Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Canon DSLR

Sigma 530 DG Supera Canon Version

Just started playing with it. The feature set seems similar to the 580II I borrowed from Best Buy for 48 Hours before returning it.

The Sigma is definitely lighter, well built, comes with a slip case, and stand. Out of the Box in ETLII mode and doing straight shots and Bounce lighting they both seem to work quite well. I might say non-scientifically the Sigma might be a smidge more accurate. But to be fair I did not test them Side by Side and was not able to use all the Same subject matter.

The Sigma makes a little more noise when zooming. I thought the Sigma display was a little easier to read and the controls button seemed better, more straightforward. I do miss that the Canon can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically with one control button verus the Sigma's two. I imagine that two buttons control button on the Sigma is little more durable. The Canon besides whether sealing (I do not need and can not use with my Rebel XT does) come with a nice retractable little Plastic bounce card (along side the 17mm adapter). It would have been nice if Sigma could have included both, the Sigma includes a similar 17mm retractable adapter.

It is hard to argue with the price though the Sigma is around $200 dollars cheaper. I still think the Metz duel head/+USB would have been nice to have, but again it was around $150 more then the Sigma.

I do wonder in retrospect whether a Flash like the Sigma 530, Canon 580II, or Metz 58 would have been sufficent also for use with a shoot through umbrella for small groups of family portraits. I started of my lighting with an Alienbee AB800 and Shoot through umbrella. My fellow posters seemed to feel a flash would be challenged, particularly in dark environments.

No matter now I have both. I supect I might have been happy enough with just a flash.

Buy Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Canon DSLR!