Canon - 430EX Speedlite E-TTL II Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at 105mm)

This is a pretty good flash.  For realtively close in shots, this fflash is excellent.  It is far superior to the built-in flash, and gives the operator a great deal of versatility in shooting.  At this time I am thinking I want a stronger flash for certain settings, so I might upgrade to the 580II, but for someone just starting out, this flash will more than do the trick.   My only reservation abouty not giving this lens an Excellent rating is that the 580EX II is without doubt a better flash. 

I am a little dissapointed in the lack of range the flash appears to deliver in dark situations.  It works well for a maximum of 20-25ft.  I would say the on camera flash is about 10-15 feet maximum range.  I would expect the 580EX II to push out that range another 15 feet.  Sometimes that little bit can make a difference.  The 580EX II provides more range and features.  Nonetheless, this flash is quite satisfactory and is smaller and lighter than the heafty 580 EX II.  For a general shoe mount flash this product does very well.