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06/03/2007 07:59:06 AM · #1 |
| I need to get a flash but I don't have a fortune to spend on a 580ex. Is this Sigma unit good enough? What should I look for when buying a flash? Sorry for the noob questions but I don't know much of anything about flashes. Thanks! |
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06/03/2007 08:44:01 AM · #2 |
The Sigma is a good, lower priced alternative to the 580EX, you'll find that it is not a solid as the Canon units, but unless you're tough on your equipment, it really won't matter.
Another lower price alternative would be the Canon 430EX, which is not as powerful and lacks the capability to control other flash units wirelessly. That may or may not be an issue for you, since you're just getting started with flash, I would think it would not be important yet.
If you're not averse to buying used gear, a 550EX in good shape would be another good option.
Since price is an issue, I'd avoid the Metz units. They're great flash units, but as expensive or more so than the Canon flashes.
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06/03/2007 09:21:16 AM · #3 |
| I have the Sigma and have had no issues with it ... so far it's performed really well ... definitely worth the price ... |
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06/03/2007 09:37:42 AM · #4 |
The only real problem I found with the Sigma was its FP mode, which auto-cancels if the shutter speed metered falls below 1/200 (if I remember correctly). This means that, if one is wandering around in fairly bright light in, say, Av mode shooting with fill-flash, the FP mode will keep dropping out at awkward moments. On the 430, for instance, it stays engaged no matter what.
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06/03/2007 03:42:31 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Mr_Pants:
The only real problem I found with the Sigma was its FP mode, which auto-cancels if the shutter speed metered falls below 1/200 (if I remember correctly). This means that, if one is wandering around in fairly bright light in, say, Av mode shooting with fill-flash, the FP mode will keep dropping out at awkward moments. On the 430, for instance, it stays engaged no matter what. |
Is the FP mode something that can be turned off? Or is just part of the way the unit works? Thanks for the info everyone! |
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06/03/2007 04:04:33 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by A4wheelin:
Is the FP mode something that can be turned off? Or is just part of the way the unit works? Thanks for the info everyone! |
You can disable it. FP mode is only used when the shutter speed is faster than the sync speed. It compromises a higher sync speed with a lower flash output. Both the Sigma and the Canon can do it. To be honest, I can't even remember a time when I used it. The huge plus to the Sigma is the built in optical slave. This means that you can trigger the flash remotely with your on board flash, although it would be an entirely manual setting for the remote flash.
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06/03/2007 05:25:26 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
Originally posted by A4wheelin:
Is the FP mode something that can be turned off? Or is just part of the way the unit works? Thanks for the info everyone! |
You can disable it. FP mode is only used when the shutter speed is faster than the sync speed. It compromises a higher sync speed with a lower flash output. Both the Sigma and the Canon can do it. To be honest, I can't even remember a time when I used it. The huge plus to the Sigma is the built in optical slave. This means that you can trigger the flash remotely with your on board flash, although it would be an entirely manual setting for the remote flash. |
Cool thanks. The optical slave sounds like it would be handy. It actually "sees" the onboard flash and fires simultaneously? |
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06/03/2007 05:55:04 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by A4wheelin:
Cool thanks. The optical slave sounds like it would be handy. It actually "sees" the onboard flash and fires simultaneously? |
Yup, except there's the small catch of it firing off the ETTL preflash too. The workaround I've found is to use the FEL button (the *), you can have the camera fire the preflash first to meter and lock the exposure and the real flash to fire when you trigger the shutter.
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06/03/2007 06:07:19 PM · #9 |
I've been going through the same thing for about a year. I saw the 580EX Mk II was coming out and was convinced the original model would drop in price. Boy was I wrong! They've practically disappeared from all stores and the new Mk II's have increased in price by $100. I've been looking at the 430EX's lately because they are half the price. I had written a rather savvy friend back in December asking him which flash I should get, the 430EX or the 580EX (this was before the Mk II's were out) and I also said "Then there's the Sigma 500 which is only $150".... He's worked at a camera stores and currently works for a high end printer company. He wrote back with the following:
"I don’t think you will go wrong with either flash. You will probably never out grow the 580ex. I have both flashes but I tend to only you the 430ex when I need another flash to add additional light (both units can be tripped remotely) The 430ex is nice but I personally feel that the TTL works better on the 580ex than on the 430. The 580ex is more dedicated to digital cameras than the 430 is. The 430 definitely works with digital but the 580 was built around digital. If you are only going to occasionally use the flash either would work well. If you are going to start using fill flash more often I would go with the 580. The difference in price is only about $110 (only, I knowâ€Â¦..). The other way I tend to look at it is if the difference is between 100 – 150 $’s I will usually go with the top of the line unit of that time. That way when you upgrade your camera the flash will work better with it than a unit that is 2 or 3 generations behind.
I would stay away from Sigma. I like Sigma lenses but I have seen a lot of issues recently with sigma not matching up properly with Canon Cameras. I also believe that the Canon Brand Flash will allow you to fully utilize the camera. The Sigma may not."
Maybe this will help you make a decision as well.
Message edited by author 2007-06-03 18:09:22.
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06/04/2007 12:43:55 PM · #10 |
I just got the Sigma because I've read a lot of positive reviews about it on this site. If you do a search, you can probably find them.
I'm having trouble figuring out how to do fill flash with it, but I JUST got it last Thursday and have only taken a total of 12 pictures with it. It is a much more powerful flash than the 430EX, which is what I wanted. |
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