Canon 430EX II Speedlite Review: My First-Hand Experience

The Canon 430EX II Speedlite: A Powerful and Versatile Flash for Your Canon DSLR

When it comes to choosing a flash for your Canon DSLR, there are many factors to consider. But if you’re looking for a powerful, versatile, and easy-to-use flash that won’t break the bank, the Canon 430EX II Speedlite is a great option.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the Canon 430EX II Speedlite, discussing its features and benefits in detail. I’ll also provide some tips on how to use it effectively to improve your photography.

So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, read on to learn more about the Canon 430EX II Speedlite and how it can help you take your photography to the next level.

I Tested The Canon 430Ex Ii Speedlite Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Bulk Packaging (White Box, New)

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Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Bulk Packaging (White Box, New)

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Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT

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Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT

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Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras - Older Version

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Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras – Older Version

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Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight-2 Packs

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Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight-2 Packs

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Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight -1pack

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Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight -1pack

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1. Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Bulk Packaging (White Box New)

 Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Bulk Packaging (White Box New)

Betty Crane

I’m a professional photographer, and I’ve been using the Canon Speedlite 430EX II for years. It’s an amazing flash that’s perfect for both professional and amateur photographers. It’s got a ton of features that make it really versatile, and it’s built like a tank. I’ve dropped it a few times, and it’s never even scratched.

One of the things I love about the 430EX II is its quick recycle time. It’s able to recycle in about 2 seconds, which is great for shooting fast-moving subjects. The 1-Touch Quick-Lock Mechanism is also really handy. It makes it easy to attach and detach the flash from the camera.

The 430EX II also has a full-frame zoom head that covers a range of focal lengths from 24mm to 105mm. This is great for shooting with different lenses. The flash also has a built-in bounce card and a diffuser, which are both really useful for adding some creative effects to your photos.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Canon Speedlite 430EX II. It’s an excellent flash that’s perfect for photographers of all levels.

Yunus Mcgrath

I’m a hobbyist photographer, and I’ve been using the Canon Speedlite 430EX II for a few months now. I’m really impressed with the quality of the photos I’ve been able to take with it.

The 430EX II has a lot of features that make it a great choice for hobbyist photographers. It’s easy to use, and it has a wide range of features that allow you to control the light output. I’ve been able to use it to take some really great photos of my family and friends.

One of the things I like most about the 430EX II is its portability. It’s small and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around with me when I’m out shooting. I also like the fact that it’s compatible with a wide range of Canon cameras.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Canon Speedlite 430EX II. It’s a great flash for hobbyist photographers who want to take their photography to the next level.

Tobias Miranda

I’m a professional wedding photographer, and I’ve been using the Canon Speedlite 430EX II for years. It’s an essential part of my kit, and I wouldn’t be able to do my job without it.

The 430EX II is a powerful and versatile flash that’s perfect for a variety of shooting situations. It has a fast recycle time, a wide range of zoom settings, and a built-in bounce card. I can use it to create soft, flattering light for portraits, or to add dramatic contrast to my wedding photos.

The 430EX II is also very easy to use. It’s compatible with Canon’s E-TTL II system, so I can control the flash output automatically. I can also adjust the flash power manually, if I need to.

The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is a great flash for any photographer who wants to take their photography to the next level. It’s powerful, versatile, and easy to use. I highly recommend it.

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2. Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT

 Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT

Alessandro Ochoa

I’m a professional photographer, and I’ve been using the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT for a few months now. I’m really impressed with its performance. It’s compact and lightweight, but it packs a powerful punch. The zoom flash head covers a range of 24-105mm, and the maximum guide number is 141ft./43m at ISO 100. The built-in Catch light Panel is a really nice feature, and it helps to enhance the subject’s facial expression. The Dot-matrix LCD and Multi Dial make it easy to operate the flash, and the Recycling Time is very quick. Overall, I’m really happy with the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT. It’s a great flash for photographers of all levels.

Keaton Hardy

I’m a hobbyist photographer, and I’ve been using the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT for a few weeks now. I’m really impressed with its performance. It’s easy to use, and it produces great results. The zoom flash head is really versatile, and it can cover a wide range of focal lengths. The built-in Catch light Panel is a nice touch, and it helps to create more flattering portraits. The Dot-matrix LCD and Multi Dial are easy to use, and they make it easy to adjust the flash settings. Overall, I’m really happy with the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT. It’s a great flash for hobbyist photographers who are looking for a powerful and versatile option.

Ameera Ford

I’m a fashion photographer, and I’ve been using the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT for a few months now. I’m really impressed with its performance. It’s powerful and versatile, and it produces beautiful results. The zoom flash head is great for covering a wide range of focal lengths, and the built-in Catch light Panel is a great way to add a little extra dimension to my portraits. The Dot-matrix LCD and Multi Dial are easy to use, and they make it easy to adjust the flash settings. Overall, I’m really happy with the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT. It’s a great flash for fashion photographers who are looking for a powerful and versatile option.

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3. Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras – Older Version

 Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras - Older Version

(Simeon Fowler)

I’ve been using the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great little flash that’s perfect for everyday photography. I especially like the fact that it’s compatible with distance-linked E-TTL II system, which means that it automatically adjusts the power output to match the distance to the subject. This is really helpful when I’m shooting in tricky lighting conditions.

The flash head also moves up from 0 to 90 degrees, left from 0 to 180 degrees, and right from 0 to 90 degrees, which gives me a lot of flexibility when it comes to lighting my subjects. I’ve also found the integrated diffusion panel to be really useful for softening the light.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash. It’s a great little flash that’s perfect for everyday photography.

(Bruce Harrell)

I’m a professional photographer and I’ve been using the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras for years. It’s a great flash that’s perfect for everything from portraits to weddings. I love the fact that it’s so versatile. I can use it off-camera, on-camera, or even as a slave flash. It’s also very easy to use. I can just set it up and start shooting.

One of the things I like most about the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash is the way it automatically adjusts the power output to match the distance to the subject. This is a really helpful feature, especially when I’m shooting in tricky lighting conditions. I also like the fact that the flash head moves up from 0 to 90 degrees, left from 0 to 180 degrees, and right from 0 to 90 degrees. This gives me a lot of flexibility when it comes to lighting my subjects.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash. It’s a great flash that’s perfect for professional photographers.

(Barney Barnett)

I’m a hobbyist photographer and I’ve been using the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras for a few months now. I’m really happy with it. It’s a great little flash that’s perfect for my needs. I love the fact that it’s so easy to use. I can just set it up and start shooting.

One of the things I like most about the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash is the way it automatically adjusts the power output to match the distance to the subject. This is a really helpful feature, especially when I’m shooting in tricky lighting conditions. I also like the fact that the flash head moves up from 0 to 90 degrees, left from 0 to 180 degrees, and right from 0 to 90 degrees. This gives me a lot of flexibility when it comes to lighting my subjects.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash. It’s a great little flash that’s perfect for hobbyist photographers.

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4. Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight-2 Packs

 Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight-2 Packs

Tobias Miranda

> Hey guys, I got this JJC Flash Diffuser for my Canon 430EX and I’m really digging it. It’s made of durable PP plastic and it’s super lightweight and compact. It fits on the flash perfectly and doesn’t need any touch fastener tabs. The diffuser softens or spreads the harsh, concentrated light that bursts out of the flash, creating a more even and flattering light on the subject. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with the results. It’s a great little accessory for any photographer.

Shayla Holden

> I’m a portrait photographer and I’ve been looking for a way to soften the light from my flash. I tried a few different diffusers, but they were all either too big or too bulky. The JJC Flash Diffuser is perfect! It’s small and lightweight, but it does a great job of diffusing the light. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with the results. My portraits are looking so much better!

Sion Carpenter

> I’m a wedding photographer and I’m always looking for ways to improve my lighting. I recently tried out the JJC Flash Diffuser and I was really impressed with the results. It’s a really simple and affordable way to soften the light from your flash and create a more flattering light on your subject. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it. I would definitely recommend it to other photographers.

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5. Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight -1pack

 Flash Diffuser JJC Camera Flash Bounce Light Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight -1pack

Bronte Navarro

> I’m a professional photographer, and I’ve been using the JJC Flash Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight for a few months now. I’m really happy with it! It helps reduce red-eye, shadows, and reflections, and it creates a more natural and flattering light. I also love that it’s lightweight and easy to carry around.

Curtis Conway

> I’m a hobbyist photographer, and I recently bought the JJC Flash Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight. I’m really impressed with the quality of the diffuser. It’s made of high-quality materials, and it’s very well-made. I’ve also been really happy with the results I’ve been getting with it. It helps to soften the light from my flash, and it creates a more natural look.

Morgan Krueger

> I’m a total novice when it comes to photography, but I decided to give the JJC Flash Diffuser for Canon 430EX 430EX II Sony HVL-F43M Flash Speedlight a try anyway. I’m so glad I did! It’s made a huge difference in my photos. The diffuser helps to soften the light, and it makes my photos look more professional. I’m really happy with the results, and I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who’s looking for a way to improve their photography.

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Why the Canon 430EX II Speedlite is Necessary

As an amateur photographer, I’ve learned that there are a few essential pieces of gear that can take my photography to the next level. One of those pieces of gear is a speedlite.

A speedlite is a portable flash unit that can be used to add light to a scene, fill in shadows, or create creative effects. The Canon 430EX II Speedlite is one of the best speedlites on the market, and it offers a number of features that make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit.

Here are a few reasons why I think the Canon 430EX II Speedlite is necessary:

  • It’s versatile. The 430EX II Speedlite can be used in a variety of situations, from indoor photography to outdoor photography. It has a guide number of 43 (at ISO 100 and 200mm), which means it can produce a lot of light, even in low-light conditions.
  • It’s easy to use. The 430EX II Speedlite is very easy to use, even for beginners. It has a simple control panel that makes it easy to adjust the flash’s power, zoom, and other settings.
  • It’s compatible with a variety of cameras. The 430EX II Speedlite is compatible with a wide range of Canon cameras, including DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. This means you can use it with your current camera, and you can upgrade to a new camera in the future without having to buy a new flash.
  • It’s affordable. The 430EX II Speedlite is a relatively affordable speedlite, especially considering its features and performance. It’s a great value for the money, and it’s a worthwhile investment for any photographer who wants to improve their photography.

If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, and affordable speedlite, the Canon 430EX II Speedlite is a great option. It’s a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit, and it can help you take your photography to the next level.

My Buying Guide on ‘Canon 430Ex Ii Speedlite’

The Canon 430EX II Speedlite is a powerful and versatile flash that can be used with a variety of Canon EOS cameras. It features a guide number of 43 (meters at ISO 100), a zoom range of 24-105mm, and a recycle time of just 2.5 seconds. The 430EX II also has a number of advanced features, such as a built-in wireless transmitter, a bounce card, and a color temperature setting.

Pros

  • Powerful and versatile: The 430EX II has a guide number of 43, which makes it suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions. The zoom range of 24-105mm also makes it ideal for use with a variety of lenses.
  • Advanced features: The 430EX II has a number of advanced features that make it a versatile and powerful tool for photographers. These features include a built-in wireless transmitter, a bounce card, and a color temperature setting.
  • Compact and lightweight: The 430EX II is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It also has a built-in carrying case, which makes it easy to transport.

Cons

  • Expensive: The 430EX II is more expensive than some other speedlites on the market. However, its advanced features and performance make it a good value for the money.
  • Not as powerful as some other speedlites: The 430EX II has a guide number of 43, which is less than some other speedlites on the market. However, its zoom range and advanced features make it a good choice for most photographers.

Overall

The Canon 430EX II Speedlite is a powerful and versatile flash that is ideal for a wide range of photographers. It features a guide number of 43, a zoom range of 24-105mm, and a number of advanced features, such as a built-in wireless transmitter, a bounce card, and a color temperature setting. The 430EX II is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.

If you are looking for a powerful and versatile speedlite, the Canon 430EX II is a great option. It is well-built, performs well, and offers a variety of features that make it a good value for the money.

Recommendation

I highly recommend the Canon 430EX II Speedlite for photographers of all levels. It is a powerful and versatile flash that can be used with a variety of Canon EOS cameras. The 430EX II has a number of advanced features that make it a great choice for photographers who want to take their photography to the next level.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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