An external flash is one of those things many people think only a "pro" has a need for -- like a tripod. Once you get one, though, you realize how essential it is and couldn't imagine going into the field without one.
I recently purchased this as part of my Digital Rebel package and am quite impressed with its features. The E-TTL -- the ability to adjust to the scene according to the camera's metering results -- is really amazing.
On the back of the unit is an LED display showing your approximate focal length (24 - 105mm), which also determines how powerful the flash will be. Additionally, there is a pilot button/light (for a test flash), exposure confirmation light, high-speed sync switch, "slave" setting buttons and the power switch.
After its flash flexibility, the 420EX's most impressive feature is its physical flexibility. You can move the flashhead within 90° vertically and horizontally, and it will lock at several angles. This enables the bounce-flash -- assuming you have a reflective surface nearby. Bounce-flash softens and distributes the light so you don't have overexposed, stiff looking subjects.
Speaking of which, I'd like to say that I bought a Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce diffuser when I bought the 420EX because it seemed like a good accessory. I have found that I generally don't need it because the 420EX is able to fine-tune itself to each shot.
I can't comment on its functionality as a slave because I have not used it in that capacity.
Ultimately, the 420EX is a great tool, whether you're shooting your kid's birthday party or a macro of a flower. It will allow you to take much better photos than you can with the built-in flash. And at its current price it is absolutely unbeatable.
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
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This Item  Used Canon 420EX Flash | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $49.95 | $102.70 | -5% $59.99 List: $63.00 | $59.99 | $129.00 | $14.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 28 | — | Get it as soon as Sunday, Jun 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 28 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 28 | Get it Jun 5 - 11 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | PRIDE OF JAPAN | PAGING ZONE | MoonLakeUSA | Zenith digital bay | FotoPal | Hunts Photo and Video |
| flash sync speed | — | 1/8000s | 1/8000 | 1/2000 | 1/250 | — |
| mounting type | on-camera shoe mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | — |
| compatible mountings | Canon | Canon EF, Canon EF-S | Canon EOS Hot Shoe Mount | Canon | Canon | Canon, Nikon |
| mounting type | on-camera shoe mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | — |
| guide number | 42 (meters) | 58 | 58 | 42 | — | — |
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 3 x 4 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| ASIN | B00004YZLX |
| Item model number | 4590A009AA |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #700 in Shoe-Mount Flashes |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 26, 2000 |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here
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Forget the pop-up flash on your camera
If you've been shooting with a film or digital slr camera and you've always used the built-in flash on the camera for indoor shots, for the love of God, STOP! Buy this flash immedietly! The quality difference is a amazing and will make the built-in flash on your camera seem worthless. The 420EX is a nice flash for the money. A VERY nice flash. Everything I've shot with it has come out evenly lit, NEVER blown out looking. I shot an entire wedding and reception with it and the pictures came out great. The flash is noticeably slower when the batteries start to run out, so I recommend high capacity rechargables. The only slight problem I've had with the flash was during the formal wedding group portraits, the flash wasn't syncing with the camera. I had to turn both off, and then back on and the problem was fixed. To this day, I still don't know if it was the flash or the camera malfunctioning, but it's not something you want happening while your on the job! Other then that, it has preformed beyond my expectations. With that being said, I know I am going to eventually upgrade to the 580ex flash. The possibilities that exist with two flashes being able to communicate together are infinite. If you are a serious photographer looking to up grade your flash system, this is a great place to start. It is an investment because if you later choose to upgrade further, you can use the 420ex with other flashes which makes it well worth the money.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2005
- Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2005
If you've been shooting with a film or digital slr camera and you've always used the built-in flash on the camera for indoor shots, for the love of God, STOP! Buy this flash immedietly! The quality difference is a amazing and will make the built-in flash on your camera seem worthless.
The 420EX is a nice flash for the money. A VERY nice flash. Everything I've shot with it has come out evenly lit, NEVER blown out looking. I shot an entire wedding and reception with it and the pictures came out great.
The flash is noticeably slower when the batteries start to run out, so I recommend high capacity rechargables.
The only slight problem I've had with the flash was during the formal wedding group portraits, the flash wasn't syncing with the camera. I had to turn both off, and then back on and the problem was fixed. To this day, I still don't know if it was the flash or the camera malfunctioning, but it's not something you want happening while your on the job! Other then that, it has preformed beyond my expectations.
With that being said, I know I am going to eventually upgrade to the 580ex flash. The possibilities that exist with two flashes being able to communicate together are infinite. If you are a serious photographer looking to up grade your flash system, this is a great place to start. It is an investment because if you later choose to upgrade further, you can use the 420ex with other flashes which makes it well worth the money.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2004
Top reviews from other countries
- Man With Tall CupboardsReviewed in Canada on January 14, 2020
Complete disclosure would have been nice.
