Maybe a dumb question..

Tim S wrote in post #15410136
This CAN be true but only if the flash is 2-3 stops above ambient. Easy to do in a poorly lit gym, not so easy to do in mid-day sun.

Ah - yes - I was meaning for shots primarily lit by the flash.

I had a similar dilemma looking for a flash a while back and made a comparison table here: https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1177087

In the end, I went for the Nissin, which I've found to be very good, and works well with the 7D or 60D.

None of the ST versions support off-camera usage.. bummer

bent toe wrote in post #15412814
None of the ST versions support off-camera usage.. bummer

If you really want one of the Sigma ST flashes you could consider the ~$60 Cactus V5 wireless transmitters. Unless you're desperate for off-camera TTL operation, they are very useful as they'll even work with the flash behind or hidden from the camera.

If you could stretch to the Nissin, you'll find you get something pretty close to the 580EXII, and the 60D will fire the flash remotely from its built-in flash, and it works well on camera too (good range of movement).

If you're frequently moving from one location to another (big changes in light levels) then TTL is useful, but it can be fooled by reflective/shiny surfaces, so I've tended to find having the flash and camera set to manual works well for taking shots of people in rooms (usually ISO 100, 1/200s, aperture and flash power set as necessary for DOF and brightness, flash bounced off a wall or ceiling). Thus the ST would do that quite well too.

I don't think it's a good idea to buy these Sigmas.

Even if you can make them work on manual with wireless triggers, the range of flash power is 1/1 to 1/16. For reference, the 430EXII has a range from 1/1 to 1/64. This will become important if you cannot have ETTL in OCF. Keep in mind that the wireless triggers will add to the cost.

I would go for the Yongnuo you can afford(565EX, 568EX). If you can afford a Nissin or a Metz, so much the better, but I think you would be getting into the used 430EXII price range.

MakisM1 wrote in post #15416187
I don't think it's a good idea to buy these Sigmas.

Even if you can make them work on manual with wireless triggers, the range of flash power is 1/1 to 1/16. For reference, the 430EXII has a range from 1/1 to 1/64. This will become important if you cannot have ETTL in OCF. Keep in mind that the wireless triggers will add to the cost.

I would go for the Yongnuo you can afford(565EX, 568EX). If you can afford a Nissin or a Metz, so much the better, but I think you would be getting into the used 430EXII price range.

Good point about the 1/16 on the Sigma. Too little control imho (I often shoot lower than that even at ISO100 in smaller rooms).

I believe that the older ST (and perhaps still) didn't take the fire signal off the center pin of the hot shoe causing problems with the use of wireless triggers. The Super variety fired off normal pin layouts. IIRC

I bought the Sigma 610 DG ST.. not the super one (it's more expensive than Canons 430) for $135..

It works great, but it is very limited... i almost instantly felt that i needed HSS when i tested it outside earlier today.
I make myself belive that i would need off-camera features.. but i have no idea when really.. i been shooting for a year without a flash, i doubt i will need it more now.