The Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor, the 420EX, and includes new features to maximise 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 2-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, EOS 20D and EOS 350D) 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 colour 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 – 90degrees (5 settings), left from 0 – 180degrees (7 settings) and right from 0 – 90degrees (4 settings). 6 custom functions allow customisation of the flash operations. Despite high power and short recycling times, the unit is small and lightweight.
Fully synchronised
Features include 1st and 2nd curtain flash synchronisation, and manual adjustment of flash output from full to 1/64 power (7 levels).
Accessories
An optional Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 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.
Canon Speedlite 430EX Features
Guide Number Flash guide number 43m at ISO 100.
Modes Normal, High Speed, Test Fire, Modelling flash. Exposure control, E-TTL, FE lock, TTL
Wide Flash Adaptor No, widest range to 24mm. Zoom positions: 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 80mm, 105mm; Indicated by numerals on the LCD's focal length display.
Swivel and Bounce Yes
Dimensions 72 x 122 x 101 mm.
Weight 330g excluding batteries.
Compatibility Compatible with most Canon cameras with a hotshoe.
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Author
fatnbald New Member
Registered: May 2007 Posts: 4
Review Date: Mon 7, May, 2007
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Works well with Canon's auto control system, gives good performance. Auto focuses to lens setting
Weaknesses:
Can struggle at very low light. This is a lot of money for a flash gun!
Hooks up to my 350D, works well most of the time but there are times when in very low light it searches for the focus point.
The flash is light and easy to use in Auto through canon's control system. The battery life is pretty good using standard cells, not tried re-chargeable batteries yet.
Lots of info on the LCD display the results are very good, the real bugbear is the price - it is around £180 on the high street which is a lot of money for the cheapest flash option from Canon!
Overall if you do a reasonable level of flash photography and can afford it it is worth having, if you only do flash every now and then stick with the (weedy) build in flash if your model has one.
Interpreter Member of the Wild Empire
Registered: October 2006 Posts: 314
Review Date: Sun 2, September, 2007
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Ease of use.
Weaknesses:
It is from Canon, so it is expensive.
I have been using this unit for a few months now. It is an unusal piece of kit in that it doesn't make itself known. I put it on the hot shoe and forget about it. I take an exposure; the flash does it's stuff. The result is a perfectly exposed image. No bother. No difficulties. It has a good battery life and goes into my Nova 5 bag inside it's included bag.
The information on the LCD screen is ideal if you want to work for your living. Ignore it if you don't. It zooms in and out with the lens to give perfect coverage for most of my GP lenses. I haven't tried it on the 16 - 35mm lens yet and obviously it wouldn't be a lot of use for the 100 - 400mm pump.
If you need this sort of flash gun and don't want to pay for a 580 EX, buy it. You will not regret it.
------------------------------ Don't bother me with facts. My mind is already made up.
on the high street which is a lot of money for the cheapest flash option from Canon!
