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View Full Version : Flash: choice and compatibility?

Matatazela
3rd of June 2005 (Fri), 01:45
Hi everyone.

I am an amateur, currently shooting an EOS 300 / Rebel 2000 (film) and planning to 'go digital' in a month or two, with the EOS 350D. I would like to fist purchase a flash unit and here I would appreciate some advice.

The two units that I am seriously considering are both ETTL II compatible. They are the Canon 580EX and the Sigma EF-500 Super. Problem is, the Canon is hugely expensive.

The next question is, if I purchase either of these flash units, will I be able to use it on my existing EOS 300 film camera? I know that they are compatible with the 350D, so that is my reason for wanting to go the ETTL II route.

Thanks for your time.
David1943
3rd of June 2005 (Fri), 17:14
Just purchased a 550EX and, although I'm absolutely delighted with it on my 300D + Grip, it is very big and heavy and I'd be very interested to see how it would balance when fitted to a tiny 350D.

I realise the 580EX is a bit smaller and lighter than the 550EX but I'm told this is marginal.

Were I considering a set-up such as the one you are, I'd definitely want to try it out for size before shelling out.

Regards, David
Titus213
3rd of June 2005 (Fri), 20:37
Just got my 550EX today and so far it's big and heavy. But I've been using a Sunpak 555 so perhaps the answer is to get the 550ex off the camera. It appears capable of just about anything I would want to do with it at a price well below the 580EX albeit with some loss of function, etc. And from what I see it will work in about any camera mode which the wife will appreciate.
Matatazela
6th of June 2005 (Mon), 00:14
Does that mean that the Sigma would be an even better buy, at half the price of the 550EX ?

The Sigma seems to have all the features of the 550EX.
GIrven
6th of June 2005 (Mon), 06:57
I use the 420EX on my 300D and on my 20D. For the times I need a flash it works well. Also got a difusser to soften the light when required. Looked at other makes but went for this one. Also got it off eBay and saved a few quid :D

For a higher end camera you would expect to go for the 580 but can always upgrade or keep this as a spare while I have the 300 and the 20D.