420EX Phased Out?

So I just popped down to Jessops to pick up the RC-1 remote I ordered last week, and I thought I'd see if they have any 420EXs in stock.

"No" says the guy "they've been replaced by the 430EX".

Is this correct? As far as I was aware the 430EX was the next model up from the 420EX with more features, are they replacing something with a vastly superior and more expensive model?
Will you not be able to pick up any Canon flash unit for less than £200 now? Or is the guy mistaken?

He said I might still get one if I shop around, which means slogging all over London this weekend.

430EX replaced it. Accurate information for once.


Things evolve. The 350D is superior to the 300D, 5D superior to the 20D, etc. All capable cameras, just updated.

Except the 350D came out at pretty much the same price as the 300D, not double it.

So, can anyone recommend a basic tilt-head flash unit? I'm not paying £200 for one.

Basic (420EX like) - Sigma 500 ST DG around £100.
Advanced (550EX like) Sigma 500 SUPER DG around £160.

Thank you!

The 430EX is around £170 from proper suppliers (i.e. not Jessops) ...and the Canon outlet on UK eBay has been listing a few flashes recently, including 420EX and 550EX.

Thanks, I'll have a look on eBay too. If that Sigma measures up though why pay more.

I think that the going rate for the 420ex was about £169. The 430ex is very similar in price to this, if you don't shop at Jessops!

Yeah, I'd shy away from the Sigma flashes if possiable, there has been more than a fair share of sync reported problems (esp w/multi flash). Nothing wrong with a good used flash.

i got my 430ex for £180 on ebay