sigma dg 500 super or 420ex???

Hi,
I can get either of these for the same price - is there any reason not to get the sigma for my 1dmk2?

thanks...

Because it's a Sigma. I'm sure it's an okay flash and I'm equally sure someone is super-pleased with theirs and think I'm beating their first-born child for saying that, but I prefer Canon equipment on my Canon cameras.

This thread may also interest you: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=48838

RFM

My first born thanks you for not beating him.

I would have to agree; if I ever invest the kind of $ that camera costs I would go top of the line OEM accessory all the way.

Cheers,

Bruce
(a happy 300/20D and Sigma owner).

I have both the 550EX and the Sigma EF-500 DG Super. The build quality of the 550EX is perceptible better than the SIGMA, functionally, they are about identical in features and performance. I use them both on an EOS 10-D and EOS-3 and I can not tell from looking at a photograph which was taken with which. The advantage of the Sigma over the 420 is the additional power and it's ability to function as either a master or slave in a two flash setup. If cost is not an issue, I would recommend the 580EX, however, since the 580EX wasn't mentioned in your original post I would assume cost is important and would therefore recommend the Sigma over the less powerful 420. But then opinions are like rear ends, we all have one.

I read somewhere that the sigma only uses the centre focus point, whereas the canon uses them all. Not sure if that would make a great deal of difference.

Can someone fully explain what would be needed to operate each flash wirelessly?

Do we need that Canon Hot shoe add on for the flash, It is some sort of infra red device, to control the flash?


Can the 550 (420) ex control the sigma?

Can the sigma control the 550 (420)ex?

wireless

IR is built into the flashes (both brands). That is what communicates between them.

My understanding is that they are compatible, sharing the same comms. protocol.

I don't know about the 420 being able to control, but 500 and 550 can work together as master/slave.

420 can't function as a master, only as a slave in a multi-light configuration (without adding accessories).

I've had both of these flashes.
First I had the Sigma until I broken its shoe, afterwards I bougth the Canon 420. I can tell you that the 420 is much nicer !!!
The size is much more compact, quality construction is better, exposure is always rigth (almost), power is more than enough, and the aditional functions (exposure correction, etc...) are not required because most of them are already included in your 10D.
Only missing function is the possibility to work as a master flash, but you don´t need it in your first flash!!. You must have 2 flashes to do master/slave flash.... so if tomorrow you need such a system, then you can buy later the Sigma !
For the moment I suppose you will have only 1 flash, so I recommend you the Canon.

It doesn't matter if it's OEM. Does it work to expectation is the key. That's like keeping your OEM car radio just because the factory put it in. I prefer to put one in that has all the features I want and cost the same or less (IE 420EX vs Sigma 500).

I strongly suggest you go with the Sigma (DG Super model NOT ST) because it works very well within the EOS family.

Anyway, I sold my 420EX to buy the Sigma DG 500 Super because it is closer in functionality to the Canon 550EX. The build quality it not as good, but as I always say any how, I'm not throwing it against the wall or slamming it on the floor so I'm not worried about the build. It's sturdy enough for wedding work so it's sturdy enough for everyday use. I like the Sigma a lot and it works well within the slave/master environment of the 550EX and 420EX.