Canon Speedlight 430 EX III-RT The best on camera flash for Canon. A review after many assignments

I have been using the Canon 430 EX III RT Speedlight flashgun for a while and have shot many successful professional photography assignments with it. In this video I share my thoughts about whether this is the best flash for canon cameras and how it stacks up against the other options from brands such as Godox. I have been using the flashgun with the Canon R5 Mirrorless camera and the 5d mark IV DSLR full frame camera. All opinions are my own based on my own experience. Feel free to comment or ask questions. Thanks for watching!
RR

[@Twobarpsi]

I just bought a used 430EX-II. I didn't need the wireless functionality of the RT. Got for $60 used from MPB!! I paid more for the Eneloop (8) batteries than the flash. It works FLAWLESSLY with my 5D MKII and 250D. There's just something magical about Canon products. They just work!

[@RoyRiley]

That’s a great deal! Yes those Eneloops are pricey but do the job well and last for years. I think I’m going to keep my eyes open for a mk2 as a back up. Thanks for your comment! Hope life is treating you well. RR

[@Twobarpsi]

@@RoyRiley thank you! Yes life is good. I really enjoy your channel!

[@adrianlynch9435]

Nice to have you back making videos Roy on TH-cams smallest photography channel 🙂. I can't really bring anything to the party on this. I have a 430 EX II which I don't think I have had a problem with but I am only a hobbist.

[@RoyRiley]

Cheers Adrian! Hope the world is treating you well?

[@Twobarpsi]

I have a 430 EX II that I just bought used. It works perfectly! I'm using a 5D MKII and a 250D.

[@pembridgehouse]

Thanks. I have a more basic 430Ex model but it is a;ll you say this one is. Very reliable.

[@RoyRiley]

To be honest I would probably have been happy with one of the earlier ones because the basic functionality is most likely the same. Some great deals on the mk2 secondhand. Might go shopping again!

[@pembridgehouse]

@@RoyRiley One of the camera shops in Adelaide where I live has lots of good second hand deals on all the camera makes and some well priced canon flashes.I am still loving my canon Dslr's and also the m43 Olympus and Panasonic cameras.It seems phones and mirrorless are having an impact on what are still very good cameras.I just had a brief look at your Rollei shoot in Africa. I have a rollei TLR which was gifted to me and I have barely used it. Thanks for reminding me I should.cheers. Geoff

[@kunstfuhrer]

Nice to see you, thanks for the review 🎉

[@RoyRiley]

Cheers! Hope the world is treating you right.. RR

[@robertlawrence7958]

It's a great little flash and it works well. The remote control (radio) applications are incredible although I do find a lot of that quite complex for my simple brain.

[@RoyRiley]

Mine too Robert! I like to keep it simple

[@kokliangchew3609]

Just by coincidence, I just bought a used Canon 430 EX III Speedlite n near mint condition. Less than half the price of a brand new one. I actually prefered Godox flashes due to their price and rechargeable batteries. However, my Canon R8 does not function fully or is fully compatible with current Godox flashes. Canon pulling its old closed system trick again. The 430 EX III was one of Canon's recommended flash which was fully compatible, think was something to do with the extra central pin in the hot shoe of the new R cameras.

[@RoyRiley]

Good buy! I guess it makes sense that Canon might keep something up their sleeve.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

It’s a fantastic flash. I have a couple mk I, ii and even grabbed the AI beast but the rt is the best. These this are just such good value on the used market. Now I always carry the el100 just in case. I have rechargeable Duracell batteries that just work and I never charge and the Enlope also are great but use them indoors for other things. I agree Canon should shout more about what they produce and how to use their products. TH-cam is great but sometimes you just want it from the horses mouth.

[@RoyRiley]

How you get on with the ai flash? I thought it looked a bit fragile maybe?

[@mvp_kryptonite]

@@RoyRiley it is for sure strange, and being so bulky I don’t use it. The case alone is ridiculous. I prefer just to rotate the flash head myself. I might take the AI for another spin however

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Wonder whether TTL/HSS combo works for canon R bodies

[@RoyRiley]

I believe so! My R5 works well with this in both TTL and HSS. Not sure what happens if you trigger it remotley though

[@dayeah765caoni3]

@@RoyRileythank you for the reply. This is what my godox fails. Maybe I’d get the OeM flash. Thanks again 🎉