Canon today announced a new version of its enthusiast-level flash, the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT, featuring a completely redesigned control layout, new customization options, and a more menu-driven interface. But the big news is that it’s the first 430-series flash with built-in radio-controlled wireless flash control.
As with the Canon Speedlite 430EX II, which it replaces (it’s currently available on sale at Adorama for $199), the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT features a maximum guide number of 141 feet at ISO 100, and a zooming flash head that covers a range of 24-105mm. It works with Canon’s wireless radio transmitters, and has a built-in optical slave receiver for use with multi-flash setups. As with its predecessor, the new model’s flash head rotates up to 90 degrees, and up to 180 degrees to the left and 150 degrees to the right.
But Canon has given the 430 EX III several new or improved features. The headline feature is wireless flashs hooting via a choice of optical or radio transmission, a feature that previously could only be found on the top-line Canon 600EX. Canon claims flash recycling time has been sped up.
The flash head rotates farther, 150 degrees to the left and 180 degrees to the right, a bit more than its predecessor. The AF assist beam supports Center AF Point focusing, and the flash offers 10 custom functions and 8 personal customizable functions. Custom functions let you custom-set distance readings in feet or meters, enable auto power off, modeling flash options, AF assist beam on/off, assigning flash exposure compensation control buttons, adjusting light distribution for broader or narrower light output, slave flash charge check, and LCD panel illumination. Personal functions let you adjust contrast and color of the LCD panel illumination among other features.
The flash back’s interface has been simplified, with half the number of buttons as the previous model. The two-way toggle switch in the center has been replaced by a multidial, which can be used to operate the flash head zoom, wireless connections, flash mode, and to navigate the submenus when users press the new “Sub Menu” button on the left side of the flash back. There’s also a prominent on/lock/off switch. A Link LED indicates wireless connectivity has been established.
Recycling time has been shortened to 2.5 seconds per flash at full power and 0.1 second at lowest power setting. An enhanced flash exposure compensation setting and light distribution options let the user fine-tune the light output.
In addition, the flash offers 10 custom functions and 8 personal functions.
Overall, the Canon Speedlite 430 EX III-RT combines many of the more advanced Speedlite 600’s features with the lower power and more affordable pricing of the 430 series.
Optional accessories include a Canon Bounce Adapter SBA-E2 $29.95, Remote Controller Adapter RA-E3 $39.95, and for the first time, a Color-balancing filter SCF-E2 (above; $29.95)
The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT will be available from Adorama for $299—which is $100 less than its predecessor’s original asking price.
