I'm looking to purchase a flash (need help)

Bassett1976 · December 28, 2007

I have a Canon Rebel XT and I'd like to look into getting a flash. I don't have a whole lot of money to spend but would like to get a descent flash for little money as possible.

Any suggestions?

z_28 · December 28, 2007

What about 550EX ?

I always prefer original stuff as possible.

OsirisPhoto · December 28, 2007

The Sigma 500 DG Super is a feature-loaded budget alternative to a Canon. I bought a 2nd hand one recently. Results are not bad, but there are the odd shots where the flash either doesn't throw enough light, or it throws out too much. Most shots are fine, but I would be reluctant to use it for any business use, e.g. weddings.

I've also just bought a Nikon SB-24 for use as an off-camera flash. - Hey, it's actually just arrived as I was typing!

There was a Canon 580EX II for sale here recently - went pretty quick though

There is a good lot of info at http://strobist.blogspot.com/ and http://jbrittphoto.blogspot.com

Scott_Quier · December 28, 2007

I have the Sigma 500 Super DG, the 580 EX, and the 580EX II. When used within their capabilities, they produce the same results. The Sigma has slightly less power to offer when compared to the mentioned Canon flashes. The metering, etc seems to be exactly the same.

I used the Sigma for my first wedding. This shot shows what is possible to get with this flash (OK it's the pick of the litter, but most of the shots were actually pretty good).

Which flash do I prefer? While I would deem the Sigma perfectly capable and reliable for the high pressure work (at a wedding, it HAS to work the first time, every time), the Canon flashes win - hands down, mostly based on just two factors (1) HSS - the Canon flashes will stay in HSS even if the shutter speed falls below 1/250 whereas the Sigma will revert to "normal", (2) Ergonomics - tilt & swivel requires the pressing of two release buttons on the Sigma; the Canon requires only 1.

FWIW - I know Ziggy very often recommends the Sigma flash.

Bassett1976 · December 28, 2007

Thank you Scott_Quier, Hyperbaric & z_28!

I'm going to look into the Sigma. I think the 550ex might be out of my price range. I might be able to get the Sigma though. Since this is a hobby and not a profession I'm not going to be working any weddings. This might be a great flash for family/friends and also for the Bassett baby coming in June.

z_28 · December 28, 2007

Sadly new Sigma cost about the same (depending on model) as used 550EX !
So maybe used Sigma ? If you will be lucky to catch one in good condition.

BikePilot · December 28, 2007

I just picked up a really old canon flash for free - my dad had it in his box of stuff from his A-1 days. Amazingly, it works on my wife's XT. I don't think it will automatically meter, but it at least goes flash and makes cool noises

have fun!

ziggy53 · December 28, 2007

BikePilot wrote:

I just picked up a really old canon flash for free - my dad had it in his box of stuff from his A-1 days. Amazingly, it works on my wife's XT. I don't think it will automatically meter, but it at least goes flash and makes cool noises

have fun!

Be carefull with older flash units on modern digital cameras. You can fry the camera if you use an older flash with excessive trigger voltage.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

BikePilot · December 28, 2007

Thanks I'll read up on it. I had no idea it could hurt the camera. Its a speedlight 199A.

BikePilot · December 28, 2007

I just found my model on the link you provided, it says its safe [insert sigh of relief]:D

Thanks again!

ziggy53 · December 28, 2007

Scott_Quier wrote:

I have the Sigma 500 Super DG, the 580 EX, and the 580EX II. When used within their capabilities, they produce the same results. The Sigma has slightly less power to offer when compared to the mentioned Canon flashes. The metering, etc seems to be exactly the same.

I used the Sigma for my first wedding. This shot shows what is possible to get with this flash (OK it's the pick of the litter, but most of the shots were actually pretty good).

Which flash do I prefer? While I would deem the Sigma perfectly capable and reliable for the high pressure work (at a wedding, it HAS to work the first time, every time), the Canon flashes win - hands down, mostly based on just two factors (1) HSS - the Canon flashes will stay in HSS even if the shutter speed falls below 1/250 whereas the Sigma will revert to "normal", (2) Ergonomics - tilt & swivel requires the pressing of two release buttons on the Sigma; the Canon requires only 1.

FWIW - I know Ziggy very often recommends the Sigma flash.

I use the Sigma EF 500 DG Super flashes for wedding work and they are very reliable and consistant. Scott is correct in that the Canon 580EX flashes are easier to use and I would rate them as more durable as well. The Canon units also support an external battery for much faster recycling.

A few examples with the Sigma flash:

cmason · December 28, 2007

Well I highly recommend the Canon 430EX...its a great flash. Not quite as strong as a 580EX, and does not offer the master capabilities for wireless multi-flash, but unless you know you need a 580EX, you will find the 430EX perfect.

You can also find the 420EX around as well, and this one is great as well, just an older model. Since there is no LCD display on the back, it isnt as user friendly but it works just fine. I picked up a used 420EX for $100.

OsirisPhoto · December 28, 2007

Ziggy / Scott,

Any idea what might be going on with my Sigma unit when it sometimes pops it's full load and sometimes doesn't expose at all (yep, flash is charged)?

(set to ETTL on manual mode, batteries good)

Like I mentioned previously, most shots are A-OK, but the odd shot of the same scene will throw a wobbly.

Scott_Quier · December 28, 2007

Hyperbaric wrote:

Ziggy / Scott,

Any idea what might be going on with my Sigma unit when it sometimes pops it's full load and sometimes doesn't expose at all (yep, flash is charged)?

(set to ETTL on manual mode, batteries good)

Like I mentioned previously, most shots are A-OK, but the odd shot of the same scene will throw a wobbly.

My first thought would be to check to ensure that the flash is completely mounted on the hotshoe. All the pins have to be in contact for the two units to communicate. Also, if they are off just a bit, the trigger pin won't get the signal and you won't get the flash.

That's just the first thought that came to mind. I'm sure Ziggy will have other/better ideas to contribute. He's the man!

yoshi · December 31, 2007

If you can get the Canon 580EX II as it's a great flash

Martyn · December 31, 2007

I'm also looking to buy a flash for a Canon. I looked and played with several models and ultimately decided to go for the 580EX II. In my opinion it is far supior to the others I looked at although it's been hard to justify the cost.

I'm now waiting until I have the money totgether, probably the end of Jan.

ian408 · December 31, 2007

If you don't need the pop of a 580, have a look at the 420/430EX. It's got a
lower light output. One of the benefits (if you need it) is that you can slave
it to the 580 (really a whole other conversation, slaves are).

I'm looking to purchase a flash (need help)

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