15 Standing Ovations for the “Brilliance” of the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash
1. The Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash may sit in the middle of Canon’s line-up of lighting products, but it’s anything but average. Its excellent build quality, outstanding functionality and professional-level performance are rarely found in such an affordable and compact flash unit.
Read real customer reviews of the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash here.
2. As a newer version of the 430EX, the Speedlite 430EX II’s primary upgrade may be its 20% faster and whisper-quiet recycling time (approximately 3 seconds).
3. Another significant upgrade is the addition of a metal foot for strength and durability.
4. The Speedlite 430EX II weighs just 11.6 oz. (336g) compared to the top-of-the-line 580EX II, at 13.2 oz. (375g).
5. Because of its modest size and weight, the 430EX II is a very desirable unit for off-camera lighting. This upgraded models features a quick-release-and-locking mechanism that makes it easy to move it on and off the camera comfortably.
6. Because of the height dimension of the 430EX II (4.8 inches/122mm), large and wide-angle lens won’t block the beam. The dark half-moon aberration that often appears at the bottom of an image from a camera with a built-in flash and moderate-sized lenses won’t occur. Being farther from the camera, the light from the flash minimizes red-eye.
7. Like the 580EX II, you can set the manual mode in 1/3-stop increments. This helps to achieve consistent shot-to-shot exposure when the distance from the camera to the subject will not change during a shoot, such as studio portraits.
8. From the menu system of compatible Canon EOS cameras, you can set values for the Speedlite 430EX II.
9. The 430EX II has a guide number of 141 feet (43m) at ISO 100, and a coverage range of 24–105mm.
10. The Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash head tilts and swivels 270 degrees, which provides for greater off-camera and bounce-flash options. The head can be positioned up from 0–90° (5 settings), left from 0–180° (7 settings) and right from 0–90° (4 settings).
11. This Canon flash comes with 9 custom functions, such as C.Fn-00: Distance Indicator Display (ft/m), C.Fn-08: AF-Assist Beam (Disabled/Enabled) and C.Fn-14: Flash Range/Aperture Info (Max Distance/Aperture Display).
12. The 430EX II includes the AF-assist system found on most Canon flash units. The flash casts a visible red grid pattern, which helps the auto-focus to function properly in dark or low-contrast environments. For the 430EX II, the AF-assist covers as many as 9 AF points. This unit’s AF-assist beam will work to a distance of approximately 32.8 feet (10m).
13. Canon included, of course, its e-TTL II, or Electronic-Through-the-Lens metering modes, which makes the 430EX II essentially an automatic unit for photographers with little experience with a professional-grade flash (and less time-consuming for those that are).
14. Many photographers have discovered that the 430EX II is best used as a slave unit (or a series of units) in a wireless Speedlite series, with a 580EX II acting as the master commander.
15. If you’re new to DSLR photography, then the Canon 430EX II is an excellent first-time choice in a flash, especially if you need a very affordable choice, approximately $270 to $300. It will serve you well for many years.
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