George Boyle
Wedding photographers often need to be able to shoot in fast-moving situations, and the Canon Speedlite 430 EX series offers two models with distinct advantages for this context. The older 430EX model is a popular choice for wedding photographers due to its physical switch for slave mode, allowing for quick adjustments without taking your eyes off the subject. Its compact size and weight make it ideal for travelling, and its affordability is a bonus for those on a budget. However, the newer 430EX II model improves upon radio trigger interference issues found in the older model, making it more reliable for off-camera flash photography. While it lacks some of the power and features of its predecessor, the 430EX II is still a capable flash option for wedding photography, especially when paired with a diffuser for improved lighting effects.
Canon Speedlite 430 EX II Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | Smaller than the 580EX |
| Weight | Lighter than the 580EX |
| Price | Less expensive than the 580EX |
| Range | Maximum effective range of 43 meters |
| Weather Sealing | Inferior to the 580EX |
| Head Rotation | Less flexible than the 580EX |
| Head Tilt | Less control than the 580EX |
| Slave Mode | The older 430EX has a physical switch to activate Slave Mode |
| Radio Noise | The older 430EX interferes with radio triggers |
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What You'll Learn
Canon Speedlite 430EX II vs. 430EX
The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is an improved version of the Canon Speedlite 430EX. The Canon Speedlite 430EX II features electronics similar to the 580EX II, resulting in a reduced recycling time and silent operation. The Mark II is about 20% faster than the original Canon 430EX. It has a metal foot instead of a plastic one, making it stronger where it attaches to the camera. It also features a new locking mechanism for quick flash mounting and release. The Canon Speedlite 430EX II, when used with a compatible camera, allows you to read the descriptions and meanings of all custom functions off-camera display.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX is the older model and is no longer being manufactured. It is known to be noisy in the radio spectrum, which can interfere with the operation of radio triggers. The flash display can only show function and its value as digits, so users must memorise the values of custom functions or carry the manual.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is a better choice if you intend to use it with radio triggers, as the older model is known to have unreliable performance due to radio spectrum noise. The newer version is also more compatible with newer cameras, has extra custom functions, and additional values to some functions.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX may be preferable if you are looking for a more affordable option, as it can often be found used at a lower price.
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Pros and cons of the 430EX II
The Canon 430EX II is a compact and versatile flash that is widely used in wedding photography. Its small size and portability make it an ideal choice for photographers who need to stay mobile throughout the day. Here are some of the pros and cons of the 430EX II:
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight: The 430EX II is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the 580EX, making it easier to carry around during long wedding shoots.
- Affordable: With a price tag of around $250-[$299], the 430EX II is a cost-effective option for photographers who don't want to make a huge investment in lighting equipment.
- Adaptable: The 430EX II can be used on-camera or off, providing flexibility for photographers who want to experiment with different lighting techniques.
- Comprehensive feature set: Despite its affordable price, the 430EX II offers a range of useful features, including E-TTL capabilities for low-light situations.
Cons:
- Less powerful: The 430EX II has 35% less power than the 580EX and a shorter maximum effective range of 43 meters compared to 58 meters for the 580EX. This may be a limitation in certain shooting situations.
- Limited head rotation and tilt control: The 430EX II lacks the flexibility of its more advanced counterparts when it comes to rotating and tilting the flash head.
- Unreliable off-camera firing: When fired off-camera using Canon's IR system, the 430EX II can be unreliable, especially in bright daylight or at long distances.
- Lack of built-in bounce card: Unlike the 580EX, the 430EX II does not have a built-in bounce card, which can be useful for diffusing flash when taking people photos.
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Diffusers for the 430EX II
When it comes to diffusers for the Canon Speedlite 430EX II, there are a few options available. One popular choice is the Vello Bounce Dome Diffuser, which is designed to fit the Canon 430EX, 430EX II, and 430EX III-RT model speedlites. It softens the light output of the flash, reducing harsh shadows and providing even coverage across the entire frame. The Vello Bounce Dome Diffuser is also compatible with lenses from 15mm to 200mm in 35mm format. Another option is the Xit XTHD430 Bounce Hard Dome Diffuser, which is specifically designed for the Canon 430EX and 430EX II. It is well-priced, fits securely, and effectively diffuses the flash.
For those seeking a more premium option, the Calumet Flash Diffuser is a high-quality diffuser that easily attaches to the flash head, producing a soft and flattering light with even coverage. Additionally, 360-degree diffusers like the Gary Fong Lightsphere or the Peter Gregg's 'Better Bounce Card' can be effective in certain environments, although they may not be necessary for all situations. It is worth noting that the built-in flash diffuser in the Canon Speedlite 430EX II can also be utilised by rotating the flash head to bounce the light off nearby neutral-coloured walls or ceilings, softening the light and creating indirect illumination.
When choosing a diffuser, it is important to consider the specific shooting environment and requirements. While diffusers can help improve lighting quality, they may not be suitable for all situations, and factors such as size, compatibility, and power usage should be taken into account. Additionally, some photographers recommend using techniques such as adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and fill flash settings instead of relying solely on diffusers to achieve the desired lighting effects.
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Using the 430EX with radio triggers
The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT is a radio-capable flash that can be used with radio triggers for remote triggering. This flash offers photographers a compact form factor with a guide number of 141' at ISO 100 and 105mm, and a zoom range of 24-105mm. It can rotate 150° to the left and 180° to the right, allowing for flexible positioning. The 430EX III-RT has a built-in radio receiver, and when used with radio triggers, it becomes a versatile tool for lighting in wedding photography.
To use the 430EX III-RT with radio triggers, you have several options. You can choose to use it with a Canon ST-E3-RT, 600EX-RT, 600EX-RT II, or another 430EX III-RT as an on-camera master unit to trigger the flash. These radio triggers will allow you to control the 430EX III-RT remotely and synchronise it with your camera. This setup is ideal for wedding photography, as it provides flexibility in lighting setups and allows you to capture fast-paced moments with ease.
Additionally, the 430EX III-RT has optical transmission capabilities, allowing it to be triggered remotely without radio triggers. However, radio triggering provides more reliability and flexibility, especially in environments with potential interference. The radio triggers mentioned above will ensure a stable and consistent connection with the 430EX III-RT, making them a preferred choice for wedding photography.
When using the 430EX III-RT with radio triggers, it's important to consider the power source. The flash is powered by four AA-size/LR6 alkaline or AA/HR6 Ni-MH batteries, so ensure you have enough charged batteries to last through the wedding events. It's always a good idea to carry extra batteries with you to avoid missing any important moments due to power issues.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT, when combined with radio triggers, becomes a powerful tool for wedding photography. It allows you to create dynamic lighting setups, capture fast-paced moments, and ensure consistent flash performance throughout the event. With its compact size, rotation capabilities, and remote triggering options, the 430EX III-RT is a versatile choice for photographers looking to enhance their wedding photography with creative lighting techniques.
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The 430EX II vs. the 580EX
The Canon Speedlite 580EX II is Canon's top-of-the-line Speedlite, offering a lot of power and features, as well as custom functions. It is a professional unit that will get the job done. It is comparable in size, weight, price and functionality to the Nikon SB-900. It features a zoom range of 24-105mm and a head that rotates in almost every direction. It has a fast recycle time and will sync at 1/250 for high-speed shutter operation. The 580EX II is also Canon's only flash that will function as a Master flash controller, allowing it to control up to three groups of remote flashes, plus itself. It has a select dial for easy and convenient control of flash settings and is the only Canon flash with an external metering sensor.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX II, on the other hand, is a versatile and economical Speedlite that is smaller, lighter and less expensive than the 580EX II. It has a zoom range of 24-105mm and the flash head will tilt up, left and right. It is a great option if you're looking for a single mid-range flash or an additional light to be used as a remote unit. It is also a good choice if weight is a concern. The 430EX II cannot function as a Master flash but will operate as a wireless remote. It has better battery life than the 580EX II, firing up to twice the number of flashes on a full charge.
The 580EX II has six extra custom functions compared to the 430EX II, which has one custom function that the 580EX II lacks. The 580EX II also has a -7-degree setting for close-up shots, which the 430EX II does not have. The 430EX II does not have a built-in bounce card, and its buttons do not have the same tactile feeling as the 580EX II. The 580EX II also offers a select dial for changing settings, whereas the 430EX II uses "+" and "-" buttons.
In terms of price, the 430EX II is a far better value, with three units costing $762 compared to $1,197 for three 580EX II units. The 580EX II is also criticised for its inability to lock the previously used flash output.
Overall, the 580EX II is a powerful and versatile flash that offers a lot of control and creativity, while the 430EX II is a more economical and lightweight option that still provides a lot of creative options.
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Frequently asked questions
The Canon Speedlite 430 EX II is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the 580 EX. It is easier to travel with and has some upgraded features.
The Canon Speedlite 430 EX II is less powerful than the 580 EX, with a maximum effective range of 43 meters compared to 58 for the 580 EX. It also has less flexibility in head rotation and tilt control, and lacks the built-in bounce card of the 580 EX.
The older 430 EX model can be purchased cheaply second-hand. It also has a physical switch to put it into slave mode, which is faster and easier than the settings change required for the newer model.
The older 430 EX model is known to be noisy in the radio spectrum, which can interfere with the operation of radio triggers such as Pocket Wizards.
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