Can someone school me in the 430ex flash?

I know there is a big difference in the camera flash to the 430 ex flash, However I'm not quite sure how much of a differnce between the 2 can be?


Like for example if I went out on the back deck of my house and used the night portret shot and then use the 430 EX I can see much more then with the camera flash right?

and 1600 iso shots with the meter all the way tot he left will be much less noise correct?

DerekRob wrote in post #6183978
I know there is a big difference in the camera flash to the 430 ex flash, However I'm not quite sure how much of a differnce between the 2 can be?


Like for example if I went out on the back deck of my house and used the night portret shot and then use the 430 EX I can see much more then with the camera flash right?

and 1600 iso shots with the meter all the way tot he left will be much less noise correct?

There is a considerable difference in flash power between the 430EX and the built-in flash and that's important. But what is a bigger difference is the ability to point the 430EX for bounce flash. Most folks looking for better quality images refrain from pointing the flash directly at the subject whenever possible. That is NOT possible with the built-in flash.

But there is a limit. While noise increases in shadow/dark areas the 430EX flash will give you more light and more controlled light than the built-in unit. I would also invest in a good noise removal package such as Neat Image, Noise Ninja, etc.

Titus, Thank you.

Now is it true that the ex series flash like the 580 or the 430 can be used in doors with out the "flash lite going off and bugging everyone?'


Because I want to go into a blues club and take a few photos of everyone playing.

You can generally turn off the flash and just use its focus assist, yes.

Titus213 wrote in post #6184979
You can generally turn off the flash and just use its focus assist, yes.

Oh nice, I've wondered how they do that when your in places like a wedding and what not.

Actually I have not been able to figure this out now. Best double check your manual.

I'd swear I've done this.

DerekRob wrote in post #6183978
... 1600 iso shots with the meter all the way tot he left will be much less noise correct?

I'm no pro, but i would think if you had your meter all the way to the left, you are going to lose a lot of detail/information. As such your image will be quite dark.

Titus213 wrote in post #6184979
You can generally turn off the flash and just use its focus assist, yes.

Only the 580 EX can support having the flash turned off but using its IR focus assist.

Warrenism wrote in post #6185125
I'm no pro, but i would think if you had your meter all the way to the left, you are going to lose a lot of detail/information. As such your image will be quite dark.


Only the 580 EX can support having the flash turned off but using its IR focus assist.

I would think so too.


Seems to be a function of the body too....???

https://photography-on-the.net …59&highlight=fo​cus+assist

Warrenism wrote in post #6185125
Only the 580 EX can support having the flash turned off but using its IR focus assist.

also the st-e2 has focus assist. if you want to use your 430ex as a focus assist only you have to set the camera to one shot focus with the flash on, lock focus and then switch the lens to manual focus, then turn the flash off and shoot. not always possible to do in some situations.

Warrenism wrote in post #6185125
Only the 580 EX can support having the flash turned off but using its IR focus assist.

You can do it with the 430EX. I do it all the time. It is a Cfn in the camera. You can set the flash to "Does not Fire". On the 40D it is in the flash control menu.

D_CeLiRaToR wrote in post #6185194
also the st-e2 has focus assist. if you want to use your 430ex as a focus assist only you have to set the camera to one shot focus with the flash on, lock focus and then switch the lens to manual focus, then turn the flash off and shoot. not always possible to do in some situations.

Just reading that workaround gives one a headache :P
Alternative is to get the focus off the shutter button and on the * instead.

DDCSD wrote in post #6185296
You can do it with the 430EX. I do it all the time. It is a Cfn in the camera. You can set the flash to "Does not Fire". On the 40D it is in the flash control menu.

Your right DDCSD, it is a camera featu re. Now to eat my own words and 400D so i can get a new xxD.

Warrenism wrote in post #6185125
Only the 580 EX can support having the flash turned off but using its IR focus assist.

DDCSD wrote in post #6185296
You can do it with the 430EX. I do it all the time. It is a Cfn in the camera. You can set the flash to "Does not Fire". On the 40D it is in the flash control menu.

appears that's only in certain cameras and doesn't work with the rebels. i remember trying to find the cfn in my xt and it wasn't there.

D_CeLiRaToR wrote in post #6185333
appears that's only in certain cameras and doesn't work with the rebels. i remember trying to find the cfn in my xt and it wasn't there.

Hmmm... That's too bad, it is very handy. Thanks for the clarification.

i wonder if they make a solid black "diffuser" similar to a stofen to cover the flash head but still use the focus assist? or would that burn out the flash?

Duct tape?

Point the flash up and run the power down to the lowest setting?