Alternative to Canon Speedlite flashes?

[timmae]

Does anyone know of any alternatives (cheaper) that are compatible with the G3?

[PacAce]

Look into one of the Sigma EF 500 series flashes. I don't personally have one but I've heard that they're 100% compatible with the Canon EX series flashes.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/flashes.htm

[jglisson73]

Timmae,

I've done some research on flashes for the G3. I haven't bought one yet, but have decided that the 420EX is what I'm going to go with. It is more expensive, but has better compatibility with the G3 than any other flash. Some the features of the 420 don't work with the G3 (AF Assist Lamp specifically). I know this doesn't answer your question, but I've decided to save up for the better flash.

My assumption would be that you want a bounce flash (unlike the 200EX). Sunpak makes a couple of flashes that have been used with the G3. These links may help...

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/G1strobe.html

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Good Luck...let us know what you get and post some sample shots!!!

John

[jglisson73]

Good post PaceAce...

These do look like good flashes. However, they are basically the same price as the Speedlites. I wonder if the AF Assist light on the Sigmas will work with the G3!!! That would be the flash for me if the E-TTL AND the AF Assist light work.

The low-light focus problem on the G3 would be so much better with an external (and more powerful) AF Assist light.

John

[discusws]

There is also another brand:

Metz 45z-3 (http://www.metz.de/1_metz_2000/m_pages_english/4_mecablitz/m_mb_produkte/m_fs__54_MZ-3.html)

regards Walter

[PacAce]

jglisson73 wrote:
Good post PaceAce...

These do look like good flashes. However, they are basically the same price as the Speedlites. I wonder if the AF Assist light on the Sigmas will work with the G3!!! That would be the flash for me if the E-TTL AND the AF Assist light work.

The low-light focus problem on the G3 would be so much better with an external (and more powerful) AF Assist light.

John

John, actually, for the money you get more bang for the buck with the Sigma, especially the EF 500 DG Super which is more like the EX 550 but sells for almost half of the Ex 550.

As far as the functionalities are concerned, unfortunately, it's the G3 that doesn't want to make use of the external flashes focus assist light so the Sigma is not going to change that. :o(

But, like I said before, I do not have first hand experience with the Sigma. I'm only relating what I've read on the Canon dSLR forum where a couple of people have indicated that the Sigma EF 500 series flashes are compatible with the Speedlites.