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 |
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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
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.
Reviewed by 1386 customers
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I purchashed this flash unit to replace an older, smaller Vivitar unit. Am currently using this unit on a Rebel T3i body, and loving how the flash communicates with the camera. The wireless off-camera trigger is fantastic.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I love this flash. I have to say that a flash is a must have in ANY photographers bag. It allows you photograph in all sorts of situations - like in the pith-black night or dimly lit interior. It also helps your camera to meter more accurately, which produces even better photos than before. A flash can also allow you manipulate the lighting in a photograph to produce drastically different results. Overall it's another tool every photographer should have in their bag.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This flash works great in the field. Not so good for portraits, but we bought it specifically for field use.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I did not expect this to be such a good flash. It is very versatile, recycles silently and is almost as powerful as the 580EX II. I really like this flash and I'm considering buying a second one. The only con I could find is the weight. It's great as remote flash but is a bit on the heavy side for a shoe-mounted flash (better than the 580EX II though).
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I love doing food photography, but could only take pictures during optimal daylight with my camera. Now I can take them at anytime. This flash adds just the right amount of light so that my pictures look like they were taken in daylight. Thank you Canon.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This is a great flash. It has remote firing functions to give you the artist flare you need.
The 430EX II can be used as a wireless slave, with a wireless transmitter. More than enough features for the amateur or pro.
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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 for a class. This is my first external flash and I love it. I don't have much experience with external flashes but this one is so easy to use and figure out. I have used it to shoot three projects so far and it has not failed me. If I shoot to fast, it does not always fire. However, I do not mind waiting a second or two for it to recycle. I also have not had to replace the batteries yet. It automatically turns off if it hasn't been used for a few minutes. Overall, great flash!
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Easy to use. I debated whether to buy this or the 580EX II. I have no problems with 430EX II. Lighting is perfect!
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I use the 430 II for food product shots. The 430 works great off camera and on. I can bounce the light to hit the products just right to get great shots.
Great thing about the 430 II is the wireless setup with my T3I. It worked right out of the box with very easy to understand back panel its a must for anyone with a DSLR.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This flash is great can move in almost any direction to get the right amount of light on your subject .
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Very light, works great with Gary fong, zoo i recommend!!!
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
This flash is the perfect size for me. I was looking at the 580ex but being not being a pro I went this model due to the lower price. I love the fact that it works wireless with my 60D. I have not used much yet but when I have it has been a huge improvement over the built in flash. The smaller size also makes easier to travel with. I am planing on getting at least one more to so I can have a portable studio. Great unit and the price is right.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Slight difference from the 580 Ex II but still very powerful. Does not have a white card inside with the difuser like the 580 does but that is an easy fix. Great product and great for people who are just beginning.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I just started a photography class at a university that requires we own a flash. I asked around, went into a camera gear store and decided to purchase the 430EX II. I've only been working with it for about a month, but I'm already getting the hang of it so quickly! For me it's easy to use and compared to some of the cheaper brands other students got, this one is top notch. I would recommend this camera to any ameteur photographers out there! While searching around to save the most money, I found B&H offered the best deal! If purchasing, I would definitely recommend buying NiMH rechargable batteries, they are recommended by some of the pros to get the most out of your flash.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I love this flash! It is so much better than the one on the camera. This one makes the lighting look so much more natural. I love that it can be tilted in all angles. It's also great that it can "talk" with the camera and compensate when you meter it. Great 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 Flash for kids events, pics of the dogs, etc on a Canon 60D. The bounce flash is great indoors off walls or ceiling to give a softer light without shadows. The zoom on the flash makes the flash carry a great distance and still provide good exposure. I recently took pictures inside a gymnasium at about 40 feet/640iso with very good results. To me the flash produces much more repeatable good exposures with less of the washed out faces and dark background of the built in flash. Obviously the power levels available are also much greater than the built in. The flash has similar features to my much older 420EZ flash I used to use on the 35mm camera. The ability to remotely trigger the flash from the 60D is rather intriguing but haven't really played with it yet. The menu location is a bit counter intuitive so be sure to consult the users manual if you can't find it. All in all, an excellent feature set and power level for a reasonable cost. Only real con is that it adds bulk to the setup. But it is well worth it.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Great for taking photos indoors. In manual this flash overrides the ambient light wonderfully allowing me to get great photos that are clear and bright.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
I am a freelance photographer, just setting up an in-home studio for the first time. I like to use natural lighting, but indoors it's not always possible. The flash works great for a fill flash for portraits.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
Moving up from an outdated 420ex this flash performs flawlessly. Once you figure out the set up is is logical. Still, I had to pull out the manual first.
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Comments about Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm):
not wok well
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