Sigma EF-500 DG Super Complaints?

[scobols]

I am saving to buy a new flash and have narrowed it down to the Sigma EF-500 DG Super and the Speedlite 580EX.

I have read some reviews of the Sigma and heard a few negative comments. One person on Amazon.com said the diffuser overheated and turned black. Others have complained about missed shots due to under-exposure.

I am shooting with a Rebel XT. I would like to save the money and get the Sigma. I also am trying to "second-shoot" at weddings and eventually get into the business myself. One other note, I would almost always be using a "better bounce card" with the flash.

Anyone have any good reasons NOT to get the Sigma?

[Curtis N]

Perhaps you have seen this page (http://photonotes.org/lookup/), that lets you make tables to compare features and specs. If not, it could be useful.

My wife and I have been using Sigma Supers for about 15 months. After thousands of shots taken for both personal and professional uses, I can't think of a time when I thought the 580EX would have made a picture better. If you search this forum for previous threads around this choice, you will see references to a "build quality" advantage with the 580EX, but so far I don't think the build quality of the Sigma has prevented me from getting a shot.

Truth be told, the less expensive Sigma EF-500 DG ST has just as much power and works just as well on the hotshoe in E-TTL mode. It's when you go outside that envelope and start using off-camera flash or manual mode that the differences between units become significant.

As for the negative comments you mention, I can only say that I use my flip-down diffuser quite a bit and it's still white. If you put a gel or something else between the lens and the diffuser, heating could be an issue. Underexposure problems are common complaints with E-TTL and are related to the camera's metering system, not the flash. Underexposure can happen with any flash if you shoot before it has recycled.

There are differences between the two units you mention that can make the additional cost of the 580EX worthwhile in some professional situations. POTN member Forkball has upgraded from Sigma Super to 580EX and likes the Canons a lot. The ability to use the 580EX with an external power pack might be important if you need to shoot fast.

My guess is, at this stage the Sigma will work fine for you. If you decide to "go pro", there is a lot of other stuff on your equipment list that you'll want to upgrade before you need a better flash.

[scobols]

Awesome comparison page, thanks for the link. The only thing from that comparison that concerns me is the inability to use Lithium batteries with the Sigma. Is that true? What batteries do you use?

Yes, I will definitely invest in a lot of new equipment if/when I go pro :)

[Curtis N]

I use NiMH rechargeables. I charge them up before use and haven't managed to drain them at an event yet. I always have a spare set charged up just in case.

[angryhampster]

Awesome comparison page, thanks for the link. The only thing from that comparison that concerns me is the inability to use Lithium batteries with the Sigma. Is that true? What batteries do you use?

Yes, I will definitely invest in a lot of new equipment if/when I go pro :)



I use only Energizer E^2 lithium batteries in my Sigma 500 Super. The ones that are in it now have between 500-1000 flashes fired on them, and are still working quite well. It's a great flash for the money. I'm very happy with mine.

[mbellot]

I have read some reviews of the Sigma and heard a few negative comments.

I like mine quite a bit, but there are a couple negative comments to be made anyway...

First and foremost is the idiotic way FP (focal plane, or high speed sync) flash is set up makes shooting in Av mode impossible. On the Sigma, any time shutter speed drops below 1/250 FP mode is disengaged and requires user intervention (press a button twice) to re-engage. My understanding is that the Canon flashes don't suffer this malady, if you enable high speed sync then the flash will automagically switch as needed based on the shutter speed.

Second would be lack of ability to ignore preflash when in optical slave mode. Considering the Canons don't even have an optical slave mode its hard to complain too loudly.

Distant third is lack of support for an external power pack and lousy coverage of the focus assist light (basically its good for the center focus point only).

IMHO its the best $200 I ever saved not buying the 580EX.

[shaneotool]

I have the regular Sigma ST flash Curtis mentioned and I would recommend it to anyone trying to save some money on a flash. If all someone if going to use a flash for is on camera ettl type pictures - it works great. Throws a ton of light too if you need it.

[FlashZebra]

Second would be lack of ability to ignore preflash when in optical slave mode. Considering the Canons don't even have an optical slave mode its hard to complain too loudly.
Might you also focus some of this on Canon with their lack of ability to turn off the preflash on their camera body built in flash on their DSLR cameras (hey, I know about that goofy workaround).

Enjoy! Lon

[scobols]

What is the goofy workaround?

[Curtis N]

If you want to use an optical slave, triggered by the built-in flash from an EOS digital camera, you have to hit the FEL button to fire the preflash, wait for the slave to recycle, then take the shot.

One of the more significant differences between the Sigma Super and Canon flashes is how you can use them in multi-flash setups. Canon has a real nice wireless E-TTL system, if you want to shell out the cash for a combination of EX flash units to make it work. Sigma's wireless E-TTL system doesn't work very well, in my experience.

Conversely, if you want to manually control a multi-flash setup, the Sigma Super has a built-in optical slave which works well and can be triggered by anything. Canon EX units have no such feature and don't work well with most slave attachments (the exception being the new 580EX II which has a sync port for a slave adapter).

[FlashZebra]

(the exception being the new 580EX II which has a sync port for a slave adapter).
Well, I have seen the sync port in an images of the 580EX II.

But, I reserve judgment on whither it will actually play nice with a garden variety optical slaves, or, at lease some reliable, readily available, and inexpensive slave, until function is confirmed.

Enjoy! Lon

[Curtis N]

But, I reserve judgment on whither it will actually play nice with a garden variety optical slave, or, at lease some reliable, readily available, and inexpensive slave, until function is confirmed.Canon's press release (which I found on Rob Galbraith) describes it thus:a PC socket for use with non-dedicated slave triggers.But I share your skepticism to a degree. I won't be the first to buy one. :D

[FlashZebra]

Curtis,

Regarding "a PC socket for use with non-dedicated slave triggers."

Note that it indicates "slave triggers", but not specifically optical slaves. The current 580EX works fine with all sorts of aftermarket "slave triggers" (like radio slaves, specialized powered infrared slaves, powered sound activated triggers, etc)

Enjoy! Lon

[EOS_JD]

I own both of these and the Canon is just so much easier to use. The Sigma hasn't been out of the pouch in a year!! Used as a backup for weddings.

[Blackey Cole]

Thinking of getting the Sigma now and later when more funds are available getting the 580EX. Will they work together using the same wireless function. Will it work.

[Curtis N]

According to Forkball, using the 580EX as master and the Sigma Super as slave works good.

Here's his thread comparing the two units.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=226198

[bluebomberx]

The Sigma won't work with Pocket Wizards in manual mode either. I haven't tried it in several years since I bought it, but IIRC it tries to fire the flash in stroboscopic mode. Sigma offered to look at the flash if I sent the Pocket Wizard set with it. I opted not hassle with it in the end.

[Curtis N]

The Sigma won't work with Pocket Wizards in manual mode either.The way to make the Sigma Super work with a non-E-TTL hotshoe adapter is to put it in optical slave mode, then change the channel to disable the slave sensor (I know it sounds weird, but it works). The hotshoe adapter can then be connected to PW, other radio slave receiver, or PC cord.

Unfortunately this is not an option with the ST model.

[SeattleJerry]

I received the Sigma 500 flash for christmas this past year. So far for me it has work flaslessly. No complaints at all. For batteries I used the costco brand generic AA's without any problems.

I think you will enjoy the flash

SeattleJerry

[bluebomberx]

The way to make the Sigma Super work with a non-E-TTL hotshoe adapter is to put it in optical slave mode, then change the channel to disable the slave sensor (I know it sounds weird, but it works). The hotshoe adapter can then be connected to PW, other radio slave receiver, or PC cord.

Unfortunately this is not an option with the ST model.
I'll give that a shot, but I bought my DG Super when it first came out. I pretty certain I've tried every mode to get it to work. I'll post back when I get a chance to mess with it.

[cbock]

i'm happy with mine too. i use rechargeable nimh batteries. they work great. i have one set in the flash and another in the bag on standby.

[bluebomberx]

Tried it out this afternoon. It only works on full power. If the power is turned down it fires in stroboscopic mode.

[scobols]

OK, so the feeling I am getting is the Sigma is good, but all-around, the Canon 580EX is better. Maybe I should just wait a tad longer and get the Canon first, then eventually get the Sigma as a second flash.

[Curtis N]

Apparently, budget is limited. So look at the price difference between them, and ask yourself if that additional investment will enable you to make better pictures, or at least more good ones. Then ask yourself if there might be another way to eventually spend that extra cash which will have a greater impact on image quality.

If you want to shoot weddings/receptions, a flash bracket and sync cord will do you more good than the fanciest flash in the world attached to the hotshoe.

[scobols]

Excellent point. Thanks.

[scobols]

Done - I just bought the Sigma EF-500 DG Super off of eBay! :)

[Curtis N]

New? used? How much?
Just curious.

You did make sure it was the Canon version, right?

[scobols]

Used, apparently only twice, $167.58 plus $12.00 shipping. Yes, he said he used it on his Rebel XT but preferred the pop-up.

[Curtis N]

Not a bad deal. Should serve you well.

[rdsmith3]

I use only Energizer E^2 lithium batteries in my Sigma 500 Super. The ones that are in it now have between 500-1000 flashes fired on them, and are still working quite well. It's a great flash for the money. I'm very happy with mine.


Ditto here. I use these batteries w/o any problems.

FYI, you can get a new Sigma 500 Super at B&H for $214 with the psjan code

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=13047&A=details&Q=&sku=478532&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[jr_senator]

I was considering Sigma when I got my EX flashes. I had read of some problems with multi-flash set-ups. Considering that and after holding both Sigma and Canon I got Canon. The Sigma build quality is not as good.

[PuR HART]

Hey Curtis I got a ? for ya Have you ever noticed the flash sometimes will make a winding like noise that sounds like the motor inside i can not blast off nay flashes as well also when i do a few burst the flash will start having the number 28mm flash any suggestions is my flash faulty?

[Curtis N]

Hey Curtis I got a ? for ya Have you ever noticed the flash sometimes will make a winding like noise that sounds like the motor inside i can not blast off nay flashes as well also when i do a few burst the flash will start having the number 28mm flash any suggestions is my flash faulty?Funny you should mention that.

It happened to me yesterday, for the first time that I recall, after using the Sigma Super for about 15 months. Turning the flash off and back on solved the problem. At the time, it was on autozoom with my Tamron 17-55.

Hard to say what would cause it. My first guess is the flash was a bit loose on the hotshoe and some of the contacts disconnected. It sure was weird, though.

[PuR HART]

yeah this happens all the time to me and resetting it works but it seems to happen at the most terrible time is there any known issues i have been searching this place and nothing. I might just start a post to see if any one bites

[Curtis N]

If your flash is still under warranty, I would definitely contact Sigma about it.

It would also be interesting to know if it happens when you have it manually zoomed.