Product Description

This exciting new addition to the EOS System combines compact size and affordability with an added dose of features and sophistication. Improving on the previous model, Speedlite 420EX, the new 430EX can now be set into manual flash mode (full power~1/64). Flash compensation can be set on the flash unit, and manual control of the flash zoom head is now possible. Improvements in its circuitry make recycle time 40% faster, and since it is compatible with Canon's wireless E-TTL, it can be used as an affordable "slave unit."

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: SL-430EX
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 2.00" w x 6.00" l, 4.00 pounds

Features

• Replaces the Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash
• Automatic selection of camera white-balance settings and auto-adjustment of zoom flash position to match camera's sensor size
• Flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm; integrated diffusion panel allows extends coverage to 14mm
• Compatible with distance-linked E-TTL II system; supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required
• Flash head moves up from 0 to 90 degrees, left from 0 to 180 degrees, and right from 0 to 90 degrees

From the Manufacturer
The Speedlite 430EX flash unit replaces the popular Speedlite 420EX. The Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor and includes new features to maximize digital image quality when using a flash. These include automatic selection of camera white-balance settings and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached. The Speedlite 430EX has increased its guide number to 43 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and has approximately 40% faster recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX.

An ultra-bright, two-LED configuration focus assist-beam has been designed to be compatible with all focus points within the frame of all EOS AF systems, up to 9-point AF.

Optimum flash coverage
The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm and an integrated diffusion panel allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm. When attached to digital EOS cameras with smaller than full-frame sensors (such as the EOS-1D Mark II N and EOS 20D) the Speedlite 430EX gives a more accurate flash coverage by detecting the model to which it is attached and automatically narrowing the angle of coverage. This has the effect of eliminating light loss in peripheral areas and extending the effective flash range.

Ideal white balance
The Speedlite 430EX automatically transfers color temperature information to recent models of digital SLR cameras . The camera then sets the white balance optimally 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.

E-TTL II
The Speedlite 430EX is fully compatible with the distance linked E-TTL II system found on recent EOS cameras, and supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required. For a complete multiple flash system, the Speedlite 430EX serves as a wireless slave when either the Speedlite 580EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, or Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is used as a master.

Upgrade for control
An intuitive and ergonomic interface includes an LCD panel for clear indication of modes and settings. A single bounce lock release button provides immediate control over the bounce head angle for flexible positioning of the flash head. The flash head can be moved up from 0 to 90 degrees (5 settings), left from 0 to 180 degrees (7 settings), and right from 0 to 90 degrees (4 settings). Six custom functions allow customization of the flash operations. Despite high power and short recycling times, the unit is small and lightweight.

Fully synchronized
Features include 1st and 2nd curtain flash synchronization, plus manual adjustment of flash output from full to 1/64 power (7 levels).

Accessories
An optional Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 (not included--must be purchased separately) allows the flash unit to be mounted to one side of the camera. Designed specifically for press and wedding photographers, it eliminates the red-eye that can occur when mounting a flash on the axis of the lens, such as on the camera hot shoe. Flash batteries are replaceable without removing the unit from the bracket.

Customer Reviews

430ex vs 580ex II
Bigger is not always better. The more you pay for a piece of camera equipment does not necessarily mean you will get more out of it than a less expensive alternative. These are two axioms that I wish I could learn someday, but I guess some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

The 580ex II is a great flash, don't get me wrong. It's a 5 star flash--if it is what you need. I bought it thinking it was what I needed but as it turns out it is too big and too powerful for me. It is extremely large, powerful, and top-heavy. I sold it back on the used market and picked up a 430ex from Amazon which comes in at almost half the price. The 430ex is also around half the weight/size but still packs a good 60-80% wallup of the 580ex II. For me, this has been ideal. The 430ex provides enough flash but not too bright, and it isn't top-heavy or attention-grabbing like the gigantic 580ex II.

If you are going to be photographing celebrities, people who are far away from your camera, or other situations which call for a very powerful flash then the 580ex II is the flash for you. If you are looking for more of a wedding or cocktail party flash, then I believe the 430ex is the flash. It is hard to tell from the pictures just how different the sizes of the two flashes are, so I didn't know the 430ex was such an ideal size compared to the 580ex II.

While I can't say anything bad about the 580ex II flash, just take another hard look at the 430ex unless you know you need some serious flash-power.

pretty expensive, but good flash
It's a pretty powerful flash. The wireless feature is something that may be useful for advanced photographers, as well as the built in wide angle flash attachment. I'm not advance yet, but if you are getting a flash, you minus well not cheap out and just get a good one that will last you and get good results.

I have not used this very much yet to play around with the settings so take my comments with a grain of salt.

great beginner's flash
simple and easy to use, it is a great introduction to using an off-camera flash. i have been playing around with it for a few weeks now and getting some great results. unfortunately it is only a "slave" unit so eventually i will need to eventually invest in the 580EX if i want to control and use multiple flash units. if you don't plan on doing any elaborate flash setups that involve multiple units than this flash will more than do the job.

make sure you use either a good set of rechargable batteries or a powerful set of non-rechargable batteries. when i first got it i put in a brand new set of "generic" batteries and the wait time for the unit to recharge between shots was about 30-45 seconds (and even longer a few times). i charged up my set of Energizer 2450mAh batteries and dropped them in and now the unit is ready to fire again almost immediately after the flash is used.