Flash Comparisons

Friday, December 28, 2018

Should I Get the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT or the Speedlite 470EX-AI Flash?

For those looking to add a Speedlite flash to their photography kits and don't need the highest-end option available, the Canon 430EX III-RT and 470EX-AI are budget-priced, feature-filled mid-grade options worthy of consideration. With that in mind, we'll compare/contrast the features of the 430EX III-RT and 470EX-AI flashes to see which one might be best for your needs.

Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT and Speedlite 470EX-AI Shared Primary Features

Angle of Flash Coverage: 24-105mm, 14mm with diffuser
Infrared AF-assist beaming
E-TTL II/E-TTL, Manual modes
High Speed Sync
Flash Exposure Lock (FEL)
Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB) in Slave Mode
Flash Exposure Compensation
Second Curtain Flash Sync
Modeling Flash
Color Temperature Info Communication
Supports Flash Settings by Camera Menu
Custom Functions: 10

Primary Advantages of the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash

Radio/optical transmitter and receiver vs. optical receiver only
Remote shutter release capable vs. N/A
Battery Life: 180-1200 flashes vs. 140–966
Recycling Time (Alkaline): 0.1 to 3.5 sec vs. 0.1 - 5.5 sec
Size: 2.8 x 4.5 x 3.9" (70.5 x 113.8 x 98.2mm) vs. 2.94 x 5.13 x 4.14" (74.6 x 130.4 x 105.1mm)
Weight: 10.4 oz (295g) vs. 13.6 oz (385g)
Lower price

Primary Advantages of the Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI Flash

Flash head automatic bounce angle determination
Guide Number @ 105mm: 47m (154') vs. 43m (141')
AF Assist Beam Points: up to 16 (at 28mm) vs. 1
Flash Head Movement Range Up: 0-120° vs. 45, 60, 75 and 90°
Flash Head Movement Range Left: 0-180° vs. 60, 75, 90, 120, and 150°
Flash Head Movement Range Right: 0-180° vs. 60, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180°

Who should opt for the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT?

If you endeavor to use (and control) multiple light setups, and want to avoid the limitations of optical (line-of-sight) triggering, the Canon 430EX III-RT will be the best choice for your needs. While the Canon 470EX-AI can act as a slave in optically-triggered setups, the Canon 430EX III-RT can act as a master or slave in radio or optically-triggered setups. The flexibility that the 430EX III-RT's wireless features afford is immense, greatly increasing the usefulness of the flash. Also, those wanting a smaller/lighter flash atop their cameras, photographers who prioritize battery life and/or recycling time or persons with a limited budget will find the 430EX III-RT to be a better flash for their needs.

Who should opt for the Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI Flash?

Those photographers who appreciate the convenience of a flash that automatically calculates the optimal bounce direction will find the Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI Flash's auto-rotating head to be the deciding factor. Wedding / event photographers and those new to Speedlite flash use will especially appreciate the 470EX-AI's unique auto-bounce capability, allowing for flattering subject lighting with little effort or experience required. If optical triggering is sufficient for your multiple flash setup needs, the 470EX-AI can easily be incorporated as a slave unit. Few will find the 470EX-AI's slightly higher guide number to be a deciding factor, but the flash's extra power could prove beneficial in certain situations.

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