Trying to make a choice - help a noob, please.

B&H is currently offering the Speedlite 430 EX II for $239 with an instant rebate.
Looking at EOS compatible flashes, they have a Sigma EF-530 DG ST E-TTL for only $152 with instant rebate.

I know that I want to expand to external flash, but don't yet know much about it. I've been hearing great things about the Speedlite, but the Sigma also gets good user reviews. They seem fairly comparable to me, based on specs, but is there a significant advantage to getting the Speedlite? Is the price differential about superiority or is it more about the brand? Basically, will I notice the difference and regret not spending the extra $90?

Right now, what I need is a flash that is decently easy for me to use now that I can grow with.

Thanks.

I think you'll find many happy owners of both units on this forum.

The Canon Speedlites are built better and designed to last longer. It's easy to justify their price on that basis, yet the Sigma might last for years, too. It depends on how hard you use it.

The Sigma ST (not Super) unit is lacking several features found in the 430EX. These include high speed sync, a useful manual mode, and the ability to use it off-camera.

dont be silly go for the 430 EX for sure!

I dont know what to say about both flashes... but in my opinion, definitely go with the canon 430EX II. Its build quality is nice, and its smart as hell! playing with the manual modes, and fact that it can be used off its camera shoe allows for more flexibility and play and it lets you have your foot into the strobist way of life. hahaha.

Curtis N wrote in post #7019425
The Sigma ST (not Super) unit is lacking several features found in the 430EX. These include high speed sync, a useful manual mode, and the ability to use it off-camera.

I guess I am a little confused. I though sync speed was dependent on the body you were using, and any flash with a hot shoe could be used off-camera with one of these gizmos.

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danir.photography wrote in post #7020069
I guess I am a little confused. I though sync speed was dependent on the body you were using, and any flash with a hot shoe could be used off-camera with one of these gizmos.

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The manual mode issue is of great interest. Where do you think the Sigma is lacking?

Not all flashes are capable of highspeed sync and as for using off camera you can get the flash "off camera" with once of those gizmos but you will loose all of the brains in the flash when you do. The canon can function off camera with full TTL.

danir.photography wrote in post #7020069
I guess I am a little confused. I though sync speed was dependent on the body you were using,

High speed sync, otherwise known as FP flash, is a special capability of Canon EX Speedlites and some aftermarket E-TTL flash units that allows use of shutter speeds faster than the camera's X-sync speed. More info in Chapter 4 of Flash Photography 101.

You would think so, but no such luck. There are many aftermarket E-TTL compatible flash units that simply will not fire unless they're connected to the E-TTL hotshoe of a dedicated camera.

FYI, the two capabilities we're discussing are features of the Sigma EF-530 DG ST's more expensive brother, the Sigma EF-530 DG Super.

I have a genuine Canon as my first flash and got a Sigma as a second flash (see my sig). I am intimately familiar with both flashes (No, I don't sleep with them.) and seem to have used them in more ways than many posters on this forum would. Also I have read the manuals several times as well. That said, I would recommend that your first or primary flash be a genuine Canon one. I think it is well worth it to spend the extra bucks for the Canon.

If you are serious about expanding your flash capability in the future get the 430. After you get some practice in with the ettl you might want to get a 580 and go wireless.

Curtis N wrote in post #7020152
High speed sync, otherwise known as FP flash, is a special capability of Canon EX Speedlites and some aftermarket E-TTL flash units that allows use of shutter speeds faster than the camera's X-sync speed.

There are many aftermarket E-TTL compatible flash units that simply will not fire unless they're connected to the E-TTL hotshoe of a dedicated camera.

FYI, the two capabilities we're discussing are features of the Sigma EF-530 DG ST's more expensive brother, the Sigma EF-530 DG Super.

Would you know if the Sunpak PZ42X has these features? It seems more powerful than the 430 and has several manual controls, and weighs and costs less.

Dunno about the Sunpak, but the Sigma EF-530 DG Super has these features, is more powerful than the 430, has too many manual controls, has an internal optical trigger and costs less than the 430 EX II.

40Dude6aedyk wrote in post #7020517
Dunno about the Sunpak, but the Sigma EF-530 DG Super has these features, is more powerful than the 430, has too many manual controls, has an internal optical trigger and costs less than the 430 EX II.

Of the three flashes discussed to this point (the 430, Sigma Super, and Sunpak), the Sigma gets the most mixed reviews, though the sample size is very small. The current price difference between the Canon and Sigma Super is $24.

The Sunpak seems to be liked by its users, but it's out-of-stock, at least on B&H. I have yet to look at Amazon. I live in NY, so I'd like to be able to go into the store and have a look at them, thus B&H.

Thanks to all who've replied. Keep it coming - the rebates are in effect until 1/17, so I have some deliberation time.

KPBara wrote in post #7020411
Would you know if the Sunpak PZ42X has these features?

If the features aren't specifically mentioned in the product description, then I would assume not.

40Dude6aedyk wrote in post #7020517
Dunno about the Sunpak, but the Sigma EF-530 DG Super has these features, is more powerful than the 430, has too many manual controls, has an internal optical trigger and costs less than the 430 EX II.

Would you explain why, in an earlier post, you still recommend the Canon as primary flash? Is it build quality, future compatibility, etc?

Curtis N wrote in post #7023440
If the features aren't specifically mentioned in the product description, then I would assume not.

Thanks, and thanks for your helpful tutorials, which I have to study in more detail.
Meanwhile, could you tell me how to compare GN at different zoom ranges? The Sunpak's GN is 42M at 35mm, which seems more powerful then the Canon 430's GN of 43M at 105mm. If so, I might get better fill flash with the Sunpak with stopped down aperture vs. the Canon with HSS?

KPBara wrote in post #7024448
Meanwhile, could you tell me how to compare GN at different zoom ranges? The Sunpak's GN is 42M at 35mm, which seems more powerful then the Canon 430's GN of 43M at 105mm.

You're correct. Here is the full list of guide numbers for the 430EX:
At 14mm (with the flip-down diffuser in place) the guide number is 11.
At 24mm the guide number is 25.
At 28mm the guide number is 27.
At 35mm the guide number is 31.
At 50mm the guide number is 34.
At 70mm the guide number is 37.
At 80mm the guide number is 40.
At 105mm the guide number is 43.

The Sunpak has more raw power.