Even though Canon's 430EXII Speedlite is an older model, it still is a favorite of professional and amateur photographers. In case you are wondering, the newest model flash, the 580EXII Speedlite has a few more bells and whistles than the 430EXII. Here's where you can check out those features, reviews and the best prices on the 580EXII Speedlite.
Now on to the 430EXII. If you are thinking about juicing up your photos with a flash like Canon's 430EXII you may be wondering why you should buy it. Let me just lay out the pros and cons of this flash.
Pros of the 430EXII Flash
1. The biggest improvement this flash has to offer is faster recycle time. This is the time it takes for your flash to recharge after you take a shot. I am able to take a new shot at the rate of about 1 per second. This is a vast improvement over a built in flash where you must wait several seconds before you can take another picture. No more missed "perfect pictures."
2. It is absolutely awesome the effects you get when you play around with the ability to tilt and twist the flash. You can tilt the flash 90 degrees and turn it 180 degrees. This means you can bounce the light off of the ceiling or the wall behind you instead of directly in the subjects face. Really cool shadow and lighting effects to benefit from using the tilt and turn.
3. Powerful TTL. In case you don't know what that is it is TTL metering ensures a reasonably correct exposure while using flash. You use TTL as a method of measuring light for photographic exposure purposes. In TTL metering, the light is measured using an in-camera light meter, eliminating the need to use a separate, hand-held light meter. My experience with the 430EXII TTL is that just about every picture I take is perfectly exposed. There are plenty of manual functions and controls you can use to set your lighting and override the automagic TTL.
4. Use rechargable AA batteries and you should be able to get at least 400 shots without recharging.
5. I like the sturdy metal foot that connects the flash to the camera. Lot less chance of it cracking or breaking.
Cons of the 430EX II Speedlite
1. I have stubby, fat fingers and the buttons are kind of hard for me to use.
2. This flash does add some weight to your camera so this will be a new experience holding both the flash and the camera.
3. You can't use this flash as a master to any other flashes. It can only act as a slave.
I strongly recommend the 430EXII flash. If you are trying to decide the differences between the 430EXII and the newer 580EXII I invite you read these reviews and comments on the 580EXII speedlite.
I warn you, playing around with flashes can really be addictive. Your family and pets may run from you once you start playing around with these gadgets.
Have fun and share your pics!
Ready to buy? Compare prices and get your best deal on a new 430EXII.
