Canon announces Speedlite 430EX III RT external flash gun

Canon has announced the Speedlite 430EX III RT, the company’s second external flash unit to provide radio-based wireless TTL support after the Speedlite 600EX RT flash.

In the past, there were some talks regarding the possibility of seeing a replacement for the Speedlite 430EX II RT. It took a while for the rumors to materialize, but Canon has just revealed the Speedlite 430EX III RT flash.

This external flash gun comes with a few notable improvements over its predecessor, including support for radio-based wireless TTL, just like the Speedlite 600EX RT. However, the difference between the higher-end version and the lower-end one is that the new model can only offer this capability as a slave.

The new Speedlite 430EX III RT is Canon’s second flash gun to offer radio-controlled wireless TTL capabilities.

Canon Speedlite 430EX III RT flash revealed with radio-based wireless TTL support

Canon says that it is aiming to bring advanced features to amateur photographers who are only starting to abandon a DSLR’s built-in flash in favor of an external one. Such feature consists of radio-controlled wireless TTL that should make it easier to determine the amount of light needed for that perfect portrait photo.

Wireless TTL technology is supported via both radio and optical systems, albeit the flash will only work as a slave. The advantage of radio technology is the fact that it does not require a clear line of sight, so you can control it behind walls.

The new Canon Speedlite 430EX III RT flash is quicker than its predecessor, meaning that it offers shorter recycling times and faster firing to make sure that photographers do not miss their shots.

Canon Speedlite 430EX III RT is faster, lighter, smaller as well as better than the previous generation.

Not just faster, Speedlite 430EX III RT is smaller, lighter, better than its predecessor

The technical details of the new flash include a guide number of 43 meters at ISO 100 along with a 35mm focal length equivalent range of 24-105 and auto zooming capabilities.

Canon has confirmed that the Speedlite 430EX III RT supports high-speed sync as well as second-curtain sync. The controls on the back have been improved, too, while the LCD has been enlarged.

This external flash unit offers eight personal functions and 10 custom ones. Its head can be tilted upwards by 90 degrees as well as to the left by 150 degrees and to the right by 180 degrees.

The Speedlite 430EX III RT weighs 295 grams / 10.40 ounces and measures 71 x 114 x 99mm / 2.8 x 4.5 x 3.9 inches, so it is lighter and smaller compared to its predecessor. It will become available for purchase this September for $299.99 and the package will include two cases, one color filter, and a bounce adapter.

Amazon is offering the new 430EX III RT flash for pre-order right now with a sooner-than-reported shipping date.