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

Nice alternative to the 580EXII
The 430EX performs quite admirably for just about everything I needed it to -- save photos in larger venues, for which the 580EXII is the better choice. A few things about the 580EXII that may sway you toward plunking down more of your hard-earned cash:

-- a lever, not a friction dial, to attach to the shoe
-- takes an outboard battery pack
-- longer throw
-- can control slave units
-- weatherproofing

If any of these is highly important to you, it's worth saving up for the 580. If you want a highly dependable, easy to use flashgun and getting the highest possible performance isn't critical, the 430 should be ample for you.

The shots you can take with the 430 are functionally identical to those with the 580 if you mainly take photos indoors, in smaller venues, with good white ceilings and walls to bounce off. The 430 is also smaller, which counts for something for most folks. Goes forever on one set of batteries. I've taken > 1500 shots with one charge on a set of NiMh batteries, and still no warning lights or slow warm-up time. Amazing.

Shopped around...great flash unit!
After shopping for a flash for my recently purchased Canon Powershot G9 I was stuck between an aftermarket unit or the pricer Canon430EX. I chose to take the plunge and purchase the 430EX. Though there was a more powerful model available than the 430EX, I did not want to spend more than the cost of the camera.

After receiving the unit, I knew I chose wisely. It's a phenomenal unit that syncs with all the features of the G9 and provides fantastic illumination at some of the distances I've worked in. I have not yet played with the manual features (and may never have to).

If you're budget minded and caught between this unit and an aftermarket flash, this is the one!

Highly Recommended for Novice Shooters
I received this the day before my wife's birthday party so I didn't have time to do practice shots with it. Being a brand new DSLR enthusiast (less than a month), I basically had to convince my wife that I know what I'm doing and I'm glad to say this flash didn't let me down. The wife was so happy with how the photos turned out that she immediately uploaded them to a popular website and ordered the prints. While there is still a lot to learn on how to effectively use the flash, you'll learn a lot of things while shooting. I didn't have enough time to read the manual but with only a few shots, I was able to quickly learn the basics. In comparing the photos I took using the on board flash vs. the Speedlite 430EX, the Speedlite's definitely came out much better. This thing lights up an entire room measuring about ~500 sq. ft with no problem. Just like everyone else, my favorite features are the tilt and swivel giving you a lot of flexibility in the way you light up your subject. As far as load times is concerned, I took about 250 pictures and the flash's load time was very fast the entire time on a freshly charged 2800 NiMH rechargeable batteries. Thanks Amazon for fast delivery!

The flash came securely packaged including a good quality case, Slave Flash Stand, user guide and registration card.

Shot with:
Canon Rebel XSi 450D w/ 18-55mm IS lens
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens