The Speedlite
430EX flash unit replaces the popular
Speedlite 420EX.
The Speedlite 430EX improves on many
specifications of its predecessor and
includes new features to maximize digital
image quality when using a flash. These
include automatic selection of camera
white-balance settings and auto-adjustment
of the zoom flash position to match the
sensor size of the camera to which the unit
is attached. The Speedlite 430EX has
increased its guide number to 43 (m/ISO 100
at 105mm) and has approximately 40% faster
recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX.
An
ultra-bright, two-LED configuration focus
assist-beam has been designed to be
compatible with all focus points within the
frame of all EOS AF systems, up to 9-point
AF.
Optimum
flash coverage
The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to
105mm and an integrated diffusion panel
allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm.
When attached to digital EOS cameras with
smaller than full-frame sensors (such as the
EOS-1D Mark II N
and
EOS 20D) the Speedlite 430EX gives a
more accurate flash coverage by detecting
the model to which it is attached and
automatically narrowing the angle of
coverage. This has the effect of eliminating
light loss in peripheral areas and extending
the effective flash range.
Ideal
white balance
The Speedlite 430EX automatically transfers
color temperature information to recent
models of digital SLR cameras . The camera
then sets the white balance optimally for
the flash shot. This feature works when the
camera's white balance mode is set to Auto
White Balance (AWB) or Flash white balance
mode.
E-TTL II
The Speedlite 430EX is fully compatible with
the distance linked E-TTL II system found on
recent EOS cameras, and supports other EOS
cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when
required. For a complete multiple flash
system, the Speedlite 430EX serves as a
wireless slave when either the Speedlite
580EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX, Macro Twin
Lite MT-24EX, or Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2
is used as a master.
Upgrade
for control
An intuitive and ergonomic interface
includes an LCD panel for clear indication
of modes and settings. A single bounce lock
release button provides immediate control
over the bounce head angle for flexible
positioning of the flash head. The flash
head can be moved up from 0 to 90 degrees (5
settings), left from 0 to 180 degrees (7
settings), and right from 0 to 90 degrees (4
settings). Six custom functions allow
customization of the flash operations.
Despite high power and short recycling
times, the unit is small and lightweight.
Fully
synchronized
Features include 1st and 2nd curtain flash
synchronization, plus manual adjustment of
flash output from full to 1/64 power (7
levels).
Accessories
An optional Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 (not
included--must be purchased separately)
allows the flash unit to be mounted to one
side of the camera. Designed specifically
for press and wedding photographers, it
eliminates the red-eye that can occur when
mounting a flash on the axis of the lens,
such as on the camera hot shoe. Flash
batteries are replaceable without removing
the unit from the bracket.
