv) i...Read complete review
Bought it along with 7D as it has wireless transmitter, thus no need for 580ex.
Everything works as expected, besides the white wall test. On wider zooms (27-50 equiv) it is very uneven, compare to Sigma 500 DG; has significant fallout on sides and shoots higher, thus at distances < 10 feet bottom of the frame is getting significant and sharp fallout too.
Diffuser helps, but what is the point?
Tested with 7D and EFs 17-55 f/2.8 lens.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 1301 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I'm just a beginner but I love how it works with my Cannon Tx1. I love it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This is a very smart strobe and so far have used the fully automatic settings on my Canon and had perfect exposures and no shadows using a bounce.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Great external flash. Fits nicely into our camera bag and is always with us if we need more light. Best price around
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I hesitated in purchasing an external flash unit due to my Canon Rebel T1i already has a built-in flash unit. However, after several indoor shots at critical moments came out dark, my wife encouraged me to purchase the flash unit. I've had the unit only for a week, but after playing around with it and viewing YouTube video tips on using the unit, I am excited in using my new capabilities. Being able to use a bounce flash technique will add a much softer and natural look to many photos in the future. Also, with the additional flash power of the unit, I should be able to take longer shots (distant shots) with my zoom lens. That was one of the deficiencies of the built-in flash (distant shots). The bounce flash technique with be great for closeup work/portraits, and will give the impression that I know what I am doing ;-). The unit is physically large, but has many automated features (assuming that you are using a Canon system/camera) that makes many settings automatic. In time, I look forward in learning many of these features and how to use them effectively.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Great for traveling, not too big with big flash functions.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I am just starting to use flash for the first time and this is a really nice piece of equipment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I bought the 430EX mainly for slave duty as I have a 580EX and Canon cameras. Used with my 7D, the flash program setup in the camera is very flexible and convenient. The 430EX also functions well alone and the smaller size (compared to the 580EX) is sometimes more convenient.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I have a 580EX II already and I need a little light to fill the shadow when I am taking self family photos. At a point I was thinking to get another 580EX II but due to budget and needed issue I decided to get 430EX II. yes, a little less function setting and no weather sealed but for what I am doing it is good enough.[*] But what the heck, hop eit won't break down that quick.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
works great, easily slips into place, pivots 180 degrees, very happy with my purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
B&H is still the best out there for Photo gear. What can I say about the Canon 430EX II. It is good, Canon is the best gear. The price was right for what I wanted.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Really good flash that works well with my Cannon 60D. They sync well and takes great pictures. A lot of options to help you get that perfect picture and also works as a slave flash. Nice job. Chose this flash over the 580EX and didn't need to spend the extra dollars.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
About 6 months ago I took the plunge to a Canon 60D DSLR from B&H. I love taking photographs, primarily of my children and have for years dealt with the frustration of point and shoot digital lag that produces many undesired 'moment after' photographs. Now that my life is great and I am able to capture the moment with my DSLR I have moved on to situational lighting problems. Let's face it pop up flashes on a camera only work well in rare cases and are very limited. Within 10 minutes of setting up my new 43OEX II Flash I knew I had made the right decision. Allowing me to choose not only the level of exposure I wanted to achive but the direction and effect. No more shiney foreheads, red eyes, or under exposed interior photos. I am a photography novice but now can effortlessly generate photos that produce professional memories instead of awkward reminders.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I was pressed into service by my sister to take shots at her wedding reception...but I'm definitely no photog. I know enough to think that one day, I might be dangerous....
Anywho, I knew I was going to be shooting in a dark venue and that, at my last "gig," the built-in flash on my XSi did not cut it. Several reviews and nailbiting about spending so much money on something I didn't know how to properly use later, the 430 EX II was in my hands just long enough for me to slap batteries in and hot shoe it to my camera.
I was able to figure it out on the fly and illuminate shots that otherwise would have been more black than colored. It flashed to the full length of my 55MM lens and beyond, lighting up faces from across darkened rooms. Subsequent playing with it made me wish that Canon had given a little more documentation / examples on how to use it in various scenarios, but I can't justify taking a whole star off for that.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
As an "old-school" photographer, I am impressed with the variable light output of the 430 EX II in the different and sometimes difficult conditions I shoot. Small size for a flash of this power....and thanks Canon for including the off-camera base mount.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Ordered the item and it was promptly shipped.
Was a Christmas gift for my son and it is exactly what he wanted and performed exactly how he hoped it would!!!
Outstanding service and excellent product. Would HIGHLY recommend working with this company to anyone!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This flash replaces a cheaper one that I bought when I bought my 50D. It is awsone for events.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Or any other DSLRs with built-in flash control. I bought this flash for an indoor school event. Unfortunately, the event's been cancelled but this flash stays. The bouncing ability of the external flashes really does add a whole new level to flash photography which I typically shy away from previously. The build quality of this flash is great like a tank. So it can get quite heavy with a 7D and a lens attached. It's best to use it with flash gels to render the colour more pleasing and uniform.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash by Canon this is a very nice speedlite the recycling fast i have a aftermarket speedlite and the recycling is very slow.I am very happy with this product easy to use and consistent.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Works perfectly with long lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
The Canon 430EX II exceeds my expectations. I am impressed with the results just using the automated settings. I have experienced other flash units earlier in my life and have never been so satisfied as with the Canon 430EX II.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »