Canon External Flash 430 EX or EXII

Fr0dders · 20 Nov 2011 at 15:24

Looking to buy one of the above in the next couple of days. (2nd hand obviously)

I'm not really able to tell if there's any meaningful difference between the two from the spec sheets.

Can anybody offer any advice ?

theheyes · 20 Nov 2011 at 15:57

The mark 2 is an all-round better flash, but I'm pretty sure the mark 1 has a plastic mount whereas the new one is metal. I'd be tempted to spend a bit extra for that reason alone.

Guitarman0 · 20 Nov 2011 at 16:37

The Mark II has:

20% faster recycling time
Recycling is silent
New locking mechanism (lever lock) for rapid mounting onto a camera or a stand
Metal foot instead of a plastic one
9 custom functions vs. 6 ones of the Mark I unit
Dedicated wireless mode switch (OFF/SLAVE) is replaced with the menu controls
Can be controlled via in-camera menu (camera must have Canon Digic III processor or newer)

Source: http://photo-tips-online.com/review/canon-430ex-vs-canon-430ex-ii/nutshell/

Fr0dders · 20 Nov 2011 at 16:52

Looks like the Mark II is worth the extra then.

Now to find one second hand on ebay that isn't selling for silly money.

I've seen year old 2nd hand ones sell for the same price as new ones on Amazon Market Place !

Hunders · 20 Nov 2011 at 18:28

Take a look at the Yongnuo YN565EX. It's more powerful than the 430 and will cost less. You can use it in wireless ETTL mode if you have a way to trigger it (I use the wireless capability of my 7D) as well as full manual of course. You can also control it completely within the cameras menu.

The only problem with it is that there is no high speed sync for shots outdoors if you intend on lighting a subject while retaining good quality of a bright background.

I bought one and received it the other day. It's completely transformed the pictures I'm getting.

Guitarman0 · 20 Nov 2011 at 20:57

As said above the Yongnuo YN565EX is supposed to be quite good. I have had no personal experience with it but here is a review comparing it to the 580EX (and it is about 1/4 of the cost)

Fr0dders · 22 Nov 2011 at 04:44

Hunders said:
Take a look at the Yongnuo YN565EX. It's more powerful than the 430 and will cost less. You can use it in wireless ETTL mode if you have a way to trigger it (I use the wireless capability of my 7D) as well as full manual of course. You can also control it completely within the cameras menu.

The only problem with it is that there is no high speed sync for shots outdoors if you intend on lighting a subject while retaining good quality of a bright background.

I bought one and received it the other day. It's completely transformed the pictures I'm getting.

cheers for the tip

They appear to be selling for about £90 - £100 on ebay and appear to be more of a 580EX rival than a 430EX !

Bargaintastic.