NEW (relatively) Sigma Ring Flash

[CyberDyneSystems]

Somehow I have missed this,... at $350.00 at B&H it isn't cheap,. but it's some savings over the Canon unit.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/images/FlashesImage/23_small.jpg

Sigma claims it will function as a Master Unit with other Sigma wireless enabled flash units like the 500 Super,. thus we would presume that it will function as master for Canon speedlights as well :)

Sigma claims it to be fully Canon ETTL/ETTL-II compatible ;)



http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3258

Anyone try one yet?

[PacAce]

This must really be new. I don't think this was listed at their site last week when I was checking their other two flashes.

[CyberDyneSystems]

They have a whole new site up.. (Sigma) I found it checking out the new site,.. Must have put this flash up when the new design went online.

I was shocked to see B&H allready stocks it.

[FlyingPete]

Sigma claims it to be fully Canon ETTL/ETTL-II compatible ;)


Yep until the next EOS body is released :rolleyes:

[phili1]

Hey that is a $100 buck savings over Canon.

[Bruce Watson]

I bought one about a month ago from BH.

Yes, it will act as a master for other Sigma/Canon flashes and I have used it as such with my two 500 DG Supers.

I haven't had much time to try out the macro capabilities due to it being budget time at work (meaning long hours, no camera time).

However, the few shots I have taken are fine for exposure.

[nigelch]

I have bought one of these to use with my 20D. Seems to work fine, gives the "ETTL" signal on the LCD to tell you it is "talking" to the camera. Doesn't seem to work with my new Tamron 90SP Di macro lens. Just bangs away at full power. Is it the lens? I did see somewhere (?) about another lens that "the new lens is ETTL ready..." Does this mean that lenses have to be specific to work with the new Canon flash system?
(Yes, I know........ I bought this 'cos it was a lot cheaper than a Canon setup).
N

[CyberDyneSystems]

The lens should not matter?
You might lose "ETTL2" functionality,. in fact I'm sure you will,. but it should default to Canon's standard ETTL in that case.

What modes/settings are you shooting in?

[nigelch]

I have tried Full auto and Program, as instructed in the flash documentation. Gives massive overexposure closeup, and when I view the shot info, it tells me it was shot at f4!
I have used it in full manual, and it gives me about f11 at 1:1 at 200 ISO. Allowing for the focal length and therefore the working distance, this seems about right.
So; conclusion must be that something isn't talking to something else. If I shoot it at my cat (!) I see the pre-flash in the cats eyes just before the shutter fires, so that bit is working.
Must admit, it baffles me. I have spent years shooting close up with inverse square calculations, and thought that for once I would use modern technology to solve all that once and for all. Not quite that simple!
Thanks for your reply,
N

[nigelch]

IO have researched this a bit further. If I shoot on Auto or program as recommended by Sigma, it doesn't work. If I shoot in Av or Tv, I get the results you would expect inside, ie the camera does its stuff, and the flash does its stuff, but ne'er the twain shall meet. IF, however, I work in full Manual on the camera, the flash does seem to give the correct results from 1/60 at f2.8 all the way to 1/60 at f16. Hardly what I would call dedicated auto though......
N

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'd send it back.. this does not sound good at all.

It may be interesting to try it with a different lens.. if at all posible, even if it's not a macro, to eliminate the lens as the issue..

But frankly,. I can't understand how the lens could be the problem.

[mgbeach]

are units like this any good for fashion/ portraiture? Or are they just not powerful enough? I've seen the very expensive ring flashes and was wondering if I oculd get by with somthing like this. Any examples would be great if someone's got them.

[CyberDyneSystems]

My understanding is that the units they use for fashion shooting are about 5 times as bright as these macro lights...

[nigelch]

1) Since I was always a bit sceptical about using hi-tech solutions, I think I will probably stick with the setup here that works and forget all the dedication nonsense. I DO know that if I set the 20D to Manual, and then bash away, the flash will give me correct exposure.
2) Yes, tried it with a 24-70 f2.8 L, no difference, still doesn't work.
3) You can shoot fashion as long as you have a) a reflective studio, b) an f2 lens, and c) fast film!
3a) Fashion; Easier solution is to use two studio flash units with square brollies, place them side-by-side with the brollies touching, and then poke the lens (with a GOD HOOD) between the brollies. gives you pseudo ringflash effect and LOTS of power.