Quantaray vs. Sigma flash

[Photohio]

I'd appreciate any feedback on this from experienced users...I'm deciding between a Quantaray DCP-900WA or a Sigma EF-500 flash for my digital Rebel. They cost between $150-$179. The flashes are very simlar in features and of all Canon flashes they resemble the 420EX the most.
I'm still kind of new to the whole E-TTL issue. I can't afford a Canon flash at the moment although I really need some kind of bounce flash for my nature photography. Thanks.

[DSMITH131]

I dont know if the Quantaray would be compatiable with the digital rebel I have the Promaster 7000(about the same as the Quantaray) and it wouldnt work with my 20D I would hold out until i was sure it would work now far as the Sigma I have read nothing but good things about it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352109&is=REG
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352101&is=REG

[KevC]

I would consider saving a little bit more and buying an EF500 DG Super. It's only $199 compared to $319 of the 550EX which it has basically the same feature set.

[CyberDyneSystems]

For the Canon digitals,. you want the Sigma "Super" 500,. or Canon EX flashes,. the only other option worht considering is the pricier Metz units.

[Photohio]

I'm going to purchase the Sigma EF-500 DG Super Flash after reading the replies to my question, Thanks everybody. My girlfirend's brother's band is playing and he wants me to take some promo photos. I'm assuming it's indoors and low light (typical bar setting) so I can't wait to see the results I get with the Sigma. This is kind of a new direction for me since I normally don't use flash with outdoor nature photography but I'd like to branch out (no pun intended).
Thanks, again to everyone for the replies. They were very helpful.

[Photohio]

I'm going to purchase the Sigma EF-500 DG Super Flash after reading the replies to my question, Thanks everybody. My girlfirend's brother's band is playing and he wants me to take some promo photos. I'm assuming it's indoors and low light (typical bar setting) so I can't wait to see the results I get with the Sigma. This is kind of a new direction for me since I normally don't use flash with outdoor nature photography but I'd like to branch out (no pun intended).
Thanks, again to everyone for the replies. They were very helpful.

This summer try to remember...A little bird poop on your newly waxed vehicle is a small price to pay considering the important role birds play in our ecosystem.

[Photohio]

Hi, again, I've got another question for everyone. Since I just bought the Sigma EF-500 DG Super flash for my drebel and I have the BG-E1 battery grip and Canon's 75-300mm lens (when I'm not using my wide angle) on it, Does anyone recommend a certain model of flash bracket for this setup and will I need a sync cable to boot? Thanks!

[Photohio]

Thanks, BlooDog. I measured the dimensions of my drebel with the battery grip and it comes out to about 6x6 inches. Is there a Stroboframe equipped to handle that size? if yes, do you have a model number? I'm not at all concerned about the added weight. I'm used to carrying the drebel and battery grip on a 7 pound monopod in the park all day. Keeps the shoulders and triceps in shape, that's for sure. Appreciate any points from readers with same outfit.

[Photohio]

I've seen only photos with cameras attached to the stroboframes but I never see any dimensions given. If you say I'll have plenty of room height wise than that must mean the width will work, too, since the battery grip is the same width as the camera body itself. The drebel is actually a little smaller than a 35mm film camera. I'm watching one new in the box on eBAY now and I think I'll go for it. Thanks, Bloo Dog!

[Photohio]

Another dumb question... Concerning the sync cord for my Sigma EF-500 DG Super. How do I go about purchasing that? Do I get it from Sigma or Canon?

[HJMinard]

Another dumb question... Concerning the sync cord for my Sigma EF-500 DG Super. How do I go about purchasing that? Do I get it from Sigma or Canon?

I'm not certain if this is what you mean by "sync cord" ...

You need this Canon cord (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=12972&is=REG) for use with a flash bracket.