Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Further development of Canon’s flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

 

• Approx. 20% faster recycling time compared to 580EX

• Superior build quality, including a metal foot for higher rigidity

• Max. Guide No. 58 at 105mm setting (GN 190, feet)

• Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLR cameras

• White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLR 

cameras

• Full swivel, 180° in either direction

• AF-assist beam, compatible with all AiAF points on every EOS SLR

• Dust- and water- resistance to match the EOS-1D Mark III 

Canon Speedlite 430EX

CANON SPEEDLITE 430EX replaces the comparatively limited 420EX flash, and dramatically raises the bar for amateur flash units. Distinguished as Canon’s first nonpro accessory flash dedicated to digital, the 430EX sends white-balance information to compatible digital SLRs and adjusts its autozoom settings to maximize efficiency with sub-35mm sensors. For example, when used on the Digital Rebel, it “knows” to emit a narrower beam at a given focal length than when it’s used on the Elan 7N. The benefits: somewhat longer throw and battery life.

The 430EX (like all Speedlites) is named for its Guide Number (43, in meters), and it borrows liberally from Canon’s 580EX flagship flash. We could manually set zoom-head positions and power output (from full to 1⁄64 power), as well as exposure compensation values (±3 stops in 1⁄2- or 1⁄3-stop intervals). We liked the 430EX’s noticeably faster recycle times, bouncing back from a full discharge in under 4 sec, compared with almost 7 sec for the 420EX. The 430EX also has a handy set of custom functions—the 420EX had none.

Physically, there’s a lot to like about the 430EX. There’s now an LCD control panel on the back that shows operating mode (ETTL or manual), zoom settings, sync curtain (first or second), high sync setting, custom functions, wireless channel, and more. It’s sleeker and smaller, with a pleasing matteblack surface and more rounded edges.

The 430EX is fully compatible with Canon’s latest E-TTL II flash autoexposure system, which takes subject distance (along with other variables) into account when determining output. Its zoom head covers 24mm to 105mm, and it goes down to 14mm with the built-in, flip-type, wide-angle diffusion panel.

The 430EX is the obvious step up for any Canon SLR owner who’s beginning to chafe at the inadequacies and limitations of a built-in pop-up. Also, because it can operate as a slave in multiflash setups, the 430EX makes an excellent auxiliary or backup flash for pro shooters. While it doesn’t offer a built-in reflector card, a high-voltage battery terminal, or the 580EX’s full slate of 14 custom functions, you do get possibly the most densely featured and capable midrange hot-shoe flash in the industry.