Product Information
- Model name: Canon Speedlite 430EX II
- Released date: 10 June 2008
- Available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H
Overview
The is a balance between a powerful guide number (141 ft. /43m at ISO 100), zoom range (24-105mm) and an affordable price ($300) that is affordable for professional and even amateur photographers. Designed for all Canon EOS cameras and even compatible with the famed G series of compact cameras, the 430EX II is a handy piece of secondary (or primary, depending on how you use it) light source for those tricky lighting situations.
The overall ergonomics is very good. In terms of setting up the Speedlite on a DSLR there is a dedicated quick-lock mechanism that allows the flash to be easily mounted and or dismounted. There is also a metal foot which has been added for strength and durability. It has an extremely fast recycle time and the lag between shots is almost negligible (up to 20% faster than comparable 430EX model – 0.1 to 3.7/2 seconds on Alkaline/Ni-MH batteries).
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.
The Speedlite also comes with a bright LCD display that allows it to be controlled right from the screen. The flash head is very flexible. It can be turned from 0-90˚ upward, left from 0-180˚ and right from 0-90˚. Built-in AF assist beam which covers all the nine points of an EOS AF system.
Four AA-sized Alkaline Batteries (6V) is required for powering the flash. Optionally one can use four AA-size Ni-MH (4.8V) batteries. Using these specification batteries one can obtain around 200-1400 flashes. The overall dimensions of the flash gun are 2.8 x 4.8 x 4.0” and it weighs 330 grams minus the batteries.
Accessories
The Speedlite 430EX II can be used with the optional accessories: the Canon OC-E3 off-camera shoe cord and the Speedlite bracket SB-E2. Featuring a handy quick release/locking mechanism, the OC-E3 adds wired, short-range positioning flexibility to the Speedlite 430EX II. The Speedlite bracket SB-E2 is designed specifically for wedding and press photography and allows the Speedlite 430EX II to be mounted to one side of the camera – removing the harsh, unnatural shadows. Available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H
Sample Images by Canon Speedlite 430EX II on Flickr
Product Images
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Specifications
| Flash Type | Mode: E-TTL II, E-TTL, TTL |
| Compatible Cameras | All Canon EOS cameras; PowerShot G series cameras |
| Guide Number | 141 ft./43m (at ISO 100); flash head at 105mm zoom setting |
| Flash Coverage | Fixed condenser lens with inner zoom: (1) Auto Zoom, (2) Manual Zoom, (3) Wide Panel Zoom positions: 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 80mm, 105mm; Indicated by numerals on the LCD’s focal length display Image Size Zoom Control: With cameras compatible with auto zoom, it zooms automatically to match the camera’s image size |
| Number of Flashes | Approx. 200 to 1,400, with AA-size Alkaline Batteries manufactured within the last three months or AA-size Ni-MH fully-charged batteries |
| Recycling Time | Approx. 0.1 to 3.7 seconds (AA-size Alkaline Batteries)/0.1 to 2 seconds (AA-size Ni-MH batteries) |
| Flash Range | At ISO 100, with EF 50mm f/1.4 For normal flash: Approx. 2.3-79.7 ft./0.7-24.3m For high sync speed (EF flash): Approx. 2.3-39.4 ft./0.7-12m |
| AF Assist Beam | Built-in; covers all focus points in EOS cameras up to 9 AF points Effective range: At center: Approx. 2.3-32.8 ft./0.7-10m Periphery: Approx. 2.3-16.4 ft./0.7-5m (in total darkness) |
| Custom Functions | Six user-selectable Custom Functions built-in; set on Speedlite’s LCD panel |
| Power Source | Four AA-size Alkaline Batteries (6V); Four AA-size Ni-MH (4.8V) |
| External Power Source | External power supply: compatible with Dust- and Water-Resistant External Power Pack, Canon battery pack CP-E3 and Transistor Pack E |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 4.8 x 4.0 in./72 x 122 x 101mm |
| Weight | 11.6 oz./330g (without batteries) |
More Info
- Canon Speedlite System Tips
- Canon Camera Museum
- Canon Flash Work Site
- CDLC: Speedlite Tips Part 1
- CDLC: Speedlite Tips Part 2
- CDLC: Speedlite Tips Part 3
- CDLC: Environmental Portraits with Speedlites: Tutorial Series
- CPN Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 1)
- CPN Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 2)
- CPN Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 3)
- CPN Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 4)
- Canon Professional Network Infobank: Flash
Purchase options
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H