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Canon Speedlite 430EX II is the second incarnation of the popular Canon Speedlite 430EX. This flash is a Mark II and not the next generation model, which carries no major improvements. The flashes are pretty much alike.

Below is the list of new features offered by Canon Speedlite 430EX II flashgun:

• 20% faster recycling time
• Recycling is silent
• New locking mechanism (lever lock) for rapid mounting onto a camera or a stand
• Metal foot instead of a plastic one
• 9 custom functions vs. 6 ones of the Mark I unit
• Dedicated wireless mode switch (OFF/SLAVE) is replaced with the menu controls
• Can be controlled via in-camera menu (camera must have Canon Digic III processor or newer)

The rest (head, body, buttons, etc.) is almost identical. So, the decision on which one to get really depends on the price difference and whether the new features look attractive to you to justify the extra cost. If you go with the Speedlite 430EX II, make sure you are OK with the absence of dedicated wireless mode switch.

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