Whats the difference

[imax]

between these three flash units besides the price. It's time to get a flash and cash flow is tight. Is there a big difference between the units? Anyone using the sigma or quantaray havything positive or negative to say about them?


Quantaray - QDC-900WA Digital Zoom Flash for Canon Digital Rebel (http://www.wolfcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13161353&bct=t1004%3Bc5849722)
Canon - 580EX Speedlite Flash (http://www.wolfcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13176801&bct=t1004%3Bc5849722)
Sigma - EF-500 DG Super Flash (http://www.wolfcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13035165&bct=t1004%3Bc5849722)


Thanks for any input that you may have!

Joe B

[luckyrwe]

If cash is tight look at the 420EX and 550EX Canon flash models. The 550EX is 95% the flash the 580EX is.

[ian408]

Perhaps someone who's more familiar with flash will reply.

One thing I'd be curious to know is what are you planning to shoot
with the flash?

The 550/580 would make a fine primary flash. The 420's, while not as
powerful, will do well for most things.

As far as the Sigma or Quantaray, I've only read reviews and many give
the Sigma the nod for price and performance. Some knock it for quality
though "quality" is not well defined by the comments.

Ian

[gtc]

I'm interested too- I want something to put on a Canon 20d for macro purposes.

The 420 looks like it would be enough. Does anyone have any experience with these for macro? I would be using it as a broad source over the lens.

There are quite a few on the secondhand market for a reasonable price.

[pathfinder]

I'm interested too- I want something to put on a Canon 20d for macro purposes.

The 420 looks like it would be enough. Does anyone have any experience with these for macro? I would be using it as a broad source over the lens.

There are quite a few on the secondhand market for a reasonable price.

I know you hate to hear this, as the 580EX is more expensive - but I think the 580EX will do a much better job for macro than the 420. The 580EX just seems to have better control over the correct exposure. This was captured with a 580EX off camera with a silver reflector out of doors and in the wind.
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/27857241-L.jpg

[gtc]

Thanks for the reply-have you used the 420 for macro?

If so a comparison shot would be interesting.


I know you hate to hear this, as the 580EX is more expensive - but I think the 580EX will do a much better job for macro than the 420. The 580EX just seems to have better control over the correct exposure. This was captured with a 580EX off camera with a silver reflector out of doors and in the wind.
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/27857241-L.jpg

[luckyrwe]

I have had the 420, 550 and 580. I always get the latest flash because they just keep getting better and better. A good buddy has the Sigma flash and says it is as good as the Canon at a lower price, so if money is part of your math then consider that.