Sigma flashes, ETTL-II with non-ETTL-II, etc.

[dphoto]

I have a 550EX for my 300D and I got the ST-E2 for Christmas (it was a good year). I'm also probably (99.99% sure) going to upgrade to the 20D and my wife will inherit my 300D. I want to buy another flash for two reasons: (1) my wife and I will both be able to use an external flash on our cameras at the same time, and (2) I can use two flashes with the ST-E2 for a very portable (yet cool) lighting setup. I am currently considering the following five: 580EX ($440), 550EX ($320), 420EX ($165), Sigma EF-500 DG Super ($200), and the Sigma EF-500 DG ST ($150). I have read about each of these, and I have read posts on this board about these. Still, a difficult decision.

First of all, is there anything wrong with the Sigma EF-500 DG ST? For $200, it supports ETTL-II and full manual control. I believe its recycle times are much slower than the 580EX. Also, can it be used as a slave with either the 550EX or the ST-E2? In particular, with the ST-E2, can lighting ratios be used? That's a function of the ST-E2, so I would think that should work. It cannot be used as a master, however, correct? So what would the downside of the Sigma flash be? Slower recycle times?

Also, what if I'm using a two flash setup, and one flash supports ETTL-II and one does not. Is that going to be any type of problem with the 20D? ETTL-II sounds cool, but I'm not sure it's such a big deal to me. If the Sigma flash isn't going to work in a multi-flash system, I may just opt for the 420EX since the 580EX is almost three times as expensive.

Finally, my father-in-law has a 300D and wants an external flash. He's not concerned with multi-flash setups or anything like that. It looks like the Sigma flash would be good for him, but once again, are there any problems with that flash not working all the time?

Thanks, and sorry for any redundancy with other posts, it just seems that there is no definitive answer on this.

-Deva

[PacAce]

First of all, is there anything wrong with the Sigma EF-500 DG ST? For $200, it supports ETTL-II and full manual control. I believe its recycle times are much slower than the 580EX. Also, can it be used as a slave with either the 550EX or the ST-E2? In particular, with the ST-E2, can lighting ratios be used? That's a function of the ST-E2, so I would think that should work. It cannot be used as a master, however, correct? So what would the downside of the Sigma flash be? Slower recycle times?

Just as an FYI, according to B&H Photo specs on the 550EX and the 500 DG Super, the 500 DG Super has a faster recycle time (6 seconds in normal mode) than the 550EX (8 seconds).

And, according the Sigma Japan, the 500 DG Super can be used as both master and slave:

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/flash/flash_500_super.htm


Also, what if I'm using a two flash setup, and one flash supports ETTL-II and one does not. Is that going to be any type of problem with the 20D? ETTL-II sounds cool, but I'm not sure it's such a big deal to me. If the Sigma flash isn't going to work in a multi-flash system, I may just opt for the 420EX since the 580EX is almost three times as expensive.

ETTL-II is a function of the camera body (like the 20D, 1DmkII, etc.) and not built into the flash. All flashes you are considering will support ETTL-II if they are used with ETTL-II cameras.

[dphoto]

Thanks for the info Leo.

And, according the Sigma Japan, the 500 DG Super can be used as both master and slave:
In that article, they stated it could be used as a master or slave so long as another 500 DG Super was being used. I want to know if it is compatible as a master/slave with a Canon 550EX.

ETTL-II is a function of the camera body (like the 20D, 1DmkII, etc.) and not built into the flash. All flashes you are considering will support ETTL-II if they are used with ETTL-II cameras.
Sheesh, all that reading and I didn't gather that... what's wrong with me? OK, so ETTL-II can work with any ETTL flash. Well, then what's the big deal about the 580EX? It's a little smaller and lighter... and slightly more powerful... that's it? For $400+? I suppose if you use it all the time, that would be important.

Thanks again,
-Deva

[Bruce Watson]

Yes, the Sigma will work with Canon units in master/slave function, i.e. the STE2, 550EX and 500 Super DG.

[dphoto]

Wow, thanks! Well, it would seem that the Sigma Super would be a great buy over the 580EX in terms of value for the money. But I still feel that I'm missing something... anyone out there bought the Sigma Super over the 580EX?

Thanks,
-Deva

[photoshooter]

i own a 500 and it is great have it on a d60 i do racing pics and the drivers complain its so bright its recycle time is not the fastest but use rechargeables its about 5 or 6 secs

[C.S.I.]

I also have the 500 DG super for my 300D....no complaints here.....I couldnt justify the cost of the 580EX at this point in my photo journey (still very much a noob)....but my exposures come out great in [] mode!

[dphoto]

Hey, thanks for your replies!

I've decided to give the Sigma super a try. I figure I'll order it and then try it with my 550EX and my ST-E2. If it doesn't work, I should be able to exchange it for the 420EX... I hope!

Thanks again!
-Deva

[Andy_T]

Hi,

can anyone enlighten me what is the difference between the Sigma DG 500 ST and the Sigma DG 500 Super (apart from $ 50 in price :lol: )

Best regards,
Andy

[PacAce]

Hi,

can anyone enlighten me what is the difference between the Sigma DG 500 ST and the Sigma DG 500 Super (apart from $ 50 in price :lol: )

Best regards,
Andy

ST is to Super as 420EX is to 550EX.

[photoshooter]

i won mine off ebay thought i won a super ended up being a st i called sigma and they told me not much differents at all the power is exactley the same the super can bend different ways is about the only differents