Canon has today introduced a new midrange Speedlite to replace the Speedlite 430EX II. There has been a price drop for retailers [Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama] so this gave some indication that a new flash was coming.
This is Canon's second flash to support radio-based wireless TTL (the 600EX-RT being the other), which Canon says offer longer ranges, more flexible positioning, and no line-of-sight requirement like traditional optical wireless flash systems. Unlike its more expensive sibling, the 430EX III-RT can serve only as a slave. It can be controlled using either radio or optical systems. Also compatible with cameras that feature an Integrated Speedlite Transmitter, including the EOS 760D and EOS 70D, the Speedlite can be used instantly as an off-camera flash with output and power controllable from the camera menu.
The Speedlite 430EX III-RT is faster, smaller, and lighter than its predecessor. It which offers silent power recycling, has a lens coverage range of 24mm to 105mm, or to 14mm via the built-in adapter, giving the user a variable light spread to work with. Plus, a maximum Guide Number of 43 at ISO 100 provides enough power to light subjects in a wide range of conditions, with the flexibility to work alongside additional flashes using the radio or optical remote control system. The Speedlite also features a new and enhanced illuminated dot matrix LCD display and a multi-control dial provides shortcuts to the main functionality. In addition to tilting upward 90 degrees the flash can also rotate 150 degrees left and 180 degrees right. A catchlight panel is also included. There are now 10 custom as well as 8 personal functions.
The 430EX III-RT will be available in September for $299. A color filter, bounce adapter, and two cases will be bundled with the flash. You can place your preorder for the 430EX III-RT with B&H Photo and Adorama.
Continue reading for full press release.
New External Flash Unit Features Wireless Flash Shooting and Compact Size
MELVILLE, N.Y., July 8, 2015 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the new Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT external flash unit featuring - for the first time in the Canon 430EX series - radio-controlled wireless flash shooting capabilities1 designed to make creative light control more manageable and versatile for photographers of all levels. This third generation Speedlite is a perfect primary flash unit for amateur and advanced amateur photographers looking to create beautiful portraits with Canon digital cameras such as the EOS Rebel T6i, as well as professional photographers looking for a small and lightweight secondary flash.
"Canon is proud to offer outstanding photographic accessories that help enhance a photographer's overall creative experience when shooting with our EOS DSLR cameras," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The new Speedlite 430EX III-RT provides photographers with a very responsive flash unit having new wireless capabilities that enable users to create more professional lighting effects than if they were to rely on their camera's pop-up flash alone."
Featuring enhanced functionality and operability over its predecessor (the Canon Speedlite 430EX II), the new Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT features wireless flash shooting via optical or radio transmission (similar to the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT but slave function only), now with shorter recycling time and quicker firing. This multi-functional flash unit makes more advanced flash shooting easy for any photographer with its intuitive, user-friendly operation, abundant bounce and swivel shooting functions and advanced features including a maximum Guide Number of 43/141 at ISO 100 in meters/feet, auto zooming from 24-105mm, Hi-Speed Sync and Second-curtain Sync. In addition, the Speedlite 430EX III-RT has been reduced in size and weight compared to its predecessor.
Featuring another first for the 430EX series of flash units, the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT also includes an SCF-E2 Color Filter which helps balance color temperature when shooting in incandescent lighting, an SBA-E2 Bounce Adapter that helps soften light while helping suppress shadows, a built-in Catchlight panel, illuminated dot-matrix LCD, new control dial, light distribution options, multi-camera sync shooting, and remote shutter release. Enhanced functions include broader bounce angle range and flash exposure compensation via the new control dial. Also included are two cases - one for the flash and one for the filter and adapter.
Pricing and Availability
The new Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT flash is scheduled to be available in September 2015 for an estimated retail price of $299.99*. For more information please visit: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_430ex_iii_rt
