Comments about Canon Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash with Guide Number 141 Feet / 43m at ISO 100 - Grey Market:

I was wondering why I have never bought a Canon flash before in my life. I have been using Sigmas for years and they were ok. I had extra money this last week and needed a flash so I thought maybe it's time to try out the Canons.

Opened the box when I got it and was surprised how small the unit was compared to my Sigma. Tried it out and was satisfied with it the first day I had it.

Next day was a fashion show, and I thought it was the perfect time to use this flash in real world photography. Set my setting to aperture control, activated the high speed sync. The venue was well lit so I was able to get an average of 600-800/sec shutter speed at f4-f3.5 at ISO 100. The speed was well above the limit of 250th sec for flash synchronization. Took some shots and observed the flash carefully.

Ended up with around 93 photos. About 3 photos every 8 seconds. As the Sigmas will fail on me 2 out of 5 shots. Never did my 430 exII flash fail on me. Not even once. I was using 4 energizer nimh batteries with full charge. The exposures were pretty accurate for what I meter them to be. I was astounded by this flash.

Now I have the urge to buy another one for a portable studio setup.