bingonut Loc: Cape Cod

I just purchased the Canon speedlite 430EX II and I would like to know if any one uses this speedlite and how they like it.

I have try using it on automatic, seems to work good.

Would like to learn more about using the other functions.

Is there anyone who can suggest ways to learn using the speedlite besides reading the manual.

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Big Bill Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I'm not sure what problem you're having with the manual (I can think of several, including not having one :) ), but if you plug "Canon speedlite 430EX II" into Youtube several how-to videos will come up.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Here are several YouTube tutorials on the Canon Speedlite 430EX II:
http://www.google.com/search?as_q=Utube&as_epq=Canon+speedlite+430EX+II&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=&as_occt=any&safe=images&as_filetype=&as_rights=#as_qdr=all&q=canon+speedlite+430ex+ii+tutorial

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Besides uTube, don't forget you can call Canon tech and they can walk you through most any scenario. It also depends a bit on the camera you use it on.
Canon tech is very good. It's one of the reasons canon is number one!!

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

I've owned a 430 EXII for some time now. I like it quite a bit actually. ETTL works well, and it has sufficient manual control. The focus assist light was a welcome addition when using it on my 5DII.

I've owned other flashes, and on a Canon body, a canon flash is the way to go imho.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I have owned the Canon 430EX (Classic) and 430 EXII and love that series of flashes. BTW Canon just released the 430 EXIII. As has been suggested there are many other learning platforms beside the manual, but a good look at the manual will go far in maximum use of your speedlite. I found that it was good to add a triggering device to fire off camera and then added multiple flashes. This flash can also be used to light Macro shoots look at that thread for set-ups. The use of manual mode can be very creative.

I was fortunate to have gone to a Canon workshop. I do think that calling Canon is a bit of over kill. I have used there CS for extraordinary issues that I could find no other answer. Good luck with a great product!

J. R.

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

I have a 430EX II. It is a great flash that is easy enough to use. One interesting thing about this flash unit is that it has at least one feature that you cannot access if you use the flash alone. This flash supports multi mode -- several, individual flashes for one exposure -- but you cannot access this feature unless the flash is being used as a slave unit, with a master that has the feature. I also have a 600EX RT. When the 600 is used as a master, this feature is available.

The 430EX II also supports High Speed Sync (HSS), but there is an interesting twist, here, too. One of my camera bodies is a 70D, which has a pop-up flash that can be used to fire the 430EX II when the 430 is used as an off camera slave. The twist, here, is that the pop-up flash does not support HSS, so the 430 cannot be used with HSS, when used as a slave to the pop-up. (At least for this camera body. I cannot speak for any other Canon body with a pop-up flash.) If the 430 is mounted to the camera, the HSS feature can be used. If the 430 is used as a slave to another unit that supports HSS, such as the 600, the HSS feature can be used.

If you would like to use the 430 off camera, while still using HSS, and you don't want to buy another flash unit, you can still do it, if you buy a TTL cord to connect the camera to the flash. This is the same type of cord you would use if you are using a flash bracket.

gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

:thumbup:

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Please remember; YouTube is your friend.
Just Sayin, the "G"
"Regulae Stultis Sunt"

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Bought one used 4-5 years ago. Has not let me down so far.
Mostly use ETTL on camera and manual off camera. I would rate this piece of equipment as excellent both in form and function.

bingonut Loc: Cape Cod

Thanks all for your help. I will go into You Tube and check out the videos.

I am using the flash with Canon Rebel SL1.