Buying a flash sucks!

[Shelley]

For some reason i don't want to spend much on a flash. But, i have come to the conclusion that i need at least a 430 ex for my 50d. $399 on DD-photographics (on-line), $429 from CameraHouse, do i need to spend this much?

Can anyone give me a few pointers on what i should look at. I would use the flash for family stuff, macro at times and not sure about birding though. As per usual I would look into learning more on how to use it etc.

I went into Perth - PRA imaging was closed . A couple of other shop assistants were not very helpful at the camera shops. One guy just said we don't have them, you have to go somewhere else. I asked them about the Sigma flashes EF-530dg super.

I came away with Scott Kelby Book "The Digital Photography book - vol 2". I am back to saving a bit more money and talking my husband into letting me go a bit more money.

[Ellen]

I'll be interested to hear peoples views here - a flash is the next thing on my list, but they are so expensive and I'm not sure whether I really need to buy the more expensive one or will the cheaper one do?! too many questions lol. Good luck!

[Harves]

I use the Sigma EF-530DG super, it does everything I want it to do.

[Bunyip]

I've been getting serious about speedlights recently. You should read about The two things your flash needs to have. The idea is to ensure that the flashes can be used off-camera; that's when you will get the most out of your speedlight.

[rossco]

i recently bought the 580ex11 for my canon d 20, i have to admit i bought it 2nd hand, as near new for $450.00, i thought long and hard about this you are. I decided it was much like my efforts with my tripod, i bought cheapish to start and soon enough was spending real money to get a good one that met my needs as i grew into it, i think a flash is the same story. Hope it helps.

[Buddah]

Shelley

I was in your shoes a few weeks back and just didn't have the patience to research the ins and outs of a cheaper alternative to a Canon flash. For me it was a case of whether I could stretch to a 580 EX. But, I got the 430 EXII and have used it a heap of times since. The pain of the cost was very fleeting (only cropped up briefly when the VISA statement arrived) but I am so glad I have that marvellously dependable piece of gear. For what it is and what it does I think the cost is not an issue.

But...I couldn't come at the $40-$50 for a bit of plastic masquerading as a diffuser. Instead I bodged the bottom end of a juice bottle (cost $0 - retrieved from the bin) and I reckon it does a great job. Looks a bit dodgy, though.

[Shelley]

Thanks so far for the comments - it is appreciated.

Buddah I too am pulled in the direction of the 580 ex, but cost wise i think i need to be sensible and go for the 430ex II. Thanks your thoughts on that one.

[Buddah]

I also figured that if and when it got to the stage that a 430EX was limiting what I wanted to do I could upgrade to the bigger unit and either use the 430 as a slave or sell it. By that stage I would have a far better understanding of the technology.

I appreciate Wally's analogy with tripods but I think that the 430 is a pretty decent unit to start with.

[Jimbo]

Bunyip's link is a gold mine. Go there and absorb everything in the Lighting 101 series.

Providing you're comfortable with the idea of off-camera flash, then you can pick up a 2nd hand Nikon SB-24/26/28 for under $200. But you won't be able to put it on your camera's hotshoe.

Then you'll end up with an addiction to brollies, pocket wizards, softboxes, reflectors...

[Shelley]

Its amazing how we all go thru the same thing. I was thinking that i could use the 430ex as a slave if i decided later to get the 580ex.

Bunyip thanks for that site - i actually have been checking that out and i am hooked on the possibilities. I would been interested in what you have/or going to do in regard to speedlights. I am bit worried as i do work fulltime, supposed to be studying on-line and all i want to do is camera stuff .

Jimbo, i am interested in off camera and would def. be trying to apply. Jev hadn't heard of Metz, i will google it and find out more.

Thanks everyone.

[jeffde]

Hi
I have a 430 and wish i had the 580. that said if you only want 1 flash the 430 is fine. The diffuser is worth the $30 odd bucks if your doing alot of portraits.
If you want to use 2 flashes or more than 430 only works as a slave and not as a master for that you need the 580. Other than that i'm not sure there's a great deal of difference between the 2.

[peterrad]

As stated 430ex for now and upgrade when needed..

[jev]

If you want a good flashgun for Canon and don't want to shell out the money for a 430EX or 430EX II, I guggest you have a look at what Metz has to offer. What does a Metz Mecablitz 48 AF-1 for Canon do these days in Ozz? I think you can have the Metz 58 for about the same price as a Canon 430EX II.

Than again, you really don't need the extra features of the 580EX II - waste of money.

[BLWNHR]

I asked them about the Sigma flashes EF-530dg super.

I own the EF-500 Super for my Pentax and it's been a fantastic flash, great controls built in and a very sturdy unit. I don't know what the price difference between the EF-530 and the 430EX but if the difference was more than $100 I would be heading for the Sigma.

[jev]

Again, stay away from Sigma flashes if you want trouble-less operation unless the price difference really is very, very big. If you've got a slightly older Sigma unit, not supporting E-TTL II, it is useless when upgrading to the 50D for example. Check out Sigma's announcement on the issue.

[reaction]

Nikon have CLS that 3rd party can't do. Duno if Canon has any such stuff.
Otherwise 3rd party same specs for 1/3 price is a no brainer.

There's always people that say Canon/Nikon/Pentax access. are better for Canon/Nikon/Pentax 'in the long run'. Like the shoulder straps eh? It's only better if there are features that cause you to buy the brand one in the future. I know I won't.

Plus to get 180deg twist you have to go to the top models for brand flash

[feral1]

I am using a Sigma flash on my 400d, I find it useful for family shots and for birding.
I know I will get a better result for birding with the 430 ex than the Sigma, but budget dictates and an offer I could not refuse.
The 430 ex II is a good all rounder, it is great for off camera as most will know, great for family shots, and it is great for birding.
Due to the fact you can use it in high speed shooting. If money is tight save for the canon model as you will more than likely not beable to do some things with a after market model.
The Sigma I have I cannot use it in high speed as it does not have it, so I am stuck with a max of 1/200th birding when the flash is needed. If I could have afforded the 430 ex that would not have been a problem.
Go Canon.

my 00.02 cents worth.

Peter

[YannB]

Talking about flash units..
I get myself a Sigma 530 DG ST a couple of months ago.
This unit it's absolutely useless on a Canon 400D, i mean unless a TTL use (full auto so you can't "play" with), you'vo got 2 other option witch are : full mode (53 GN, hard to handle..) or 1/16 of the power... sucks..
So i've order a 430 EX...
I've spend twice the price of the 430 EX a the end...
Now i have to face another unpleasant situation with the Sigma.. I would like to use it as an off-camera flash or slave and guess what... So far it's impossible :'(
My advice will be think twice or more before spending precious money on your gear budget !!

That was my 2cts
Thanks for reading lol !
YannB.

[Roof]

Talking about flash units..
I get myself a Sigma 530 DG ST a couple of months ago.
This unit it's absolutely useless on a Canon 400D, i mean unless a TTL use (full auto so you can't "play" with), you'vo got 2 other option witch are : full mode (53 GN, hard to handle..) or 1/16 of the power... sucks..
So i've order a 430 EX...
I've spend twice the price of the 430 EX a the end...
Now i have to face another unpleasant situation with the Sigma.. I would like to use it as an off-camera flash or slave and guess what... So far it's impossible :'(
My advice will be think twice or more before spending precious money on your gear budget !!

That was my 2cts
Thanks for reading lol !
YannB.

Should've taken it back to the shop...still can i think

[jev]

Should've taken it back to the shop...still can i think

Why? Because it's not broken? The "issue" as described is per design... from the Sigma website:

Compatible with AF single-lens reflex cameras of all popular manufacturers. this flash unit allows fully automatic photography with automatic TTL exposure control. In addition to the automatic mode, it also provides two power levels in manual mode: full and 1/16 power.

Editted to add: or are you referring to off-shoe flash not working? That's also per design . They switch off automatically after 80 seconds of inactivity and that cannot seem to be switched off.