Bringing a new level of versatility and capability to flash photography, the Speedlite 430EX II features a powerful flash (guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100) with a fast recycling time in a compact, durable body. A one-touch quick-lock mechanism makes it easy to attach or detach the 430EX II from the camera and a metal foot has been added for strength and durability. Flash controls can now be set through the camera’s LCD screen on compatible EOS Digital SLR cameras. The Speedlite 430EX II is also quieter, recycle time is 20 percent faster (as compared to the 430EX) and since it is compatible with Canon’s wireless E-TTL, it can be used as an affordable “slave unit.”

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Case needs a belt loop
Not much to add that hasn’t been said, but I wish the storage case had a belt loop. It wouldn’t add more than pennies to the cost, but would let you carry it on your belt when you need it but don’t want it mounted full time, or let you run your camera bag strap through it when space in the bag’s at a premium. Still five stars.

4 Stars Canon 430EX II
The Canon 430EX II. Using the unit with the Canon SX1 IS and works very well. Controls easy to work. The LCD is large enough, but in low light a little hard to read. Some of the functions can not be used with the SX1, but for my use it’s no problem. The way the unit locks on to the camera is much better then turning the screw knob I had on my 540EZ. I looked at the 580EX, but that is a bit to large for the SX1. I think it’s a good flash for the amature or pro. Ordered from Amazon and had the unit in 3 days.

5 Stars yes please
Great flash, enough said. Small in size and in price when it comes to new flash units. Works great, especially since I do not need anything bigger!

5 Stars Canon Speedlite 430EX II
Obviously, goes well with the EOS cameras. I’ve only had it for less than a week, so I’m still learning how to use the large number of features. These features provide a lot of flexibility, especially when coupled with all of the different camera modes. Recycle time and battery consumption also seem to be good, again given the short amount of time I’ve been using it (but a lot of test shots). I’ve gotten good results with flash coverage as far as 30′ (which may not be its limit, but it’s as much as I’ve used so far). The low light focus assist is a great benefit in speeding up the camera’s focus under those conditions. It’s not a small unit, but not unwieldy, either. The rotate/bounce really helps to soften the sometimes harsh flash light. This seems to be a great addition to my EOS camera.

4 Stars Very Good overall
Before I bought this item, I did a little research by reading reviews from people who’ve purchased this particular flash as well as asking those with more experience. I was told that the 430EX was a good flash to get started with–and they were right. I use a Canon Rebel XSi(450D) and I tried looking at the 580 but it looked much too massive for it. Although the 580 has features that the 430 doesn’t, I’m not a professional photographer that owns a studio for portraits and stuff, so I decided on the simpler model. I love the fact that it swivels up and down, left to right to achieve certain lighting effects that you wouldn’t get with lower-end flashes. I was a tiny bit disappointed that the light it emits isn’t much stronger that the built-in flash, BUT in order to be fair, I haven’t had the opportunity to discover its maximum potential yet. There is a shutter synchro function (as well as other functions) that I haven’t played around with, and when I do, I’d be sure tell you all about it. Overall, its a good flash to own and I’d recommend it to those who, like me, are just getting started learning the fine art of photography.

Buy/More Info

Bringing a new level of versatility and capability to flash photography, the Speedlite 430EX II features a powerful flash (guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100) with a fast recycling time in a compact, durable body. A one-touch quick-lock mechanism makes it easy to attach or detach the 430EX II from the camera and a metal foot has been added for strength and durability. Flash controls can now be set through the camera’s LCD screen on compatible EOS Digital SLR cameras. The Speedlite 430EX II is also quieter, recycle time is 20 percent faster (as compared to the 430EX) and since it is compatible with Canon’s wireless E-TTL, it can be used as an affordable “slave unit.”

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Very good
perfect, with this account that I do not need more power. The only bad thing is you need a separate cable to use it divested from the camera ..

5 Stars Awesome buy
Overall, this is one awesome flash. Too bad it can’t act as a master flash unit but otherwise, it’s a solid flash unit. Recycling time is fast and absolutely silent and this thing can provide some nice exposure. It also works seamlessly with the EOS cameras which is really nice. It made my indoor shoots a lot more enjoyable.

5 Stars Canon 430 EX ii
Excellent product. Amazingly fast, super compact and very easy to use. One small downside is the buttons are allitle small for medium/large fingers to press.

5 Stars A little more affordable than the 580EX II
I love this flash! THe manual settings allow me to use it as fill flash during the day and give the model a sparkle to their eye. I don’t use it wirelessly but there are some products on the market that allow you to. This flash is very powerful and fits the needs of a hobbyist amateur photographer.

5 Stars flashy and practical
I have only just begun to use this flash, but found it useful right out of the box. While I’m still learning about lighting, the automatic TTL with this is a boon, but it’s also great to be able to make adjustments to the automatic settings to compensate for moments I want more or less light.

I love the way the head swivels in many directions, which means I can bounce it off ceilings or walls or whatever. I also got the stofen omni bounce, which is a very nice addition for not a lot of money, and it has gotten some use indoors with family pictures.

I can’t compare this to off-brand TTL flashes, but I can say I like this flash and highly recommend it.

Buy/More Info