canon 430ex or sigma 500 super

Advice please.

I don't know much about the Sigma, but i have the 430 EX for my G6, and i absolutely love it. This is my first flash, and i have actually only have had it for 2 days, but it's a very good accesory. You'll definately distinguish the difference between the built in flash as compared to this one.

I have the 500 DG Super and love it. It's a bit more powerful than the 430 EX, for the same money or less.

Read up on the specifications of each, to determine which might best meet your needs. If there's a specific feature you don't understand, the folks here can help. Both units are well-built and will perform as their specifications indicate.

Then compare price.

I think the Sigma will be a hands-down winner, in fact I think it compares well with the much higher-priced 580EX, but it may depend on how you use it and what features you'll need. Keep in mind that as your skill and experience level improve, the more you will be able to take advantage of certain features.

Canon's website doesn't say whether or not the 430EX has high-speed sync (FP flash). It's one capability of the Sigma that I wouldn't want to be without.

Thanks for the info, I think I will save for a bit longer and get the higher spec canon

John,
Sigma EF-500 DG ST E-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 165'/50 m at 105mm) for Canon EOS with E-TTL II

Is this the same flash unit as yours? Its from B&H and sells $139.00US.
I'm also looking for a good all around flash and was thinking about the 430ex but I've heard good things about Sigma and I'm all for saving a few $$s when I can.
Thanks,
Larry M.

DG ST and DG Super are two different animals. The Super runs, IIRC, around $200 at B&H. ISTR the ST doesn't do wireless, either as master or as slave, while the Super does both.

Yes, there are several differences between the ST and the Super. In addition to the wireless master/slave capability that Jon mentioned, the Super has a greater range of manual power settings, high-speed sync (FP flash) and a few other bells & whistles.

I love my Sigma 500 DG Super and the cycle time is really good in most situations.

It does, and I have found it to be very helpful in alot of situations.

Thanks Jon, Curtis and m3incorp for your input.
I've looked at them and they seem pretty close in the specs, except on the recycle times, 3.7 seconds on the 430EX and 6 seconds on both the 580EX and Sigma EF-500 DG Super. Six seconds seems like a long time but then I don't have anything to compare it to.

Larry M.

You're right, it does seem like a long time, but I'm sure you're smart enough not to use alkaline batteries.

I just did some test timing with my Sigma Super, using the test button while set to full power manual mode. Recycle time was 3 1/2 to 4 seconds with not-fully-charged 2200mah NiMH batteries. This is consistent with the specs on Sigma's site.

Keep in mind that it will require that much time ONLY if the flash fires at full power. I'm sure there are some people for whom recycle time is a critical detail.

I rarely use full power on the flash, cycle time on the 580 is usually a second or two. If i'm in a real hurry I have the CP-E3 which does a full charge in less time than I can measure. Beware though, the cord on that thing's a bit short. Also I think it's for the 550/580 only, don't think the Sigma or 430 have a high voltage port.

Isn't the cycle time a bit shorter with rechargeable batteries ?

Yes.