Sigma EF-530 DG Super - good option?

The new Sigma EF-530 DG Super looks a great bang per buck option given I can get it cheaper than the Canon 430EX ... anyone got experience with it? I've had a Sigma 500 and Canon 430 before but used them very little. Both did a fine job when I did need one. Will only use it indoors when needed but ya never know I could get a bit sofisticated and learn how to use it proper sometime, so would welcome a flash with some room to grow. Don't want to spend wads out on a 580 or whatever.

Far as I can tell, it's just like the EF-500 DG Super, with another 3 meters on the guide number. No biggie.

I think the Sigma units are good bang-for-buck options.

The only gripes I have about it (assuming it's very similar to my 500 super) is the FP mode won't stay on if the shutter speed drops below sync speed (this is very frustrating when you're in AV mode and shutter speed hovers between 250 and 320), and it doesn't have good stop positions for use with my stofen omnibounce (ie. it won't stay at a 45deg. angle). Other than that, it should be an excellent flash. I'm trying to decide right now whether to keep mine or sell it and take advantage of the current good prices on the 580EX II.

I went for the 530 EF over the 430 EX and I'm happy with it. I also had the 430EX before and the Sigma will work just the same as the 430 EX as a slave in e-ttl. Mine doesn't work good as a master with my 550ex. I don't know how it would work as Master/Slave with newer models of Canon or another Sigma since I haven't tested it. I find myself doing more manual flash and the optical slave is great.

Dan

I have two 530 supers(going for a strobist setup) so far so good....i dont think im at the level yet where i would be able to tell the difference between different flash makes/models.
Its all "exspensive experimenting" for me

Yeah ... same here. Flash never appealed but sometimes you need it. Cheers for the views fella's and keep 'em coming

prime80 wrote in post #4326449
The only gripes I have about it (assuming it's very similar to my 500 super) is the FP mode won't stay on if the shutter speed drops below sync speed (this is very frustrating when you're in AV mode and shutter speed hovers between 250 and 320), and it doesn't have good stop positions for use with my stofen omnibounce (ie. it won't stay at a 45deg. angle). Other than that, it should be an excellent flash. I'm trying to decide right now whether to keep mine or sell it and take advantage of the current good prices on the 580EX II.

This is my biggest gripe about the Sigma flashes as well and the reason I chose the Canon instead. I frequently use the flash outdoors and need HSS, but might move to an area where my shutter speed would drop below sync speed. I don't have a safety shift feature on my XT so I would have some very overexposed shots when I shift back out into the brighter light.

Canon offers better value for money. Sigma is a cheap knock-off that costs too much for what it is.

Could you kindly clarify in what ways the nearest priced Canon 430EX will offer a better specification and/or performance and is your view based on experience of using both specific models? Thanks.

kevie wrote in post #4326556
I have two 530 supers

Can you verify if the 530 Super still has that annoying quirk with FP Flash (high speed sync) that Prime80 mentioned?

condyk wrote in post #4326966
Could you kindly clarify in what ways the nearest priced Canon 430EX will offer a better specification and/or performance and is your view based on experience of using both specific models? Thanks.

I have not used the Sigma. I go by my experience of off-brand goods with my Canon system.

I have a 430EX, a 420EX, an STE-2 and two 580EX2s and thus I believe I know the Canon flash system pretty much.

Communication issues between camera and off-brand goods are common. I had the problem with a Tamron lens so I got shot of that lens and replaced it with a Canon lens. No problems at all using a Canon lens.

I purchased off-brand remotes to control my Canon flashes - nope - they didn't work despite many people on the forum swearing that theirs do.

Years ago I purchased an off-brand motor drive for my camera. I tossed it out in the end and bought the proper drive. The off-brand had so many issues that were minor niggles at the beginning that I thought I could get used to but which really caused headaches that I just had to make the change. After I did, all was bliss.

I have so much experience of off-brand being trash that I just don't even look at off brand any more unless it's dirt cheap and I mean less than 10% of the real stuff so that it doesn't matter if I then have to buy the real stuff.

I saw a woman using a Sigma 500 Super one day. She was fighting and cursing the thing. I think she'd have been far better paying the extra wad and doing without the frustration, limitation and hassle.

Remember - if you buy off-brand then you have two issues to consider beforehand:
1. If it turns out to be the most aggravating piece of trash you've ever had, can you sell it for anything like what you paid or is it just wasted money and you'll have to pony up the real price in addition to that which you've just thrown away?
2. If it turns out to be the most aggravating piece of trash you've ever had, can you live with it until you can afford the thing your should have bought in the first place?

condyk wrote in post #4326966
Could you kindly clarify in what ways the nearest priced Canon 430EX will offer a better specification and/or performance and is your view based on experience of using both specific models? Thanks.

Take a look at this comparison table.
I created it just for you.
Now you owe me.

rhys wrote in post #4327092
I saw a woman using a Sigma 500 Super one day. She was fighting and cursing the thing.

Hang around this forum for awhile, and you'll see people cursing plenty of Canon stuff too. Flash photography is complicated and frustrations usually come down to operator error and lack of understanding.

Truth be told, the Sigma Super or the 430EX are similarly priced and either one will get the job done for 99% of the flash shots most people take.

I will agree though that the build quality of genuine Canon Speedlites is probably superior to the Sigma, and Canon units tend to hold their resale value better.

rhys wrote in post #4327092
I have not used the Sigma.

Ok, thanks ...

Curtis N wrote in post #4327163
Take a look at this comparison table.
I created it just for you.
Now you owe me.

Cheers King Curt ... I'm not very good with numbers and specs and such. More a right brain kinda guy, but I appreciate your generosity Seems the Sigma is a decent option but the 430EX is lighter and I like to travel light. I shall ponder a while ...

Curtis it still has that bad feature. One thing I noticed over the 550ex is that it appears that the 530EF adjusts for the 1.6 factor in the zoom. Not having the 500ef Super I don't know if this is new.

condyk,
Just for your info the manuals are exactly the (500/530) and the 500 can be downloaded at Sigma.

Good luck in your decision

Dan

dch0719 wrote in post #4327367
Good lick in your decision

Hmmm ... I suppose that's one way of choosing