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

Great unit, great price
This flash makes great light. In my apartment we pretty much get nothing but nasty, dim, yellow light. The pictures I take with this flash make a world of difference. The thing rotates nearly 360 degrees, so you have the option to bounce it just about any kind of way you can imagine. Very flexible.

This flash comes with a little stand that is great if you're using it remotely. Use a 580EXII flash or an STE-2 transmitter for that. It sucks that Canon's DSLRs don't have a commander mode for the pop-up flash, but that's not fault on the 430EX.

Anyway, what else is there to say? It's a great unit. There's no real need to spend more money on the 580EXII unless you need the transmitter option, IMHO.

Excellent Flash!
I bought the 430EX just a few weeks ago and right out of the box it was easy to use. The swivel and tilt is awesome for getting that more natural light look when bouncing the flash. It's does a wonderful job. The recycle time is great. I've used it at a wedding and several other occasions now and have not had any issues with lag or waiting around. I highly recommend it. I've head the 580 is awesome but if you're looking to save a little money, you will not be disappointed with the 430!

A great start for any photographer
The canon 430EX is a capable and versatile flash. I have owned it for about 4 months now and I can say that it opened up a whole new world of photography for me. The advantages you get from flash can really only be understood once you have it mounted and you start taking pictures. The power output was more than enough to light up a medium sized living room when bounced from the ceiling. The controls are easy to understand, and canon's E-TTL is amazing in situations with changing light where you don't have the time to readjust. That said the true strength of this flash is that it can be used as an optical slave for canons 580 EX line of flashes. If you are anything like me you will soon start to want to move your flash off of your camera and start taking pictures with lighting from different angles. This makes the combination of the 430EX and the 580EX nearly priceless, as you can set them up 580 on camera and 430 anywhere else within communication distance, and you can let them do the dirty work. Will it come out perfect every time? No, but it is a hell of a lot better than having run back and adjust them every time lighting changes.

The only problems I have with the 430EX is it doesn't have a PC port, so you have to by a hot shoe adaptor if you want to use it with skyports or ebay triggers. The second thing is that the shoe mount is made of plastic. This isn't a big problem because I have never felt like it was going to break, but it is always nice to have piece of mind.