The Canon 420EX and 430EX are midrange flashes in the Canon line.
For photographers who need an external flash for a Canon camera but who don't need the most powerful unit, the 420EX and 430EX II are midrange Canon speedlights with a host of powerful features. Both units have E-TTL (electronic through the lens) operation, as well as TTL operation for older Canon cameras not equipped for E-TTL. However, the 430EX II has several features that make it a more powerful unit.
Mounting
Both the 420EX and 430EX II slide onto the hot shoe of any Canon camera so equipped. However, the locking mechanism on the 430EX II is easier to use. On the 420EX, you must rotate a plastic dial counterclockwise several turns to lock the flash in place. With the 430EX II, you simply flip a lever to the right. This switch is on the back of the flash near its base. To unmount the flash, simply flip the lever back left. With the 420EX, to unlock it, you must rotate the dial clockwise.
Power
The 430EX II has a guide rating at 141 feet/43 meters with the flash head at a 105 mm zoom setting. The guide number on the 420EX is 138 feet/42 meters at a 105 mm zoom setting, so the 430EX II has a slightly longer throw range than its older counterpart.
Bounce
Both the 420EX and 430EX II have a rotating head to enable bounce flash off walls or ceilings. Using a bounce flash creates a softer, more natural light on your subject. The 430EX II has a great range of settings, however. The 420EX has four vertical settings, four right swivel settings, and seven left swivel settings, while the 430EX II has five vertical settings, four right swivel settings, and seven left swivel settings. The 430EX II also has a pull-out wide panel that covers the flash head for wider coverage on wide angle lens shots.
Wireless
Both the 420EX and the 430EX II are capable of being fired wirelessly in wireless slave mode from a master commander flash such as the 580EX II or the ST2 wireless commander. By using wireless fill mode, you can set the 430EX II or 420EX off to the side to create fill flash, while using a commander flash like the 580EX II for the main light.
Specifications
The 420EX is 2.8 inches wide, 4.8 inches high, and 3.9 deep, and weighs 10.6 ounces without batteries. The 430EX II is 2.8 inches wide, 4.8 inches high, and 4.0 inches deep, and weighs 11.6 ounces without batteries.
Tags: swivel settings, 420EX 430EX, Both 420EX, Both 420EX 430EX, 420EX 430EX