Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
by Canon

Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
List Price: $319.99
Our Price: $239.00
You Save: $80.99 (25%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Digital Camera
See more digital camera details and other models


or

Digital product summary information

Manufacturer: Canon
Model: 480 EX II
Product features:
  • E-TTL II for compatible Canon EOS cameras and EF series lenses
  • flash controls settable through camera's LCD screen on compatible EOS digital SLR models
  • LCD information panel
  • flash head can be tilted and swiveled for bounce flash
  • built-in wide-angle pull-down diffuser panel (covers focal lengths down to 14mm on a full-frame camera)
Accessories:

Digital camera reviews of Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Digital camera Review: Good first flash but leaves you wanting more......
Summary: 5 Stars

I got my 430EX II on a chance, i had placed order for a 430EX and noticed a local store had the 430EX II for a bit more hence I ended up getting this one.

First off the flash is very well built. The adjustable head is solid and yet easy to move (90 vertical, 180 horizontal). The flash instructions are simple and it integrates with my Canon 40D almost all the time. Its a good beginner flash but after a while you are left asking for a bit more 'power'. Do not get me wrong, it is a good flash and has saved countless shots, however I wish sometimes it had a bit more reach (especially when bouncing off a wall).
It has a very fast recycle time. I am using E2 Lithium batteries and they are going strong with over 1200 shots taken. I have noticed it now takes about 1 second to recycle between shots. It still is very silent on its recharge.
I also love the convenience of changing flash settings from the camera itself and I love the much needed focus assist lamp for dark areas.

However, I have to say that sometimes the ETTL II does not pick up the zoom position of the lens. This makes for dark images on my 40D as it does not pick up the zoom information and you end up with darker pictures.

If you do get an external flash I highly suggest you get yourself a omnibounce or something for the times there is no walls nearby to bounce off. A good omni bounce or diffuser will make your pictures stand out!

So the question is should you get the 430EX II or save money on the 430EX (if available). Well the 430EX is cheaper, however the 430EX II seems to have its benefits however small they may be. For me the benefits out weight the cost however it is not enough to warrent buying the 430 EX II. I am happy with my purchase however people in the community do say I should have just paid the additional 70 and gotten the 580EX II and you know they are right!

Summary of Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

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."

Digital Cameras

Cameras and Photo
Most talked about in Jim's Canon EOS 40D Basic Setup
Tamrac 574501 Velocity 5 Photo Hip Pack Convertible (Black)? ImageTamrac 574501 Velocity 5 Photo Hip Pack Convertible (Black)?
Tamrac; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: $49.95
SanDisk Ultra II - Flash memory card - 4 GB - CompactFlash ImageSanDisk Ultra II - Flash memory card - 4 GB - CompactFlash
CE
Best price: $26.91
Canon BG-E2N Battery Grip for Canon 20D, 30D, 40D & 50D Digital SLR Cameras ImageCanon BG-E2N Battery Grip for Canon 20D, 30D, 40D & 50D Digital SLR Cameras
CANON; Digital Camera
Best price: $159.99
Price in other shops: $349.79
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras ImageCanon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Canon; Digital Camera
Best price: $294.00
Price in other shops: $319.99
Canon UV-1 52mm Haze Filter ImageCanon UV-1 52mm Haze Filter
Canon Cameras US; Digital Camera
Best price: $9.50
Price in other shops: $14.99
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Digital SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR Cameras ImageCanon EF-S 60mm f/ 2.8 Macro USM Digital SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR Cameras
Canon; Digital Camera
Best price: $358.99
Price in other shops: $640.00
Canon UV-1 58mm Haze Filter ImageCanon UV-1 58mm Haze Filter
Canon Cameras US; Digital Camera
Best price: $6.19
Price in other shops: $17.99
Canon ET-65B Lens Hood for EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS and DO IS USM Lenses ImageCanon ET-65B Lens Hood for EF 70-300mm f/ 4.5-5.6 IS and DO IS USM Lenses
Canon Cameras US; Digital Camera
Best price: $32.45
Price in other shops: $55.00
EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens With Optical Image Stabilizer ImageEF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens With Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon; Digital Camera
Best price: $619.00
Price in other shops: $920.00
Canon 77mm UV Haze ImageCanon 77mm UV Haze
Canon Cameras US; Digital Camera
Best price: $22.50
Price in other shops: $55.00
Similar digital cameras
Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter ImageTiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter
Tiffen; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: $16.99
Transcend TS8GSDHC6 8GB SDHC card (SD 2.0 SPD Class 6) ImageTranscend TS8GSDHC6 8GB SDHC card (SD 2.0 SPD Class 6)
TRANSCEND; CE
Best price: $9.79
Price in other shops: $32.99
Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) ImageCanon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Canon; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: $2,200.00
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras ImageCanon EF-S 55-250mm f/ 4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Canon; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: $299.99
Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent) ImageCanon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent)
Canon Cameras US; Digital Camera
Best price: $34.95
Price in other shops: $75.00
Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter ImageTiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter
Tiffen; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: $20.99
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens ImageCanon EF 50mm f/ 1.8 II Camera Lens
Canon; Digital Camera
Best price: $79.00
Price in other shops: $150.00
Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) ImageCanon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/ 3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)
Canon; Release date: 2008-04-14; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: $799.99
Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Digital Rebel ImageCanon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Digital Rebel
Canon Cameras US; Digital Camera
Best price: $20.47
Price in other shops: $30.00
Sto-Fen OMEW Omni-Bounce Diffuser ImageSto-Fen OMEW Omni-Bounce Diffuser
Sto-Fen; Digital Camera
Best price: $9.34
Film and digital cameras at ApexCamera.com