Archive for February 5th, 2010

Canon Speedlite 430EX II

Posted in Photography on 02/05/2010 11:08 am by Donna

This past Christmas I was very happily surprised with a new toy! A Canon Speedlite 430EX II. I am not a fan of using flash when I take photographs but there are times when setting up the tripod is not an option especially for a quick in home shot.  I did some research and heard good things about the 430EX II and maybe said out loud a few times..”I have been looking at camera flashes” and someone (my generous husband) heard me (there must not have been a football game on at the time) and now that baby is in my pretty little hands!

The flash is very easy to add to your camera. It slides right into the shoe on top and locks in place.  Of course I did not read the manual, I was anxious to try it so I just turned it on and took a few shots to test it out. Please note that these photos have had no color adjustments made to them. Just a slight sharpen and crop.

This is the first shot. This is Toby and it was DARK in our living room and night outside. No lights on. Pretty Neat Huh?

The 430EX II  head can be moved up from 0 – 90° (5 settings), left from 0 – 180° (7 settings) and right from 0 – 90° (4 settings). I turned the flash to face the back wall which is painted a tan color. See how the color changed? Don’t point at tan walls unless you like this color cat.

This shot is taken with the flash turned backwards.

This horrific photo was taken with the flash that is built in my camera. Terrible.

Flash is pointing straight up to the ceiling which is white. Looking Good! Most impressed since there are no lights on and it’s quite dark in the room.

I am very happy with the results! The Speedlite 430EX II is quiet. The recycle time is fast. 20% faster (as compared to the 430EX) and since it is compatible with Canon’s wireless E-TTL, it can be used as an affordable “slave unit”.

Thanks Nitsuj for this wonderful gift of light! (This photo also taken with the flash in dark living room.)

Thanks Toby Cat for being such a sweet model. (Photo taken with flash pointed at tan wall. Beware of tan walls.)

It’s all good. ~Donna