Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT: I am looking to buy a flash for my Canon 60D. I usually just use available light, but recently have found myself in situations where rooms are poorly lit.

RT113 Loc: Tennessee

I am looking to buy a flash for my Canon 60D. I usually just use available light, but recently have found myself in situations where rooms are poorly lit. I am wanting the ability to use bounce flash to lessen red-eye and harsh background shadows. Since I am not a commercial photographer, I don't need top of the line equipment. I am considering the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT as it is within my budget. Your thoughts?

philo Loc: philo, ca

This is what I have and it works..okI wanted to use a transmitter so I could get the 430 off camera. I could find one that would work with the 430, had to use the 630.
If you want off camera then go with the 630.

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

I have the canon 430ex speedlite and I really like it. It's perfect for what I need.

wmcy Loc: Charlotte

I recently used a 430 EX RT during a fashion shoot and found that it could not keep up with the pace required due to recycle time. It was great for general shooting, but it struggled with keeping up with the models on the runway. I ended up replacing it with the 600 EX RT which worked great.

So depending on your intended use, you may be fine with it. Just be aware of this limitation.

RT113 Loc: Tennessee

Thanks for the replies. As far as off camera use, am I correct that there is a cord attachment that will allow the 430 to be used somewhat off camera, such as in a handle bracket? wmcy, when you say slow recycle time, are you meaning more than 3-4 seconds? I could live with that.

wmcy Loc: Charlotte

I used the 430 and 600 with the wireless transmitter from Canon. Works great. Of course, you can use the cable too.

I think you are fine with intervals of 3-4 seconds. I was capturing moving models in burst mode and the 430 simply could not keep up. Otherwise, it worked great and is much less expensive than the 600. If you don't plan to use with fast moving situations, I think you will be fine.

philo Loc: philo, ca

yes you can purchase a cord, but that is very limited. If you want to use a stand then you are stuck in a small space.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Another option would be a Yongnuo YN685-C. Great ETTL speed light at less than half the price. It also has a radio receiver built in and I think better head rotation. It also has High Speed Sync (HSS).

https://www.amazon.com/YONGNUO-Speedlite-YN622II-C-YN622C-TX-EACHSHOT/dp/B0198GNIO6/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494690186&sr=1-2&keywords=yongnuo+yn685-c
Or
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1187134-REG/yongnuo_yn685_wireless_ttl_speedlite.html

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

I purchased a Honeywell Strobonar back in the 1960s when electronic flashes first started to appear. The Strobonar could be recharged by attaching it to a wall plug or from C-cell batteries in the housing. With the wall plug it took only a few seconds to recharge but with the batteries it took at least a half a minute to recharge that humongous capacitor. Times have changed.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

RT113 wrote:

I am looking to buy a flash for my Canon 60D. I usually just use available light, but recently have found myself in situations where rooms are poorly lit. I am wanting the ability to use bounce flash to lessen red-eye and harsh background shadows. Since I am not a commercial photographer, I don't need top of the line equipment. I am considering the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT as it is within my budget. Your thoughts?

Good flash, but at less than half the price you can get the Yungnuo EX 600 RT, as it is a more powerful unit (one can never have too much)!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

philo wrote:

yes you can purchase a cord, but that is very limited. If you want to use a stand then you are stuck in a small space.

Not if you use a 33 footer, but with the 430 EX RT he does not need one!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

philo wrote:

This is what I have and it works..okI wanted to use a transmitter so I could get the 430 off camera. I could find one that would work with the 430, had to use the 630.
If you want off camera then go with the 630.

He does not need it with that flash, another flash or the ST-E3 will do cordless for about 150 feet ( even though the manual says good to about 100)!

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I used a Nikon SB-600 speedlight for quit some time, before finally biting the bullet to look at non-Nikon speedlights. My research revealed publicized comparison charts of speedlights by several manufacturers. Nissin and Yongnuo enjoy excellent reviews by owners. I now use a Nissin Di866 speedlight, and am quite pleased with the quick recharge time. Speedlights are measured by Guide Number, making power output easy to compare.
FAQ: How do Popular Speedlights Compare for GN? at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-91636-1.html

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

RT113 wrote:

I am looking to buy a flash for my Canon 60D. I usually just use available light, but recently have found myself in situations where rooms are poorly lit. I am wanting the ability to use bounce flash to lessen red-eye and harsh background shadows. Since I am not a commercial photographer, I don't need top of the line equipment. I am considering the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT as it is within my budget. Your thoughts?

Go for it. When I owned the 60D, that was my go-to flash.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Nikonian72 wrote:

I used a Nikon SB-600 speedlight for quit some tim... (show quote)

This is an older guide and I believe the Guide Numbers on most of the upper lever speed lights have gone up. The Guide Number on the Yongnuo YN685 is alleged to be 60 which is quite high.