SIGMA EF-500 DG ST vs. Opteka EF-600 DG Super

[Jojitsu]

I'm trying to look for the differences between these two flashes but both look so similar.

Both are Ettl, swivle and bounce, etc etc.
Only differences I see are in price and possibly recycle time (.3-9 for the opteka and 6 for the sigma).


Any help on which would be better?

[Curtis N]

How about a link to more info about the Opteka?

[Jojitsu]

The problem is there doesn't seem to be that much info on the Opteka... no reviews or much of anything that I can really find.

Most of the info I can find from it is on their website: http://www.opteka.com/productdetail.asp?productid=4458

and a picture of the back of it can be seen if you scroll down here:
http://www.47thstreetphoto.com/item.asp?invky=1562616&catky=3465387

and just for comparisons sake info on the sigma can be seen here:

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3256

[JackProton]

I haven't used the SIGMA EF-500 DG ST but I have used the Opteka. The Opteka has a strobe feature like the one found on the Sigma Super but only offers a max rate of 50Hz instead of 199Hz for the Super. I don't believe the ST offers the stroboscopic effect feature. Also, the ST only offers 2 manual power settings while the Opteka offers 7 different manaul power settings.

I should warn you, however, that there seems to be some quality control issues with the Opteka so I would hesitate to recommend it at this point in time. I've had two units die on me within weeks of each other.

[Jojitsu]

Hmm, that's good to know.

Another thing is it looks like the opteka has a lcd backscreen and I don't know about the sigma. Also, neither appear to have high speed sync.

[Curtis N]

The Opteka looks very similar to the Promaster 7500DX, especially the LCD display. It's obviously a different flash but most likely comes from the same manufacturer. Heaven only knows how well it's built.

[forkball]

Hmm, that's good to know.

Another thing is it looks like the opteka has a lcd backscreen and I don't know about the sigma. Also, neither appear to have high speed sync.

Not sure about the HSS on the Opteka, but I can assure you the Sigma has it. I know this because I've pulled my hair out using it a bunch of times before getting my 580EX.

[Jojitsu]

Not sure about the HSS on the Opteka, but I can assure you the Sigma has it. I know this because I've pulled my hair out using it a bunch of times before getting my 580EX.

I know the Sigma EF-500 DG super has HSS, but I didn't think the Sigma EF-500 DG ST did?

[Curtis N]

The Sigma EF-500 DG Super has high speed sync.
The Sigma EF-500 DG ST does not.

[forkball]

I know the Sigma EF-500 DG super has HSS, but I didn't think the Sigma EF-500 DG ST did?


WHOOPS!!! yep, I misread the title and thought we were talking about the Super. My bad!

[JackProton]

Also, neither appear to have high speed sync.

Nope, no FP/high-speed sync mode. No modeling light or wireless slave operation on the Opteka either. It does do second curtain sync and FEL though.

One minor problem with the Opteka is that the AF assist light is not aligned properly for the center focus point. It can be realigned with a little creative tinkering.

Before having two of the Opteka EF-600 DG Super units fail on me, I thought it was a very nice inexpensive flash that produced consistant exposures. Now I'm thinking of trying to trade up to a Sigma Super instead of getting another replacement unit.

Oh, by the way, the Opteka has also been sold by Alzo as the ALZO POWER ZOOM PORTA-FLASH http://alzodigital.com/online_store/digital_camera_porta_flash_canon_ettl.htm