New Canon Flash: Speedlite 430EX III-RT

Canon has announced a new flash, an updated version of their 430EX. The big change? The inclusion of Radio Transmission (RT) for wireless off camera firing.  Previously with flashes other than the expensive 600RT wireless meant optical only which isn't always the most reliable.Shop Canon 430EX III RT from B&H Photo fro $299

More about wireless - Canon and other manufacturers use the term wireless flash to indicate a flash or system that can be triggered or fired without any wires. The Canon T5i, T6i/s and 70D cameras with their built in flash are capable of wirelessly triggering an external flash- this is done by firing the on board flash - an optical trigger, not wireless as we usually think about WiFi and other wireless communication.  I demonstrate how it all works and the setup herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jrv0ethxFgDownsides to Optical Wireless control? In sunny conditions it can be un reliable and you do need a pre-flash that in some, albeit rare, circumstances will impact your exposure.   You are also limited in your control of the external flash as the communication is only one way - camera to flash. In 2012 Canon announced the 600RT flashes, these pro level flashes include Radio Transmitters that allow for remote triggering without needing that optical flash - this also provides additional control over remote flashes, in fact you have complete control as if the flash was sitting directly on your camera, if you are using a compatible transmitter or another external flash.   The 430EX RT is now a more budget friendly model of the 600RT with many of the same features. See the chart below for more details.

Specs:	Canon 600 RT	Canon 430 EX III RT
Power: Guide No (ISO 100):	196.9' / 60m (at 200mm)	141' / 43m (at 105mm)
Wireless Flash Transmitter (Flash Master)	YES	NO
Zoom Range:	20-200	24-105
Weather Sealing	YES	NO
Head rotation	180° LEFT/RIGHT	180° LEFT / 90° RIGHT
Price	$499 (Buy from B&H Photo)	$299 (Buy from B&H Photo)

A third option I am testing/reviewing right now is the Yongnuo 600 RT, basically a clone of the Canon 600RT but with a price of just $124 - Learn more at B&H Photo. While I have not finished my complete review I am impressed with the feature set of the Yongnuo and really only see slight differences in build quality that does not affect overall performance.  For my money I would buy the Yongnuo - Full review coming. Subscribe to my Youtube channel to be notified.