Canon 430EXII v 580EXII Speedlite
By Damien Lovegrove, July 2009
When investing several hundred pounds on a flashgun for your Canon camera it is worth ensuring it has the features you are going to need at the same time as ensuring that you are not paying extra for features you’ll never use.
I own both the Canon 580EXII Speedlite and the Canon 430EXII Speedlite and I am always putting them through their paces. It is fair to say that on any one of my shooting flash workshops each unit will be firing at or near it’s capacity well over 1000 times in just one day. Both these flashguns are built to last and are thoroughly dependable. So what are the differences between them, and how do they affect the shot or shooting style?
Seeing the light
In manual mode the flash power of both Speedlites can be adjusted in 1/3 stop increments down to 1/64th power for the 430EXII and 1/128th power for the 580EXII. I set both units to Manual and remote triggered them with my Canon ST-E2 transmitter to look at their light output power and shape.
Canon 580EX11 Speedlite 24mm
Canon 430EX11 Speedlite 24mm
I measured exactly 1 stop less exposure from the 430EXII in manual mode 1:1 than I did from the 580EXII in manual mode 1:1 with both zooms on the flash guns set to 105mm. With the zooms set to 24mm only 0.5 stop of difference was measured.
Canon 580EX11 Speedlite 105mm
Canon 430EX11 Speedlite 105mm
You can see from the pictures how much tighter and more concentrated the Canon 580EXII Speedlite beam pattern is at 105mm compared to the Canon 430EXII Speedlite. The shape of the beam pattern with the flash ‘zoomed in’ is important for my style of shooting but not to those of you who work with the flash on the camera. Both the zoom patterns at 24mm were similar and light coverage was good with a similar drop off at the corners of the frame. Incidentally the lens I used for these test shots is a 24-70mm f/2.8 and it was set to f/16 on my Canon EOS 5D Mk 2 camera in manual exposure mode.
Now although there is a significant difference in light output at full power between the flash units, for the vast majority of pictures that most photographers take using flash, the TTL cuts in before full power is reached and no difference will be experienced.
(TTL refers to ‘Through The Lens’ metering and is a system that utilises a sensor in the camera to measure the power of the flash as it lands on the imaging device and it then controls the flash power output or burst duration using a system of communication between the camera and flash. It sounds impressive and it is.)
Practical matters
The Canon 430EX11 Speedlite fits neatly in the hand and is considerably more svelte than the Canon 580EX11 Speedlite. It is lighter too and this may well be something to consider if you intend to do a lot of hand held flash work.
Both flashguns are equally quiet in operation. There is the occasional gentle murmur of the zoom motor and at or near a full power flash there is an audible pop as the flash unit discharges. The 430EXII pop is crisper and a bit louder than the 580EXII.
The Canon 430EXII Speedlite is billed as having a faster recycling time and I found it to recycle in just under 3 seconds to full charge after a full dump of flash at 1:1. The Canon 580EXII Speedliteon the other hand took just over 4 seconds to recycle using the same batteries. I repeated the test several times with similar results. I suggest you invest in NiMh batteries and a charger for whatever Speedlite you go for. NiMh batteries have a lower internal resistance and will recycle your Speedlite a lot faster than Alkaline batteries. I change my 2800 mAh NiMh cells about once a year and they get used and charged about three times a week.
Canon EX430II Speedlite front
Canon EX430II Speedlite rear
In use
The controls on both Speedlites are nearly identical and once you have learned how to use one of them you already know how to use the other. The same team designed the menu systems too. There are some menu differences though, the principal of these is that switching the 430EX11 Speedlite between normal mode and slave mode is much faster than with the 580EXII Speedlite because you don’t have to choose between master or slave. This might sound trivial but in reality it is a godsend. Because the 430EXII is not configured to be a master flash unit, it keeps things simple within the menus.
A master unit is one that sits on the camera and tells all the other flashguns (slaves) what to do. The Canon 580EXII Speedlite can be configured to be a firing or non-firing master or indeed a slave. The Canon 430EXII Speedlite can only be a slave unit. If you expect to only use one flashgun at any time, have the Canon ST-E2 or intend to buy the new TTL Pocket Wizard system this will not be of consequence to you.
One of the advantages that both the Canon 580EXII Speedlite and the Canon 430EXII Speedlite have over their predecessors is that their flash menu functions can be set on camera using the cameras own sophisticated and well annotated menu system. If you’ve ever fiddled with the wireless TTL commands on a Canon 580EXII Speedlite you will understand what a good a technology implementation this is. (Check your cameras compatibility with this function)
The custom functions of both Speedlites can be accessed and set from the camera if you have one of the latest pro models. This is far easier than trying to remember what custom function 07 is and weather it should be on or off as was the case with previous Speedlite units. Once set, the custom functions remain set irrespective of what camera the Speedlites eventually gets used on or if the batteries get removed etc.
The focus aid illuminators on the front of the Speedlites are worth a mention because the Canon 580EXII illuminators cover more focus points than the ones on the Canon 430EXII. If like me, you either use the central focus spot or one of the principal 9 focusing spots then this will be of no consequence.
Canon EX580II Speedlite front
Canon EX580II Speedlite rear
Rain check
The 430 EXII has exactly the same rise and fall weather seal mechanism as the 580 EXII Speedlite but without the rubber seal. It’s the bit that costs pence to produce and I’ve no idea what Canon were thinking about when they forgot to put it on the 430EXII. The good news is that the rubber seal from the 580EXII fits the 430EXII. It’s worth buying a seal as a spare part and fitting it yourself in seconds. It just pops on and is really easy to attach. Your local camera repair shop should be able to order one for you.
Top Speedlite Tip
What ever Speedlite you go for I recommend that you buy the Sto-Fen flash diffuser at the same time as the deals on offer are excellent. A Sto-fen doesn’t soften the light from a Speedlite it merely makes it omni directional. This is great for interior portrait or wide area lighting. It also helps if you want to use the flash off camera hand held as the direction and positioning of the flash becomes less critical. Think of it as holding up a light bulb rather than a torch.
Conclusions
580EXII Speedlite best bits:
- More light output than baby brother 430EXII
- Tight concentration of light at 105mm zoom
- PC sync socket
- External power socket
- Master mode
- Weatherproof
- Lots of focus aid points
580EXII Speedlite worst bits:
- Complicated menu system
- Slow recycle time
- External RF noise
430EXII Speedlite best bits:
- Nearly as much light output as the 580EXII
- A whopping £160 cheaper than 580EXII
- Small, compact and lightweight
- Simple menu system
- Fast recycle time
430EXII Speedlite worst bits:
- No master facility
- No PC sync socket
- No weatherproof boot supplied
Canon 580EXII Rating:
- Build quality: 9/10
- Usability: 7/10
- Quality and Quantity of Light Output: 9/10
- Features: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall:
Canon 430EXII Rating:
- Build quality: 9/10
- Usability: 9/10
- Quality and Quantity of Light Output: 9/10
- Features: 7/10
- Value: 9/10
- Overall:
Footnote
Until very recently, before the introduction of third party radio frequency or RF remote command systems for Speedlites, RF noise from Speedlites has not been an issue. It is now though, and the Canon 580EXII is one of the biggest culprits. It really needs a pair of lead underpants in order to work well with certain RF TTL trigger systems from companies like Pocket Wizard. Radio triggering has the advantage of not requiring line of sight to work and is set to be the future of remote flash firing. The Canon 430EXII has no problem at all with RF noise and will work really well with all systems.
(11 votes, average: 4.36 out of 5)
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Thanks for this. I had always wondered if I had made the right choice in buying the 430 and you have put my mind at rest: one less regret.
kerryThese comparison tests are invaluable to us mere mortals trying to select the correct equipment. Makes this site one of the best available. Now I know I selected the correct flashgun for my EOS40D, which was the 430EX. Thankyou.
William HudsonThanks for your comment William, we try our best to provide as many useful reviews as we can!
RachelNICE TO SEE A REAL TEST DONE ON THESE GUNS. I OWN THE OLDER 430 FLASHGUN AND AS DONE THE JOB OK.WOULD I GAIN BUYING THE 430 EX 11 FOR A CANON 50D SET UP?? I USE A 20D AND FIND THE 430EX SPOT ON PLEASE ADVISE THANKS SCOTTY
scottyHi Scotty,
Both the 430EX and 430EX II have E-TTL II flash metering – the output on a 20D & 50D is going to be very similar between the two.
The key differences between the 430EX and 430EX II:
- 20% faster recycling
- New mounting foot for improved camera to flashgun connection
- Can be controlled using camera menus (430EX original = back of flashgun only)
- 1/3rd stop power increments in manual mode (430EX original = 1/2 stop increments)
Thanks,
OliverHI OLIVER THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THE FLASH GUN QUESTION I FOUND YOUR ADVICE VERY USEFULL THANKS AGAIN SCOTTY PS I HAVE FILED THE PAGE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
scottyi was given a jessop 360AFD canon fit flash gun as a birthday present have you any experiance of this unit.
David RowlandThank You
dave
Hi David,
Haven’t tried the 360AFD but it seems to get positive feedback on Reevoo
http://www.reevoo.com/reviews/mpn/jessops/360afd_digital_flashgun_for_canon
It should do full TTL metering with Canon / Nikon etc depending on which version you have.
OliverThanks,
I already have the 580 EX which is an excellent flasngun when using either full power or most of the time eTTL I am however a little stuck when it comes to adding a fill in it seems to overexpose the subject so most of the time I don’t bother but I d miss the option of lighting up under a hat or adding a sparkle to an eye. Anyone help?
SteveI have a 420EX, i am going to us with my new 5D Mk2, would it be worth upgrading?
Keith RobinsHi Steve
Have you tried dialing in some negative flash exposure compensation? I always find my 430EX is a little too bright for fill unless I dial it down about 1 stop.
Simon
SimonNice site Simon – did you hire a smoke generator for the main Audi TTS photo?
Interesting setup for the car rig too:
Oliverhttp://simonpow.com/blog/howtos/rig-photography-its-ok-to-talk-about-it/
Thanks Oli
I used “smoke in a can” for that one. It was produces just enough smoke to do one headlight at a time. Not exactly Drew Gardner equipment
SimonHi there i have just read your review on the 580ex11 v 430ex11 and to be totally honest i am still not sure what 1 i would be better to go for as i am only just getting started into the photography scene.
matthewI am about to buy a canon 7d and wasn’t sure which flash gun to get out of these two.
I have managed to be able to find the 430 ex11 for £190 and the 580 ex11 for £285 so i know i will be getting them both at a good price but cant decide which one to go for.
I dont know if it will help but i will be doing alot of outdoor shots of scenery and wildlife and also some everyday family photos too.
I would be very happy for any advice thanks matt.
Hi Matt,
The 580EX II is weather-resistant, so it’s a better choice if you encounter any rain whilst outdoors. The 580EX II is better match to the 7D in terms of weather resistance, but if you’re rarely out in tough conditions then that isn’t a factor.
There are some good points on the 430EX II vs 580EX II towards the end of this review at The-Digital-Picture.com.
Plus if you want to see the type of conditions your 7D can handle take a look at this 7D weather resistance field-test.
Olihow do i set my 430EX II on auto zooom for image sensor size,please.
dennis taturdennis
Review very helpful hard to beat expert advice delivered with plain english. Many thanks
hughI use 430EXii with my 40D ,and i want to buy 5Dii ,do you think 430Exii or 580EXii
Georgei just start doing functions birthdays,wedding ,engagement etc..
Thank you
George
Hi…… Before this review, I was seriously considering Canon 580 EX II for the power which infact is almost 82% more than 480 EX II. So it seems like it will remain an issue but not that much untill & unless i fire with full power. Also, i am still not sure how much the adjustment of 1/64th power for the 430EXII and 1/128th power of 580EXII will have an impact on real life scene. I think such an adjustment will be helpful in day light open aperture use as fill flash.
KhurramCan you please help me on this?
Thanks so much for a great review.
SteveI know now that I am ordering the 430 EX11 and it will work just fine for my type of photography.
Thank you once again!
Excellent comparison review! Really helped me a lot in deciding which flash to buy…which in this case is the 430EXII.
YusoffCheers, very insightful and thoroughly thought out review. Helped me make a choice and i’d been all over the place before finding this site.
Thanks,
Alan.
Alan