RT-enabled 430EX II replacement

[pwp]

Canon will eventually release it and it will sell like hotcakes.

By this point, I somehow doubt that. Yn will have their clone 600ex flashes out by then...

While I don't own 430EXII, preferring my pair of 580EXII for greater output and facility for an external power source, I see the 430EXII as an ideal flash for most people with relatively modest needs. Which is most people. Not anyone at CR of course! It's small, light, reliable and less expensive, with the cache of perceived Genuine Canon seal of quality.

The reality is that the greatest majority of Canon shooters will have never heard of Yongnuo, let alone trust a non-Canon product. Those "in the know" will see no issues with a Yongnuo purchase and probably do so with a practical knowledge of any genuine shortcomings (if any) compared to the Canon original.

The current 430EXII will continue to sell in large numbers probably for years, I suspect it outsells the 600EX-RT. A 430 EX-RT would certainly be a successful product for Canon, but I wouldn't be holding my breath waiting for an announcement.

-pw

 

[AvTvM]

Canon RT system is a brilliant and highly useful innovation for anyone ever using wireless flash. Unfortunately they chose to bring it in in the most limited manner only. 1 flagship speedlite, 1 controller - everything reliably working but with some (unnecessary) functional limitations. Priced at canon prices. An "affordable investment" for pros earning money with it and for well-heeled enthusiasts. BUT a fairly steep hurdle for all other Canon users.

I am convinced Canon would gain a lot by also introducing not only a sensibly-priced 430EX-RT but also a TX-RT transceiver that would allow to also include 580EX II / 430 EX II (possibly also mk 1) speedlites in a radio wireless setup. Ideally also select studio strobes where makers cooperate with Canon. Use of other third party ettl speedlites could be inhibited via some chip in such a canon RT transceiver.

By now, it would not hurt 600EX sales that much, since many who want and need them have purchased already. But it would go a long ways to make the Canon ecosystem even more useful and attractive to all existing users and to potential new clients. At least to everyone considering using wireless flash setups.

It would really be win/win for both Canon and their customers. They qould sell a ton of 430RTs and RT transceivers ... at very healthy margins.

 

[Marsu42]

By now, it would not hurt 600EX sales that much, since many who want and need them have purchased already.

I doubt it because many people will have held back purchaising *more* 600rt because of the price and the expected 430ex successor - once the price drops a bit and there's no telling when and if a little brother will arrive, many people will "bite the bullet". I know I did.

The current 430EXII will continue to sell in large numbers probably for years, I suspect it outsells the 600EX-RT.

And there's a reason for this - people buying a 430ex2 like I did back than use it on camera for direct flash or bounce, so weight and size matters. Once you get the flashes off camera which is the whole point of the rt system, these factors don't matter that much anymore, but power and recycling time do - so the advantage of a little rt unit is diminishing to the targeted users, at least for me.

 

[bholliman]

And there's a reason for this - people buying a 430ex2 like I did back than use it on camera for direct flash or bounce, so weight and size matters. Once you get the flashes off camera which is the whole point of the rt system, these factors don't matter that much anymore, but power and recycling time do - so the advantage of a little rt unit is diminishing to the targeted users, at least for me.

+ 1

Personally, I wouldn't be interested in a RT version of the 430EXII. I currently have 2 600EX-RT's and 1 430EXII. I use the 430 on-camera any time I plan to bounce or use direct fill flash since its smaller and lighter. I plan to buy another 600 or two to expand my RT flash capabilities, but will continue to use the 430 on-camera.

 

[bholliman]

And there's a reason for this - people buying a 430ex2 like I did back than use it on camera for direct flash or bounce, so weight and size matters. Once you get the flashes off camera which is the whole point of the rt system, these factors don't matter that much anymore, but power and recycling time do - so the advantage of a little rt unit is diminishing to the targeted users, at least for me.

+ 1

Personally, I wouldn't be interested in a RT version of the 430EXII. I currently have 2 600EX-RT's and 1 430EXII. I use the 430 on-camera any time I plan to bounce or use direct fill flash since its smaller and lighter. I plan to buy another 600 or two to expand my RT flash capabilities, but will continue to use the 430 on-camera when I plan to just use a single flash.

 

[digital paradise]

I am convinced Canon would gain a lot by also introducing not only a sensibly-priced 430EX-RT but also a TX-RT transceiver that would allow to also include 580EX II / 430 EX II (possibly also mk 1) speedlites in a radio wireless setup. Ideally also select studio strobes where makers cooperate with Canon. Use of other third party ettl speedlites could be inhibited via some chip in such a canon RT transceiver.

I'm not sure about that one. Going backwards. RT is the future and besides as business I would not want to sell my customers something so they can keep using older technology. I would want to sell them new toys. Just look at the computer and cell phone industry.