Canon Speedlite 430

[Roger645]

I was thinking of getting one of these for my 350d as the built in flash is a bit weedy. Be grateful for any feedback from existing owners.

Thanks

Roger

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

I've got a 580 which generally is just the more powerful version. The 430 is fine and a massive step up in flash power. I think the 350D flash has a guide number of 13M where the 430's is 43M. The 580 is 58M.

If you shut your eyes and fire the flash in your face you can feel the heat.

[Altrezia]

I have the 430 - a great bit of kit. Bright enough, and can be used as a 2nd flash if you get a 500 series later.

Nicely made too.

[Zod]

It's not just the power, but the fact that you can get indirect flash without some ghetto method like putting a finger in front of the built-in flash.

[corozin]

I bought a 430EX as my first flash unit and I'm very happy with it. Once nice feature is that you can add the ST-E2 remote unit later on & use the flash to run wireless, which transforms what you can do with lighting.

Best prices are in the eBay stores.

[davidd]

Zod said:

It's not just the power, but the fact that you can get indirect flash without some ghetto method like putting a finger in front of the built-in flash.

lol glad I'm not the only one

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

Isn't there a Mk2 version imminent?

[RobDickinson]

S. Gonzales Esq. said:

Isn't there a Mk2 version imminent?

Yeah but theres not a lot of changes I dont think?

[ofcorsa]

How does the sigma 530 measure up? it can be used as a master with another sigma 530 unit

[flat-planedCrank]

RobDickinson said:

S. Gonzales Esq. said:

Isn't there a Mk2 version imminent?

Yeah but theres not a lot of changes I dont think?

From the press release:

"New features
For maximum flexibility and ease of use, the Speedlite 430EX II incorporates a number of new features. Recycle times have been reduced by approximately 20%, with the recycle process performed silently to minimise distraction. A new metal mounting foot with redesigned connection pins provides ultra-stable communication between the camera and flash; for rapid connection to the camera, a new quick release and locking mechanism is also incorporated.
Used in Manual mode, the Speedlite 430EX II offers settings in 1/3 stop increments for increased precision of operation. Plus – when used with compatible EOS cameras – every setting on the Speedlite 430EX II can be controlled via the camera menu system, allowing rapid, intuitive alteration of settings."

Think this might be new as well:

"Matching sensor size
When mounted to compatible EOS digital cameras, the Speedlite 430EX II detects whether the sensor is full frame, APS-C or APS-H. The flash’s zoom position is then automatically adjusted, optimising flash coverage and the amount of charge needed per shot."

Full press release >here<


WarehouseExpress prices :

430EX - £169
430EX II - £199
580EX II - £329


Cheers.

[edit] - Also found the press release on Canons' UK site >here<

Edited by flat-planedCrank on Thursday 21st August 05:00

[Roger645]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'm off to the US soon and might see what I can get one for out there.

[beanbag]

Roger645 said:

Thanks for all the help guys, I'm off to the US soon and might see what I can get one for out there.

I'd definitely recommend doing that. I just bought a 17-40mm f/4 L lens for just $700 including a Canon 77mm UV haze filter from B&H and that's just miles cheaper than any UK or European price.

I've also got a 430EX speedlite which I'm very happy with, although I will eventually upgrade to a 580EX in a couple of years or so, and then another couple of years later I'll go for the 5D Mark II pushing into the FF arena!