Flashes

[Blues67]

Looking for a good flash for my Digital Rebel 300D. I've tried the 540ez from my Elan IIe and that isn't working. I'm looking at a Metz 54-MZ4, Canon 550ex, and Sigma EF500 DG Super. Price isn't as much of an issue as performance. Has anyone had any experience with these flashes with this camera or a D10 since they are similar? I don't want to buy the wrong one. :roll:

[Johnnynf]

Looking for a good flash for my Digital Rebel 300D. I've tried the 540ez from my Elan IIe and that isn't working. I'm looking at a Metz 54-MZ4, Canon 550ex, and Sigma EF500 DG Super. Price isn't as much of an issue as performance. Has anyone had any experience with these flashes with this camera or a D10 since they are similar? I don't want to buy the wrong one. :roll:

The reason the 540EZ won't work is that this flash doesn't support ETTL, which the DRebel uses. The only Canon flashes that support ETTL are the EX series of flashes.

I have the DRebel and the Canon 550EX and it works very well for me. However, it may be overkill for some. I just wanted the extra power output that it provides over the 420EX. I have never used the manual functions that it provides. That isn't to say that I will never use them...I just haven't had the need to yet.

I have also heard that the Sigma flash you list is VERY similar in functionality to the 550EX...but at a much smaller price. The only downfalls I have read pertaining to the Sigma is that it just feels "cheaper" than the Canon...maybe the build quality isn't the same. Many people on the board use the Sigma and recommend it often.

[Johnnynf]

Blues,

I didn't notice until after I sent the last post, you are from Jefferson City? I live in Columbia. You sound like you are in a very similar situation (photographically) as me...PM me sometime and we can chat about the state of affairs in Mid-MO.

I used to be a die hard Blues fan too (when I lived in St. Louis)...but they seem to have p*ssed everything away this year.

If the Cardinals don't watch out...they will do the same very quickly too!!

When do the Rams start playing again?

Cheers!!!

[robertwgross]

Of the flash units mentioned, probably the best one is the Canon 550EX. Following that, the others or else the Canon 420EX are the standard choices. The 550EX gives you the maximum of flexibility and features, but at the higher price.

Otherwise, you would have to "SHOW ME".

---Bob Gross---

[Digital Prophet]

Well I am very very glad that I saw this post. I came this ~~> <~~ close to buying a 550EZ. What are some good models for use on the D-Rebel? But for the budget minded. Kind of on a budget and all that.

- Digital Prophet -

[robertwgross]

Well I am very very glad that I saw this post. I came this ~~> <~~ close to buying a 550EZ. What are some good models for use on the D-Rebel?

There is no 550EZ.

The old 540EZ is not what you want.

The two best choices are 550EX and 420EX. If you need the twist and tilt features, then 550EX. The 420EX otherwise. Anything with -EX will work, but the lesser models are more limited.

---Bob Gross---

[Digital Prophet]

Sorry, I am notorious for typos.

Well I was thinking about the 420EX. But I read in the May Issue (http://www.popphoto.com/) of Popuar Photography and Imaging that the 420EX lacks variable output. Is this a critical feature? Will the performance be very hindered?

I can do without the pan. Does this flash not tilt? Just a few questions.

- Digital Prophet -

[robertwgross]

Hmmm. For about six months to a year, the 420EX will seem perfectly fine. Then, once you get really good, you will be wishing that you had purchased the 550EX instead so that you can use the more advanced features.

420EX does tilt. 550EX does tilt and swivel, plus it zooms by reading the focal length setting of the lens. Then minor stuff also.

For a wedding, normally I shoot with the 550EX on a bracket. If it is a very wide group shot, then I stick the 550EX on a stand off to the left, and then I stick my 420EX on a stand off to the right. Then I mount the STE2 transmitter on the camera and the whole works fires wirelessly. That is kind of handy, but if you don't need to do group shots that wide, then I guess you don't need it. The STE2 allows you to "fade" the light from one side to the other by controlling intensities of the individual flash units. For a large group, I prefer to shoot with a consistent intensity over the whole frame. Fading the intensity can be for the more artsy/creative types.

---Bob Gross---

[Blues67]

Thanks for all the input, I've decided to go with the 550ex. Now, how about Sigma lenses, namely the 50-500mm f4-56.3 APO EX RF-HSM and if it works, best place to buy. I've heard it has had issues with the 10D, but what about the 300D, and prices have ranged from $749 at Hotbuyselectronics.com and SunsetCamera.com to over $1000. I want as cheap as I can get it with get is as the operative word.

[robertwgross]

Before you plunk down any money on a camera, you might check out the reseller ratings. There are too many scamming camera shops out there that will take your money and provide only headaches.

---Bob Gross---

[Whaler]

550EX :D

[cowman345]

Will a sigma control a Canon 420ex as a slave?

-dave-