Differences between Sigma EF-500 DG's ST verses Super Model

[S230]

Can anyone tell me if there is any significant differences between Sigma's ST model verses it's Super Model. I am unable to search the web on any diagrams or additional manual on the specs but I do know that the Super model does contain a LCD screen.

Question:
- I recently purchased the ST model for $200 CND. Is that a good price?
- What does the Super Model go for (Price)
- What are the extra bells and whistles? (features)
- What is the likelyhood that these extra functions are useful?
- Where can I get documentations.
- Is it worth exchanging my ST model for the Super model?

Thanks.

[RichieHatch]

Click here for info on both:

Super version

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3257

ST Version

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

Basically the Super is Sigma's equivalent to the Canon 550/580ex and the ST is the equivalent to Canon's 420ex altough i would say the Canon equivalent is better in both cases (especially in build quality terms). I have the ST and it works ok but i should have paid a few euro extra for the extra functions of the Super.

Richie

[S230]

Click here for info on both:

Super version

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3257

ST Version

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

Basically the Super is Sigma's equivalent to the Canon 550/580ex and the ST is the equivalent to Canon's 420ex altough i would say the Canon equivalent is better in both cases (especially in build quality terms). I have the ST and it works ok but i should have paid a few euro extra for the extra functions of the Super.

Richie
Thanks. I already checked the sigma site and does not give any detailed info or photos what the two looked like in the Back. I am already swaying towards the Super model but how will I know what is the model to look for that is compatable for the 300D (Rebel).
Sigma's description is pretty confusing because aside from the "EF-500DF Super" how will I know what else to look for to see if it's compatible or has E-TTL?

[RichieHatch]

One major difference bewteen the 2 is the LCD screen on the back. The ST hasnt got one....! Both units are E-TTL compatable so you dont have to worry there. I have used the ST on both my 300D and 20D without any problems. A friend uses the Super on a 300D without problems. A couple of important festures that the Super has over the ST are Flash Exposure Compensation on the flash unit (useful as the 300D cant do this witjoit the hack) and High Speed Sync for higher than the body's flash sync speed (good for sports shots etc....)

Richie

[scottbergerphoto]

The ST lacks real Manual control.
Scott

[Cordell]

Unlike RichieHatch I am very satisfied with my Sigma Super compared to the Canon. The build quality is not up to Canon standards, but I still think it's a much better deal for the price. Besides do you plan to toss the thing around? The Super "DG" is better suited for digital as stated in a couple of reviews (don't ask me where because I picked up both of mine a year ago after researching). Apparently the ST digital reponse is not the best. The Super has manual controls that you may wont because ETTL can sometimes be difficult to understand.

[S230]

Thanks for the response. This may sound silly but what is the lifespan on these flash? It's esentially still like a light bulb and nothing lasts forever. If it does burn, is it easily replacable?

[scottbergerphoto]

Thanks for the response. This may sound silly but what is the lifespan on these flash? It's esentially still like a light bulb and nothing lasts forever. If it does burn, is it easily replacable?
Check the bottom of the EOS Flash Sticky. It's a pretty labor intensive process to change a strobe light. That being said, I believe it takes a fairly long time to burn one out unless you abuse it.
Scott

[steve547]

The ST lacks real Manual control.
Scott

What do you mean by 'real Manual control'? Can't it be set to flash at full output instead of ettl?

[DavidEB]

the non-super cannot be used in any wireless configuration (not as master, not as slave). the super can do either master or slave. To me this is the biggest difference and is enough to make the non-super unattractive. it can't grow with you.

as Scott says, the non-super lacks manual flash output control (allows full and 1/16 power but nothing in between), and I think (but am not sure) it may lack high-speed sync, strobe, and on-flash FEC.

[steve547]

Thanks David for clarifying that for me. I will probably order the ST not the Super since I almost never used slave flash in the past 30 years and don' t plan on growing any faster over the next 30. I also never used my vivitar flash on anything except full power. So for my humble needs, I'll save the $70. I would imagine you can always use it as a Master to optically trigger a slave, and they probably sell an adapter to trigger a manual flash either by light or radio wave. For anyone who has a need for wireless slaves or the high speed sync, you're right about getting the Super. I just want to be able to use it on full power manually and guide # exposure, and I got a bit nervous when Scott wrote the ST lacks manual controls. Thanks again.

[mikaelo]

I found that I alway use FEC on the flash rather then on the XT as I don't have to wade through the menus and the current setting is right there - visible at all times.

Also I use it as a background light for portrait shots using the built in optical slave. In this case the manual settings are crucial.

I have also use it when I needed to creativly move my flash, setting it off with my built in which also act as fill when turned down through the FEC and the Sigma Super hand held above in slight angle, creating a studio like 3d effect.

While these might not be common occurances for you, I feel the Super is worth the $170 i spent on it.

[krista]

I just bought the ST by accident - wanted another Super. I found that the ST will trigger the Super in flashing.

[irishguy_wi]

Just found out from Sigma today that the life span on a DG Super is approximately 5000 flashes. This number can vary depending on how it is used (frequency/succession/etc...)

So...while it is hard to count exact numbers, you probably have a good idea if you are getting close, or how often you need to send it in for service.



Thanks for the response. This may sound silly but what is the lifespan on these flash? It's esentially still like a light bulb and nothing lasts forever. If it does burn, is it easily replacable?

[S230]

Thanks for the count info. This is really important because a flash is still like a lightbulb and I nothing last forever. This will certainly give me a good benchmark to work with. 5000 is not a lot because if you do heavy wedding photography, you will probably wear one out in less than 3 months.

[lakiluno]

That isn't really many is it.

[rdsmith3]

Hmmmm ... only 5,000? I bought the Sigma EF 500 DG Super used, and I have no way of knowing how many times it was fired. That's not good.

[JaGWiRE]

ANyone know how many shots you can get on 4x fully charged NIMH batteries (say 2500 MAH) with the ST? I've been offered one at an amazing price, and I have never owned a flash before, so I am curious if this is a good choice for the XTi.

[Curtis N]

ANyone know how many shots you can get on 4x fully charged NIMH batteries (say 2500 MAH) with the ST?The specs on the Sigma Super, which has the same guide number, say 220 full power flashes with alkaline batteries and about 100 with HiMH. I wouldn't trust those numbers, since most people report significantly longer life with a singe charge of NiMH vs. alkalines.

It depends so much on the conditions and your camera settings that it's nearly impossible to answer. But in general, it will use the about same amount of power as any other flash unit producing the same amount of light. Regardless which flash unit you have, they all use only as much power as they need.

So I don't think battery drain should be a consideration when deciding on a flash unit. Get a few good sets of NiMH batteries and a charger, and blast away!

[FlashZebra]

Just found out from Sigma today that the life span on a DG Super is approximately 5000 flashes. This number can vary depending on how it is used (frequency/succession/etc...) Where did you get this "5,000 flashes" number as a life of a flash? An exact citation would be appreciated.

Personally, I find it a statistic that is very hard to believe.

Any possibility you have left off at least one or two trailing zeros?

Enjoy! Lon

[TomPhotog]

I'm thinking about buying a used flash, most likely either a Sigma 500 Super or a 550 EX.

- Any definaive word on how many flashes they are good for?

- How do I know if a flash I buy on eBay only has a few thousand flashes or less on it or not?

- And what do you do if the flash bulb burns out? Where are they sold and how much do they cost?

- Will the bulbs for these flashes still be available? The DG 500 Super and Canon 550EX are now discontinued.

[msowsun]

I just bought the ST by accident - wanted another Super. I found that the ST will trigger the Super in flashing.

The super has 2 slave systems built in. It has a regular optical slave as well a Canon compatible master/slave setup.

Your ST triggered the optical trigger of the Super. But be careful because if you are using ETTL on the ST, the preflash will fool the Super into firing at the wrong time.

[S230]

Thanks. I had bought both the Super and Canon's 580EX and they work together. Both also works with the ST-E2

[Dawid]

the non-super cannot be used in any wireless configuration (not as master, not as slave). the super can do either master or slave. To me this is the biggest difference and is enough to make the non-super unattractive. it can't grow with you.

as Scott says, the non-super lacks manual flash output control (allows full and 1/16 power but nothing in between), and I think (but am not sure) it may lack high-speed sync, strobe, and on-flash FEC.

I don't care too much about most of the differences, but if it can't be used in a wireless set up, Im not interested. Is there some way to rig it up o work with triggers?

[TomBrooklyn]

I wound up getting a Super, and it won't fire from my Cactus Wizards (ebay poverty wizards) which is quite disappointing. I have some other strobes the Cactus Wizards work with, so I know they're working.

[PacAce]

I wound up getting a Super, and it won't fire from my Cactus Wizards (ebay poverty wizards) which is quite disappointing. I have some other strobes the Cactus Wizards work with, so I know they're working.

There is a way to get the Super to trigger off a wireless remote as long as you have a hotshoe adapter to connect the wireless unit to it and the flash is set to one of the optical slave modes (dont' recall which one).

[Jon Foster]

I wound up getting a Super, and it won't fire from my Cactus Wizards (ebay poverty wizards) which is quite disappointing. I have some other strobes the Cactus Wizards work with, so I know they're working.

I've got a EF-500 DG Super and it works extremely well with the CT-301P triggers. I would assume it should work fine with the Cactus wireless option as well. Are you setting the flash unit to manual mode?

Jon.

[mufutau55]

Follow this instruction from flashzebra.com site. See the link below.
Both my CTR-301P and Cactus v2s works with my Sigma EF 500DG SUPER.

http://www.flashzebra.com/tips/supersigmamanualmode/index.shtml

Mufutau

I wound up getting a Super, and it won't fire from my Cactus Wizards (ebay poverty wizards) which is quite disappointing. I have some other strobes the Cactus Wizards work with, so I know they're working.

[TomBrooklyn]

That's good news. I'll double check my settings and try again. Thanks.