External Flash & Wide angle lens recomedation wanted

[angst911]

OK Here is my current equipment list:
Digital Rebel
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
SLIK TRIPODS U212-DLX

I do a good amount of low light/nightime photography, all withing 20 feet usually, and most of it low action, but often close quarters. I am looking for a wide angle lens (possibly with zoom) for less than $500, any recomendations? I've already had one person suggest this Sigma 20/1.8 (http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/product-features.asp?id=744523251) lens, any opinions on it?

Also, I am considering an external flash to extend the range of the flash some. But I am not sure what to get. The 550EX looks very nice, but also very large, maybe too bulky, how does the 420EX compare in performance, or are there other good external flashes available?

Thanks

[vvizard]

I've tried the sigma 20mm 1.8 briefly. I'm off to shoot a dragrace today, and I think my photodog friend will be there. If so I will hopefully be able to lend it for a walk-around-the-depot lens today, as He probably want his 17-40L for that anyway. The brief amount of time I tested it it looked fine. No HSM though so focus isn't exactly quiet. But no big deal for me.

[slin100]

There are some sample pictures of Sigma's 20/1.8, 24/1.8, 28/1.8 and the 15-30/3.5-4.5 here (http://sd9.org/hardware/lens/primv1530.htm).

[CoolToolGuy]

Low light = low f/stop numbers, and even 2.8 - as fast as most zooms are - is slow by those standards. Sorry, I can't comment on the Sigma, but Canon makes a 28mm f1.8 for just under $400 (B&H price). It will approximate a normal lens angle of view, but it will get you the lens speed. Anything else by Canon that is that wide and that fast is an 'L' lens, and that, of course, means 'L'ots of money.

Hope this helps.

[daaaveman]

The Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di gets great press although I haven't got personal experience with it. Photodo rates it just under the 24-70L and it's only $350. Search here and you will find many comments on the lens or google it.

Canon EF 2.8 24-70mm USM L 4.16 (3) = very-good
Canon EF 2.8 28-70mm USM L 4.15 (5) = very-good
Tamron AF 2.8 28-75mm LD XR Aspherical SP 4.14 (3) = very-good

http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/easytxt.htm#Zstd

Here's a thread over at FM that discusses in detail

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/93369/0

[Friis]

I made a small test of Sigma 20mm 1.8 against my other (Canon) glases, nothing fancy just a couple of pictures :?
Look at:
http://home3.inet.tele.dk/jloendal/Photo-test.htm

[Bruce Hamilton]

The 550EX looks very nice, but also very large, maybe too bulky...

As someone who ownes 3 of the EX series flashes, I can verify that they are rather large and bulky and you might find some smaller flashes, just make sure what you buy properly syncs with your camera. An off-brand flash is useless if it won't fire.

[robertwgross]

Also, getting the brand name correct isn't sufficient. Canon flashes are good, but I know of people who bought the Canon 540EZ flash for their digital camera, and the seller told them that it was good. The seller did not say that only -EX flashes are the right choice for Canon EOS digital cameras.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

Also, getting the brand name correct isn't sufficient. Canon flashes are good, but I know of people who bought the Canon 540EZ flash for their digital camera, and the seller told them that it was good. The seller did not say that only -EX flashes are the right choice for Canon EOS digital cameras.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

Also, getting the brand name correct isn't sufficient. Canon flashes are good, but I know of people who bought the Canon 540EZ flash for their digital camera, and the seller told them that it was good. The seller did not say that only -EX flashes are the right choice for Canon EOS digital cameras.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

Also, getting the brand name correct isn't sufficient. Canon flashes are good, but I know of people who bought the Canon 540EZ flash for their digital camera, and the seller told them that it was good. The seller did not say that only -EX flashes are the right choice for Canon EOS digital cameras.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

Also, getting the brand name correct isn't sufficient. Canon flashes are good, but I know of people who bought the Canon 540EZ flash for their digital camera, and the seller told them that it was good. The seller did not say that only -EX flashes are the right choice for Canon EOS digital cameras.

---Bob Gross---

[angst911]

nice quad post there robertwgross .

I went ahead and picked up a 550EX today... paid more than adorama or J&R sells for, but found it locally and today.


Wow, looked at those sample picture, the sigma lens sure did loose a lot of quality. I might just save up and buy the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM. I was considering the Sigma version with the same focal length and f-stop, but wow, if the 1.8's quality reflects what the 14MM would be like, no thanks.

[robertwgross]

Yes, I submitted it only once. Our illustrious webmaster might have coughed at that moment.

---Bob Gross---