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Review Summary
2013-11-07T19:00:00
Works perfect so far. With pop up flash I was getting a lot of red eye, even with reduction on. Now using the 430 no red eye at all. Flash recycles in 2-4 seconds using Duracell batteries. ETTL mode works great with my Canon T3 and has a range of 60 feet. No problems with the lock down wheel or hot shoe. Seems to be well made.
Thomas G.
2013-06-08T21:00:00
I just started getting into photography as a hobby and I thought it would be a good idea to get a great external flash, however, since I am new to all of this I can't really give you a proper review. I would recommend this to a friend or someone just starting out in photography.
THOMAS J.
2013-05-20T21:00:00
This is my first external flash and I can see such a difference in the photos I take! I am a photo enthusiast trying to learn more by trial and error...purchased this based on the reviews and it has taken my pictures to a whole new level. You can't go wrong with this one!
RondaG
2011-09-05T21:00:00
Both my wife & I were semi-pro/serious amateurs for many years but sold most of our equipment last year. And then realized that our flashes had gone too. Bought this flash as it does all that we now need it to do.
E D.
2011-03-05T19:00:00
Exactly what i expected! Great product! I highly recommended this flash!
Glenn.Shoots
2008-12-28T19:00:00
I am still learning every day, but this flash is great. I think it is fine to get instead of going to the II if you want to save some coin. Well worth it. The 580 of course is a bit more powerful but this works great.
NoZombieNo
2008-06-09T21:00:00
I have used this flash heavily for nearly a year now, taking over 15,000 pictures with it. This flash is normally compared to the Nikon sb-600 flash, I have also used the Nikon sb-600, it is truely terrible. But this, is one of the most magnificent flash units I have ever used.
Peewee
2007-07-09T21:00:00
Easy to use right out of the box,but more features that I will use once I have the time to try them out.
running e.
2007-07-09T21:00:00
Good product. Have not found any real problems. Battery islong lasting although I keep a backup. Provides all the light I need. Bounce flash works well. Very happy with it
Bobmark5
2007-06-18T21:00:00
This is a great flash considering the price. It's the baby 580EX. I wish it could serve as master slave as well. I understand the logic behind it though. This flash works great as bounce flash since I rather not see any harsh shadow on pictures. It has long battery life. It lasts longer than I thought. I have more than 500 pictures on a pack of batteries ans still counting.
Yan
2007-06-11T21:00:00
I have used my flash for fill and for main lighting. It has been a great addition to my EOS giving me more flexibility in shooting at Rotary Conferences, where lighting has been a challenge. In the past, I would push the ISO Rating to similate ISO 3200, now I can shoot in much less light and grab great images.
Bill R.
2007-05-08T21:00:00
Having previously owned a 420EX I was satisfied with it's performance both on and off the camera. The one shortcoming was the inability to use the flash outdoors as the Key light instead of as a fill light. The 430 solved this problem by adding a manual mode, allowing flash intensity to be set higher than surrounding ambient light. This has provided more flexibility to an already outstanding product.
Shel
2007-05-07T21:00:00
[...] this flash covers distances that the pop-up flash on my Rebel XTi just can't. The photos all have plenty of light coverage, from wide angle to 300 mil. Haven't found anything negative about it. I would whole heartily recommend this to anyone, even any other Canucks who might like to save a buck.
Bob
2007-05-07T21:00:00
The flash is very powerful and easy to use. I wish it had a rechargable battery rather than requiring 4 AA batteries, but I have no real complaints.
Kip
2007-05-07T21:00:00
Very pleased with the performance and appearance of this unit.
JESSIE G.
2007-03-29T21:00:00
I use this flash all the time since I got it about three monhts ago. I've shot over 2000 frames, without any problems. I shoot events, model/ head shots around the LA and OC area and I love it. I use the swivel head all the time to bounce light. Works well with all kinds of lighting situations - fill flash, bounce flash as well and main light. Spend the money and get it, your photos will improve.
Twist
2007-03-27T21:00:00
I bought this flash to enter the modern era. My previous flash was an old Sunpak pistol-grip model which was about 20 years old. Since it was manual adjust only, I felt limited when I connected it to my Canon EOS 20D. Not having done extensive testing with the manual flash (shoot me), I took more exposures than I wanted in order to get a properly exposed image.Since I purchased the 430 EX, life is good! I only need to make one or two test flashes so I can adjust the exposure compensation on the flash, and VOILA!I also purchased the foldup Stroboframe and the hot shoe extension cable for the flash. The combo is wonderful. Add the 430 EX ability to swivel for bounce flash and I'm having a good time taking photos which are properly exposed AUTOMATICALLY!I'm a very happy CANON [...] customer!
JERRY F.
2007-03-25T21:00:00
that's a very good product for a beginner with EOS camera
Rod b.
2007-03-25T21:00:00
I have the Rebel XT, I was amazed with the inhancement of grand daughter's photos, thanks 430 ex
Leroy A.
2007-02-25T19:00:00
As a casual user, this fits all my needs. If I was to be a heavier user, would want better recycle time.
Maddog
2007-02-20T19:00:00
I haven't given it a lot of work but I know its there when I need it. Since my first camera it hass been Canon all the way and I have never been sorry.
hazelson
2007-02-13T19:00:00
Have used the product in several photographic situations and have found it works well in all instances. Very happy with it.
Jim W.
2007-02-12T19:00:00
Provides that extra flash you need when shooting. I did a whole wedding with the same batteries - didn't eat them up! To be able to control the flash is wonderful!
pamammo
2007-02-11T19:00:00
Great product, excellent backup flash or for main usage, Canon flashes are very reliable and this one have great features and outstanting output for its price. Great seller, too!
Julio C.
2007-02-11T19:00:00
This is a very good flash,especially for the money.The only thing I dont like is it has no connection for an external power pack.I guess for the extra $[...] or so thats what you get.I really like the size of this unit,it is much lighter than the 580ex.Overall I highly recommend this flash if you dont need the extra power,and are looking for a lighter setup that provides great results.
Ronnie M.
2007-02-11T19:00:00
The 430EX meets and exceeds my expectations for a flash. With batteries, it seems a little top heavy. Excellent on taking pet photos. Good as a fill flash. Have not tried night photography.
Jillsypooh
2007-02-11T19:00:00
I was looking for a flash that performed much like the 550 but without the price. This one did just as I expected. It's a great flash, the size is perfect, and it is consistent. My only complaint is that the recycling time is a bit low and it goes through batteries pretty quickly, unless using heavy duty rechargables.
PAUL S.
2007-02-11T19:00:00
Right out of the box with no warning, I got a call to shoot a friends wedding. The "Pro" wedding photographer did not show up. So, I filled in and I shot over 200 photos, with the new 430 on my Rebel XT and got great results. Good consitant light, plenty of output, zoom worked well and it held up for the entire wedding and reception on a single set of batteries. Very impressive. Even used some of the photos for my portfolio.
Starrscuba
2007-02-11T19:00:00
I´m jsut happy with this product ,Its heavy.but I understand that its part of the battery pack.
beto
2007-02-11T19:00:00
This is my first external flash. I expected consistant, perfect results from the start, but have learned that it takes some planning to get what you expect. I need to spend a lot more time with this flash before I will be confident that I will get the expected results.
Barb
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Browse our FAQ
E-TTL/TTL-Shoe Mount
G.N. 138 (ISO 100, feet) at 105mm setting;
G.N. 101 at 35mm setting
24-105mm
Yes
Yes
full TTL at all apertures
84 Degrees (24mm in 35mm) to 23 Degrees (105mm in 35mm)
7 Seconds (based on alkaline batteries & full power)
4 Seconds (based on NiCd batteries & full power)
4 AA-size batteries (alkaline, lithium, Ni-Cd, or Ni-MH)
2.8 x 4.8 x 3.9 in.
10.6 oz.
AF-assist Beam: All Elan 7 points
Wireless Triggering: Yes

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This exciting 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.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX flash unit replaces the Speedlite 420EX flash model asthe one of the most functional and powerful flashes in its class. The maximum guide number has been increased to 43/141 (ISO 100, in meters/feet), and the 430EX flash becomes even more versatile with the addition of a built-in wide panel, which increases the minimum focal length coverage from the previous 24mm limit to 14mm.
The Speedlite 430EX flash works equally well with film or digital cameras. Additionally, like its big brother, the Speedlite 580EX flash, the Speedlite 430EX flash unit includes features that digital photographers will find especially useful. The Speedlite 430EX flash is compatible with Canon's E-TTL II (Evaluative Through The Lens) auto exposure technology.
E-TTL II technology analyzes relevant information like subject distance to modify flash power automatically, resulting in more accurate flash exposure, even when shooting subjects of different sizes, reflectance or high contrast. Advanced technology automatically adjusts the flash coverage to help compensate for differences in focal length as well as the variable size of CMOS sensors on digital cameras. The new Speedlite also analyzes flash duration & battery charge levels to adjust white balance dynamically for stable & accurate color from shot to shot.
The new Speedlite 430EX flash unit includes other upgrades, such as a full-powerrecycle time that is approximately 40 percent shorter than its predecessor at just 2 seconds with NiMH rechargeable AA batteries. A rear LCD & intuitivelyplaced controls make other new features more accessible, such as adjusting manual flash exposure from full power to 1/64 in whole stop increments, & enabling the second curtain sync function. 6 custom functions are also now available, as well as a flash head that is more maneuverable & capable of moreangles for bouncing flash illumination than its predecessor.
The Speedlite 430EX flash also incorporates the high end features that make it an essential accessory, such as a 24-105mm auto zoom, locking hot shoe bracket, & the ability to be used as a slave flash in an E-TTL or E-TTL II wireless flash configuration. High speed sync & FE lock are also available, as well as a save energy (SE) function, a versatile feature set that delivers outstanding value. With all of it features & versatility, Speedlite 430EX flash becomes the next logical step in the EOS system.