What does the Sigma 530dg super have that the Canon 430exII doesn't have?

[amadain]

I am stuck in a rut, i can't find any decent reviews of the Sigma 530dg super online, and want to know is there anything extra the sigma has over the canon 430ex ii???

i need to buy a flash by this friday so I'm going shopping for a flash pretty soon!

cheers

[Curtis N]

The Sigma has a built-in optical slave - useful for some off-camera situations but of no value if it's your only flash unit.

The Sigma can be used as an E-TTL wireless master with another Sigma as slave - again, a useless feature unless you have at least two units.

The Sigma has a slightly higher guide number (50 vs. 43 meters).

The 430EX II has superior compatibility with Canon cameras (auto zoom for crop factor cameras, adjustments via camera menu, etc.).

I have two 580EX II Speedlites but still use the Sigma as an optical slave. If I was only going to own one unit, between those two choices I would get the 430EX II.

[KarlosDaJackal]

I have a 530dg super and a 430ex.

Pros:
The 530 can be used as an optical slave, and it can be triggered by the on-camera flash because its smart. So you can do off camera flash with just 1 unit, no canon can act as a optical slave

The 530 can be an wireless master to any wireless ETTL compatible unit, I use my Sigma EF530 to control my Canon 430EX, it works perfectly.

The sigma also autozooms, although it changes its mind a lot on the 40d, it tends to zoom to the lens setting as you move the lens and then as you halfpress it then zooms to the aps-c version of what the lens is set to. It is fine on any previous model 400/30d etc. This won't matter 90% of the time as like the canon when you rotate the head to bounce the flash it zooms to 50mm regardless of the lens setting, and you can manually zoom anytime also

The 530's guide number is 53, so its got a lot more power.

The sigma is highly regarded in magazine reviews.

Cons:
AF-Assist only works with the centre focus point, the 430 supports 9 point AF

Bigger than the 430 and not built quite as well. It is sturdy and will take some abuse but the plastics although perfect for the job have a cheap feel to them.

Its not got a canon label on it so when on POTN you will have to put up with people telling you its not as good even though it might actually be better, and constant rumours that this or that might not work (when if fact they do work)

Honestly between a 430EX and EF530 I could not pick one, the 530 might have better long term appeal with flexible wireless options, but short term the 430 has 9 point af support. Having both the 530 is on my camera most of the time, and the 430 is either on the spare body, left at home, or brought along to act as a slave.

2 buttons, One to change height angle, another button to rotate, the canon does it all with one button.

[Ry-Cam]

I have two friends with Rebel XSi's (450D) who have each had them for that amount of time it takes to realize "I need a flash". So I am faced with two people within one week asking for cheap flash recommendations. I have the 430EX and 580EX II and they are both familiar with them, and the differences, but both would prefer to pay less of course.

In Canada, the Sigma 530DG Super is retailing for the same price as the Canon 430EX II, but appears to have more features.

Thanks, Curtis, and Karlos, for your information. I think we'll go see one at the store tomorrow.

(I would love it if I could sell my 430EX and upgrade to another 580EX II. For me, the name brand wins. Can't justify it right now though. Need a full frame digital first.)

Update: I picked up a used 420EX locally for the one friend and the other will likely buy a new 430EX II. The sales staff at the store didn't know anything about the Sigma and I'm not going to convince him to get it, he can afford the 430EX II and he'll be more than happy with it.