Canon

Canon 2805B002AA Speedlite 430EX II Flash (New)

4.6 (1395 reviews)

A versatile mid-range Speedlite with fast recycling, wireless slave capability, and a metal-foot quick-lock mount.

$279.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is a mid-range external flash designed for Canon EOS digital SLRs and PowerShot G series cameras. It builds on its predecessor with a roughly 20% improvement in recycling time, meaning less downtime between flashes during fast-paced shooting. The zoom head automatically adjusts from 24mm to 105mm to match your lens focal length, and it operates virtually silently — a meaningful improvement for event, wedding, and documentary photographers working in quiet environments. The fully swiveling bounce head opens up creative lighting possibilities by letting you redirect light off ceilings, walls, or reflectors for softer illumination.

Build quality is a highlight, with a metal mounting foot that resists the wear and cracking common in plastic-footed flash units. The 1-Touch Quick-Lock Mechanism makes attaching and detaching the flash fast and secure. On compatible EOS bodies, full flash settings — including E-TTL II exposure compensation, zoom, and wireless slave configuration — can be controlled directly from the camera's menu system, keeping the workflow efficient. As a wireless E-TTL II slave, the 430EX II integrates into multi-flash setups when paired with a master unit, though it cannot command other flashes on its own. For photographers who need reliable, feature-rich on-camera flash without stepping up to the flagship 580EX II or 600EX series, the 430EX II remains a strong choice.

Key Features

Superior build quality, including a metal foot for added strength

Approximately 20% faster recycling time, compared to previous 430EX II

1-Touch Quick-Lock Mechanism for easy attaching/detaching flash from camera

Full flash control possible on camera menu, with compatible EOS digital SLRs

Zoom head full frame: 24mm-105mm, virtually silent operation

Specifications

Brand
Canon
Model
2805B002AA
Type
Speedlite Flash
Compatibility
All Canon EOS cameras, PowerShot G series
Zoom Range
24mm–105mm (automatic)
Wireless
E-TTL II (slave unit only)
Recycling Time
~20% faster than 430EX
Bounce Head
Fully swiveling
Mount
Metal foot with 1-Touch Quick-Lock Mechanism
Zoom Head Operation
Virtually silent

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Approximately 20% faster recycling time compared to the previous 430EX model reduces wait between shots
  • Metal mounting foot is more durable than plastic and locks securely with one touch
  • Fully swiveling bounce head enables versatile indirect lighting techniques
  • Full flash control accessible through compatible EOS camera menus for streamlined operation
  • Virtually silent zoom head operation avoids distracting noise during quiet shooting situations

👎 Cons

  • Functions only as a wireless slave — cannot act as a master to trigger other flash units
  • Zoom range tops out at 105mm, which may not provide tight enough coverage for longer telephoto lenses
  • No built-in radio triggering — wireless operation relies on optical line-of-sight E-TTL II
  • Runs on AA batteries, which add weight and require regular replacement during heavy use

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is compatible with all Canon EOS digital and film SLR cameras, as well as Canon PowerShot G series cameras that have a hot shoe.
It functions as a wireless E-TTL II slave unit, meaning it can be triggered remotely by a master flash or compatible camera. However, it cannot serve as a wireless master to trigger other flashes.
The zoom head covers 24mm to 105mm automatically, adjusting to match your lens focal length for optimal light coverage.
It uses a metal foot with a 1-Touch Quick-Lock Mechanism that slides into the camera's hot shoe and locks securely with a single lever action.
Yes, the 430EX II has a fully swiveling bounce head, allowing you to angle the flash toward ceilings or walls for softer, more natural-looking light.