Batteries are required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase batteries for this item.
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®
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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.
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Most Liked Negative Review
quality flash for reasonable flash
we bought this for a relative (we own a lot of professional equipment) they have a canon rebel and recently upgraded to a pro- long lens thus the need for a flash. It ...Read complete review
we bought this for a relative (we own a lot of professional equipment) they have a canon rebel and recently upgraded to a pro- long lens thus the need for a flash. It really improves the quality of thier photographs and allows more creativity with lighting. It is not as flexible as the more professional model we own, but for a casual photographer or hobbist it will do just fine!
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Reviewed by 1213 customers
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I purchased this flash to help capture my active 19 month old's inside activities. Now that he's moving, it is impossible to get a clear photo with out this flash. I'm still figuring out how to use it but overall, I find it easy to use and very effective when taking indoor photos.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I had invested in a less expensive speedlite prior to purchasing this one. I decided to return the old on and bite the bullet to buy this one. It is worth every penny! Being a good photographer is about finding your light and that definitely give me the light I want!
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
The 430EX II serves as a backup flash for my 580EX II. It does almost the same as my primary flash, the speed and the amount of light it produce is pretty much the same. I could hardly tell the difference when shooting within 100mm distance. I still have to test its consistency with rapid shooting yet. But I would highly recommend this flash to beginners and pro alike.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
It's a good and affordable external flash from Canon. I usually use this when I take portraits in dark environments. It's light-weighed and does it's job. I don't find a reason why I shouldn't recommand this product.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use the 430exII for fill, photo-journalism, and general use. It's not heavy, fast recycle time and easy to use. Very consistent.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I've just started using flash, and after a brief demo at a camera store I decided on this one. It's ease of use has me deciding to learn all the in's and out's of using a flash, I hear it's a long list and I hope my flash does not out live me!
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Awesome. I thought about purchasing one of these for a solid year before I actually did it and now I wish I had done it sooner. I love this flash. :)
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Overall good. If you are a serious photo enthusiast or pro, go with the 580 EXII.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Using it on event photography,
Price is good, light output power is limited though.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
great for indoor and outdoor shooting. pics get a whole new dimention.
easy to use and the manual is easy to read.
the only drawback is that you can't use it freely wireless - only as a slave combined with the 580ex.
other than that - great product.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This flash is easy to use and very effective for brightening a scene.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This is a must for indoor shots. Great for parties, gatherings or just capturing precious moments that occur indoor.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
It works great. I highly recommend. It's a good deal for your money. It recycles quickly. It does add a bit of weight to the camera but that is to be expected. I would recommend getting some decent rechargeable batteries for it. I wish It turned 180 degrees in either direction but it works well for what I need it for.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
for personal pictures and portraits, great light.
will love it if would come with a difusser
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Using it with my Cannon 40D. Works great. Simple to use. Have had great results. So much better than using the flash on the camera, well worth the cost.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I had the older version of the 430EX until it finally died. So far this flash works great and the ability to adjust the flash in 1/3 stop increments in manual mode is a nice feature the older version didn't have. The recycle time is noticeably faster than the previous 430EX. Works great on and off camera, just as expected. The only concern that I have is the new type of locking mechanism that secures the flash to the camera. We will see how that holds up, but no issues so far.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This flash unit gives a photographer just about everything he/she may need in most shooting situations (save a master function for slave units). Flash output is good and easily controlled. The swivel head is always a must on ANY flash, especially when used on-camera.
If you need a master unit, then you'll want to invest in the 580EX, otherwise this flash should do fine in any situation.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Love it. Will always be a cannon guy!
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use this flash as a secondary fill light with a Strobies Globe Diffuser and I love the soft shadows I get with it. A lot of times I put an umbrella behind it for more bounce.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I just started using external flash, and this one does a great job. I am using it with my Canon 60D, and used as a slave it opens a whole new world of photography, and completly changed the way I am taking pictures insde, and even outside too. A great flash, even for experienced photographers.
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