The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is a powerful and versatile shoe-mount flash designed for Canon EOS DSLR photographers who demand reliable, accurate light output. With a guide number of 141 ft at ISO 100 and a motorized zoom head covering 24–105mm (14mm with the wide-angle panel), it delivers beautifully controlled illumination across a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Fully compatible with Canon’s E-TTL / E-TTL II metering system, the 430EX II enables precise automatic flash exposure, wireless TTL slave operation, and direct in-camera flash control on compatible EOS bodies. A metal foot with quick-lock mechanism, fast recycle times as low as 2 seconds with NiMH batteries, and a built-in AF assist beam make this flash an indispensable tool for portrait, event, and on-location photography.
Key features
- Powerful Guide Number 141 ft at ISO 100: Delivers strong, far-reaching flash output ideal for portraits, events, and indoor or outdoor shooting.
- Versatile 24–105mm Motorized Zoom Head (14mm with Panel): Automatically matches flash coverage to your lens focal length for optimized light efficiency and minimal waste.
- Full E-TTL / E-TTL II Compatibility: Ensures accurate, scene-intelligent flash metering with Canon EOS cameras, including direct menu-based flash control on compatible DSLRs.
- Flexible Head Tilting and Swiveling: Tilt 0–90° upward and rotate up to 180° left or 90° right for effortless bounce flash and creative off-angle lighting.
- Wireless TTL Slave Functionality: Operate the 430EX II off-camera as part of a multi-flash wireless setup without losing TTL accuracy.
- Fast Recycle Time and Metal Quick-Lock Foot: Recycles in as little as 2 seconds with NiMH batteries for a rapid shooting pace, while the durable metal foot ensures a secure, wobble-free hot-shoe connection.
Specifications
| Compatibility | Canon E-TTL / E-TTL II |
|---|---|
| Guide Number | 141 ft (43 m) at ISO 100 and 105mm |
| Zoom Range | 24–105mm (14mm with wide-angle panel) |
| Tilt Range | 0–90° upward |
| Rotation Range | 0–180° left / 0–90° right |
| Recycle Time | 0.1–3.7 sec (approx. 2 sec with NiMH batteries) |
| Wireless Slave | Yes – TTL wireless slave functionality |
| AF Assist Beam | Yes, with modeling flash |
| Mount Foot | Metal foot with quick-lock mechanism |
| Power Source | 4 x AA batteries (NiMH recommended) |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon Speedlite 430EX II compatible with all Canon EOS cameras?
The 430EX II is compatible with any Canon EOS camera that supports E-TTL or E-TTL II flash metering. On compatible EOS DSLRs, full flash control is also available directly from the camera's menu system.
Can the Canon 430EX II be used as an off-camera wireless flash?
Yes. The Speedlite 430EX II features built-in wireless TTL slave functionality, allowing it to be triggered off-camera as part of a Canon wireless flash system while retaining full TTL exposure control.
What is the recycle time of the Canon Speedlite 430EX II and what batteries does it use?
The 430EX II has a recycle time ranging from 0.1 to 3.7 seconds, with an approximate minimum of 2 seconds when using AA NiMH rechargeable batteries. It is powered by 4 AA batteries.
