Flash what one to buy

[Brett Peterson]

Hello I am new to the camera world, and want to buy a flash for my digital rebel.
Anyone know anything about the sigma dg 500 super. any input would be great thanks

[CyberDyneSystems]

Hi Brett,

Welcome to the Forum :)

I've heard very good things about the Sigma Flashes.. but haven't used them myself.
Bang for buck threy seem a great bargain.

I'm actually going to move this thread TO the EOS forum.. as most of our lighting discussions take place there.. maybe we'll be luckier with a reponse from a Sigma flash user ;)

:)

[alan sh]

The Sigma is very good value. I have one on my Minolta A2 and it's great.

I also have a Canon 420EX which also works well - but not quite so much range (8 metres short in theory). In practice, I don't see that much difference between the two.

So, if you want to be 100% compatible, go with a Canon - but if you want slightly more distance and extra features, the Sigma will be OK. But do note that there are 2 models of Sigma. One has more features, both give the same flash output.

Alan

[heppy]

I'm also looking for a flash for my Digital Rebel. I was looking at the 420ex as well.

I have heard that flash replaces the cameras in built low light auto focusing (using the flash) with an infrared system built into the flash. Is this true for the Digital Rebel?

Is it also true for the Sigma 500 flash?

thanks

[alan sh]

I don't know about the dRebel, but on my 20D, the focus assist comes from the red light out of the 420 and the 580.

I have a Sigma 500 on my Minolta A2 and that does NOT use any focus assist. But I do not know what happens on a Canon.

Alan

[Brett Peterson]

Thanks for the Info I orderd the sigma super today.

[C.S.I.]

Good Choice

[Mike Panic]

just be aware that the sigma flash is not 100% on any canon digital body... it will work 99% of the time, however there may still be a glitch here or there

ive seen it myself on promaster digital flashes, the ettl light on them never seems to light up when used on a canon flash.

at this point, the only flashes that are 100% ok to use for digital are the 420, 550 and 580 that i know of - i do know the 540 won't work

[Dredd]

I just bought a 20D. I plan to do indoor event photography ie bands, weddings, corporate parties... Can you suggest a flash? For cost reasons I'm looking at the 420EX. Do I need an additional flash for this photography or or is the camera flash enough?

[lkorell]

IMHO the 420ex won't give you what you need for indoor events. I know it is pricey but the 580EX is great with the 20D and will do a much better job. Also you get ETTL-II which I don't think you can get with the 420EX.


Lou

[Bruce Watson]

just be aware that the sigma flash is not 100% on any canon digital body... it will work 99% of the time, however there may still be a glitch here or there

ive seen it myself on promaster digital flashes, the ettl light on them never seems to light up when used on a canon flash.

at this point, the only flashes that are 100% ok to use for digital are the 420, 550 and 580 that i know of - i do know the 540 won't work

I have never had a "glitch" with either of my Sigmas on the G2, 300D, 10D or 20D.

Not to say it cannot happen, but I have not witnessed any in literally thousands of shots.

YMMV.

[C.S.I.]

just be aware that the sigma flash is not 100% on any canon digital body... it will work 99% of the time, however there may still be a glitch here or there

ive seen it myself on promaster digital flashes, the ettl light on them never seems to light up when used on a canon flash.

at this point, the only flashes that are 100% ok to use for digital are the 420, 550 and 580 that i know of - i do know the 540 won't work




no glitches here........

[2new]

I just ordered the NEW Sigma EF-500 DG Super E-TTL II. It is suppossed to arrive today. for the ammount of flash photography I do i could not see myself spending double the cash. The specs indicate a longer interval between shots for the flash too recharge but for my needs I am hoping it will be more than enough.