Sigma 500 Series Flash vs. Canon 550 EX

[daaaveman]

Does anyone know of a comparison available between the Sigma 500 series flashes and the 550 EX? Sigma has the 500 DG Super and the 500 Super. I haven't figured out what DG stands for yet. I searched for a comparison between the Sigma and the Canon but haven't found one yet.

I'm looking for a new flash unit and the Sigma is much cheaper but we're not talking big dollars here so I don't want to sacrifice quality for a few $$. Have any of you ever used the Sigma flashes? I'm interested in your opinions on the quality and performance comparison between the Sigma and Canon.

[G3]

I could be wrong, but I think when Sigma adds DG to the name of a piece of equipment it means that it has been optimized for use with digital cameras.

[G3]

OK..I found some comparison info...

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

[jcsorensen]

I've been using the Sigma flash now for about a month and absolutely love it. A virtual knock off of the 550EX for a lot less money. I think I gave up a very small amount of GN, but all the other functions are eseentially there.

[slin100]

I have heard of other differences. They may or may not matter to you.

1) The AF assist light coverage is narrower. It only covers the center focus point.
2) It does not retain its settings when turned off.
3) High-speed sync (FP mode) automatically disengages when the shutter speed drops below the X-sync speed of the camera.

[G3]

Does it work as a master or just as a slave?

[slin100]

Does it work as a master or just as a slave?
Both.

I forgot to mention, as a slave, it can be triggered optically in addition to via an ST-E2, 550EX or another Sigma as master.

[drisley]

Interesting.
What model # is it?

[slin100]

EF-500 DG Super. There is also the EF-500 DG ST with fewer features.

[sds4kst8]

I've been using the Sigma flash now for about a month and absolutely love it. A virtual knock off of the 550EX for a lot less money. I think I gave up a very small amount of GN, but all the other functions are eseentially there.

What camera body are you using with this Sigma flash? The site doesn't list it as being compatible with the 10d.

[G3]

I've been using the Sigma flash now for about a month and absolutely love it. A virtual knock off of the 550EX for a lot less money. I think I gave up a very small amount of GN, but all the other functions are eseentially there.

What camera body are you using with this Sigma flash? The site doesn't list it as being compatible with the 10d.

I think it may be because the web page hasn't been updated since the 10D came out.

[Cordell]

The Sigma 500 Super DG works with the D30, D60, 10D, and rebel. It must be the DG to get all of the functionality of the Canon 550EX. Not the plan Super ST.

I think it is a great lens. There are minor differences as mentioned above, but they are VERY minor.

I would however add two things:
1) The build quality is a tad below the Canon. At least it feels that way.
2) You can not use an external battery pack to the Sigma. There is no outer plugin connection.

It is a very good flash for the money. I would recommend it any day compared to the Canon.

[jcsorensen]

I use it with my 10D--and with the recent repairs to the camera from Canon, the flash even seems to be working better--best bang for the buck in the flash world as far as I'm concerned.

[Canon10D]

Hi there:
Try look at here:
http://photonotes.org/reviews/sigma-ef-500-super/

Not sure what the DG stands for though. Hope this helps.