Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Coming Shortly

[Canon Rumors Guy]

With the recent $100 price drop on the Speedlite 430EX II, it became apparent that a replacement was coming.</p>
<p>We can expect a Speedlite 430EX III-RT very shortly, perhaps even tonight.</p>
<p>The new flash will retail for $299 USD.</p>
<p><strong>Compact, Portable & Indispensable

</strong>For advanced flash photography on the go, the Speedlite 430EX III­RT is efficiently designed to incorporate a number of options in a compact, lightweight and portable package. It’s considerably smaller than its predecessor, has a compact head with a redesigned optical zooming mechanism and, like the 600EX­RT, has a refined exterior for good looks and intuitive operation.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/speedlite430exiiirtsize.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21509" src="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/speedlite430exiiirtsize.jpg" alt="speedlite430exiiirtsize" width="552" height="242" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Power, Over a Wide Range</strong>

The Speedlite 430EX III­RT has a maximum guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100, and flash coverage of 24­105mm, 14mm with its integrated extendable wide panel in use (full­frame). Whether taking portraits or group photos, working close or from a distance, the Speedlite 430EX III­RT has the power to illuminate the subject at hand.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p><strong>Simple Advancements for Enhanced Results

</strong>The Speedlite 430EX III­RT incorporates a number of features designed to provide excellent results, simply. Its built­in, extendable Catchlight panel can softly brighten faces for a more natural look and can better capture facial expression. Plus, it helps reflect illumination from the flash onto the subject’s eyes. The Speedlite 430EX III­RT’s Dot­matrix LCD has a clear, easy to read Graphic User Interface (GUI) so all settings can be seen. Its new, easily operated Control Dial makes selecting and changing flash settings a breeze</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/430exiiirt3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21512" src="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/430exiiirt3.jpg" alt="430exiiirt3" width="562" height="213" /></a></p>
<p><strong>More Flexibility for Increased Bounce Options</strong>

By aiming the head of the flash at a wall or ceiling, a broad, soft and even illumination can be achieved for more natural­looking photography. The Speedlite 430EX III­RT has an improved bounce range: it can be moved up from 0­90°, can be rotated 150° to the left and 180° to the right. With this flexibility, it’s easy to experiment with bounced flash, and to find just the right setup for compelling portraits, still life or other creative photographs.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/speedlite430exiiirt.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21514" src="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/speedlite430exiiirt.jpg" alt="speedlite430exiiirt" width="549" height="179" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Dynamic, Flexible Wireless Functions</strong>

For comprehensive lighting setups on the go, the Speedlite 430EX III­RT offers a number of options for both wireless flash and multi­camera operation. When used with a compatible flash, or flash driver mounted on camera, the Speedlite 430EX III­RT can serve as a slave unit in an optical setup, at distances of up to 49.2 ft./15m (indoors). In addition to optical wireless flash, the Speedlite 430EX III­RT is capable of radio transmitted wireless flash where the flash units need not be in visual proximity to one another and transmission distance is extended up to 98.4 ft./30m. Among cameras with the Speedlite 430EX III­RT attached, setups of up to 15 flash and camera units can be synchronized to take photographs simultaneously, making multi­angle and multi­directional photography setups simple. Additionally, remote shutter release can be achieved when the Speedlite 430EX III­RT is used as a slave unit with a compatible EOS digital SLR.</p>

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[neuroanatomist]

Lots of nice improvements, slave only as expected.

 

[Freddell]

Lots of nice improvements, slave only as expected.

I thought the name 430 EXIII RT implies radio transmitter, ie not only slave?

 

[ahsanford]

Lots of nice improvements, slave only as expected.

So help me understand: a hotshoe mounted 600EX-RT master could command a 430 EX III-RT slave via radio or optical, but the reverse would not be possible? (i.e. the 430 EX III-RT is only radio capable as a slave?)

#availablelightshooterasksadumbflashquestion

- A

 

[distant.star]

.
I see nothing about batteries. It looks too small to retain the four AA setup.

 

[neuroanatomist]

No mention of master flash capability, ergo...slave only (RT or optical).

Same as the 430EX II – keep in mind that an optical master uses the main xenon flash tube, and the 430 obviously has one so it could be a master, but Canon chose not to provide that functionality.

 

[Sabaki]

Awesome!!! It took a while but finally it's here!

 

[IsaacImage]

No mention of master flash capability, ergo...slave only (RT or optical).

Hopefully its going to work as a Master as well

 

[mrzero]

No mention of master flash capability, ergo...slave only (RT or optical).

Hopefully its going to work as a Master as well

The text posted is very clearly slave-only. You know what, I take that back. It is very clearly slave-only for the optical transmission. The radio transmission language is deliberately vague. And, quite frankly, Canon did the same BS when they released the updated MR-14EXII, trying to be vague about its relationship to RT and master capabilities.

 

[unfocused]

This will probably be a nice little unit, but honestly, given the availability and frequent sales on refurbished 600 EX RTs, I'm not sure it's worth the price given the compromises (assuming it is a receiver only and, like the previous 430 EX II, does not accept an external battery pack.)

 

[LonelyBoy]

Is there any reason to get the 580ii to learn flash, or will this handle it? I mean, so it (apparently) can't be a master... but if it's my only flash, that's not an issue. How much more does the 580 do besides control other flashes?

 

[hovland]

Finally
Just what have been waiting for.
Slave only?, No hinder

 

[unfocused]

Is there any reason to get the 580ii to learn flash, or will this handle it? I mean, so it (apparently) can't be a master... but if it's my only flash, that's not an issue. How much more does the 580 do besides control other flashes?

No.

Unless it's dirt cheap, I would not get a 580 EX II. It is optical only, so you need a radio transmitter/receiver system if you want to eventually go the RT route. Now, there is nothing wrong with optical transmitters under the right conditions (I never had a problem with them) but given the age of the system, I would recommend investing in the RT system.

Flash is like Lay's Potato Chips (you can't have just one). You will start with one, and before you know it, you will have six, along with a transmitter. Might as well buy into the RT system at the beginning. It will save you money in the long run.

 

[neuroanatomist]

I see nothing about batteries. It looks too small to retain the four AA setup.

Looks about 430EX II sized, compared to the 600 as pictured. The 430 uses 4 AA's.

 

[neuroanatomist]

No mention of master flash capability, ergo...slave only (RT or optical).

Hopefully its going to work as a Master as well

The text posted is very clearly slave-only. You know what, I take that back. It is very clearly slave-only for the optical transmission. The radio transmission language is deliberately vague. And, quite frankly, Canon did the same BS when they released the updated MR-14EXII, trying to be vague about its relationship to RT and master capabilities.

I agree it's vague. But I'd bet good money it will not serve as a master.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Is there any reason to get the 580ii to learn flash, or will this handle it? I mean, so it (apparently) can't be a master... but if it's my only flash, that's not an issue. How much more does the 580 do besides control other flashes?

No.

Unless it's dirt cheap, I would not get a 580 EX II. It is optical only, so you need a radio transmitter/receiver system if you want to eventually go the RT route. Now, there is nothing wrong with optical transmitters under the right conditions (I never had a problem with them) but given the age of the system, I would recommend investing in the RT system.

Flash is like Lay's Potato Chips (you can't have just one). You will start with one, and before you know it, you will have six, along with a transmitter. Might as well buy into the RT system at the beginning. It will save you money in the long run.

I started with three 580 EX II's, pocket wizards, and all the accessories, and then moved down to one which almost never gets used. Then recently, I bought a tiny little 90EX for $45 to act as a optical master, but also for my powershot cameras and G1X.

I keep thinking I will buy more RT flashes, but then wake up and ask myself when the last time I used my flash.

 

[docsmith]

Very nice. I have 2x 600 EX RTs and have wanted a third. This might end up in my bag to be something a bit different.

 

[beforeEos Camaras]

looks like a nice addition to my flash collection.

 

[ahsanford]

No mention of master flash capability, ergo...slave only (RT or optical).

Hopefully its going to work as a Master as well

The text posted is very clearly slave-only. You know what, I take that back. It is very clearly slave-only for the optical transmission. The radio transmission language is deliberately vague. And, quite frankly, Canon did the same BS when they released the updated MR-14EXII, trying to be vague about its relationship to RT and master capabilities.

I agree it's vague. But I'd bet good money it will not serve as a master.

I work with marketing folks every day. A business clearly states feature-based value propositions unless it's a fluff little feature. Being a radio master would not be a little detail -- Canon would come right out and tell us.

...and if they did include it, I imagine it would undercut the dickens out of 600 EX-RT and (especially) ST-E3-RT sales.

So I doubt it's a radio master, but in fairness, I'm no flash expert.

- A

 

[andrewflo]

No mention of master flash capability, ergo...slave only (RT or optical).

Hopefully its going to work as a Master as well

The text posted is very clearly slave-only. You know what, I take that back. It is very clearly slave-only for the optical transmission. The radio transmission language is deliberately vague. And, quite frankly, Canon did the same BS when they released the updated MR-14EXII, trying to be vague about its relationship to RT and master capabilities.

I agree it's vague. But I'd bet good money it will not serve as a master.

I work with marketing folks every day. A business clearly states feature-based value propositions unless it's a fluff little feature. Being a radio master would not be a little detail -- Canon would come right out and tell us.

...and if they did include it, I imagine it would undercut the dickens out of 600 EX-RT and (especially) ST-E3-RT sales.

So I doubt it's a radio master, but in fairness, I'm no flash expert.

- A

Seems like a pretty logical observation. Even as a slave only, seems like a pretty cool addition to Canon's RT lineup.