LumiQuest ProMax Ultrasoft Bounce Flash Device

Bought this item from a local camera shop... boy was I supprised, used to use the stofen plastic bouce box, man what-a-difference. This thing works great, it raises the flash so high, and softens it just right, really gives your shots that nice soft look. Also, keep in mind that this cuts upto 2 stops of flash power, so as with all diffusers, bring either a extra set of bateries, or invest in a turbo battery(400 bucks, but makes recycle time nonexistant).
Buy LumiQuest ProMax Ultrasoft Bounce Flash Device!

Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Nikon DSLR

Do yourself a favor...spend the extra $50 and get the Nikon SB-800 instead. I initially bought the Sigma EF-530 DG Super as a lower-cost alternative to the Nikon SB-800, and I regret it. I ended up buying the Nikon SB-800 after all.

Any way I use this flash, either standalone on-camera, wireless master or wireless slave, I have to make manual adjustments to exposure because it always over exposes. In addition, as a wireless master, it often miscommunicates with the slaves, resulting in slaves firing at full power, not only over-exposing the subject, but also wasting battery life.

To setup as a wireless slave, you must first attach the flash to camera, make your settings, then remove it from the camera. Then if you turn off the flash or accidentally press the "mode" button, you have to re-attach it to the camera and make all you settings all over again. Such a hassle. In comparison, the Nikon SB-800 or SB-600 can be setup as a wireless slave without having to attach the flash to the camera, and when you turn the Nikon flashes off and back on again, all the settings are the same a you left them, so they're always ready to go straight out of the bag.

One more thing, the menus on the Sigma are very cumbersome and not very intuitive.

Bottom line, if you're only ever going to use this flash as a standalone, and having to play with exposure settings is worth saving $50 to you, then you might be okay with the Sigma EF-530 DG Super, otherwise go with the Nikon SB-800.
Buy Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Nikon DSLR!

Gary Fong Origami Flash Diffusion System

I bought the Origami to fill in some of the shadows I got when using bounce flash, mostly at wedding receptions and other events. I had considered Gary Fong's Lightsphere but I liked that the Origami was smaller and would fold flat. It gives you wonderful soft light on your subject, the amount of which you can control with the top flap. I usually folded the flap down; I felt it sent too much light forward otherwise. The mounting system is great as well; you don't have to adhere any velcro to your flash, and the strap gets nice and tight for a secure fit.

However, after four months of use, my Origami literally came apart at the seams. I pulled it out of my bag one day and bent over the side flaps to mount it on my camera, and they snapped off. It was a slightly chilly day (45 degrees, not arctic cold), so maybe the temperature made the plastic brittle, but the Origami should be more resilient than this. I stored it flat in my camera bag when it wasn't on my flash, so it didn't see any abuse. It was pretty frustrating, though a little Scotch tape fixed it enough that I could finish the wedding that day.

It's hard to put a number on this review. When it worked, it was a wonderful diffuser. Definitely five stars. It shouldn't have broken after four months, though, and I won't be getting another one. Thirty dollars is a bit much for what's essentially a disposable product.
Buy Gary Fong Origami Flash Diffusion System!

Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Pentax and Samsung DSLR

I ordered two of these for use in a "strobist" style setup without radio triggers. This was a big mistake because you cannot use the Pentax wireless commander mode with these units in Manual. Only pttl.
The only way to fire them on manual as slaves is with another flash which is contributing to the exposure.

They will work fine on manual with radio triggers such as Pocket Wizards or Skyports but even then they have an 80 second "timeout" where if they are not fired in 80 seconds, they turn off. That can be annoying. There may be a way to get around this though, when I get my radio triggers, if I can figure out a way to get pass that problem I will be sure to update here.

Other than that though they are great! Very powerful with a speedy recycle time (4.5 secs with NiMh batteries), tilt and swivel head, accurate pttl on and off camera.
It doesn't feel too "plasticy" to me but time will only tell how rugged they are.
Buy Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Pentax and Samsung DSLR!

Phoenix DZBIS-112iTTL Digital Autofocus Flash (E-TTL II, E-TTL, TTL) + 8 Batteries & Charger + Flash Bounce Reflector + Precision Design E-TTL Flash Cord + Stroboframe 350 Flash Bracket for Canon EOS Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi, 20D, 30D, 40D, 5D Digital SLR Cameras

I got this package on time, and in good shape. The price was alittle to good too be true. And it was. The Flash is what I payed for, cheaply made, but, it works good. The problem showed up when I installed the Hot Cable to My XTi inorder to extend My Flash. The Cable mounting clip got stuck in the Hot Connect on the Camera. The Maker of this part made this plastic slid too thick for the guide on the cameras hot connect. I was able to get it out of the mount,but, I had to have a Camera Guy do it. He said it was just cheaply made. Now I need to find a better made Hot Cable.

Patrick
Buy Phoenix DZBIS-112iTTL Digital Autofocus Flash (E-TTL II, E-TTL, TTL) + 8 Batteries & Charger + Flash Bounce Reflector + Precision Design E-TTL Flash Cord + Stroboframe 350 Flash Bracket for Canon EOS Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi, 20D, 30D, 40D, 5D Digital SLR Cameras!

Sigma EF 500 DG Super Flash for Nikon SLR Cameras

This is totally cheap!

***THIS IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO A NIKON FLAsh! ***

It does not seem to have real TTL (thru the lens) pickup with the camera (D200) So it works just as a flash with its own sensor. If you want a cheap extra flash for backup, this would be ok. But it does not have the features of the true Nikon flash. It is also cheaply built in comparison, and mine did not even come with instructions! (not from Amazon)

If you want real Nikon flash capability - get the real thing. IMHO.
Buy Sigma EF 500 DG Super Flash for Nikon SLR Cameras!

Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite for 5D, 1Ds, 20D, 30D, G2, G3, G5, G6, Pro 1 & Rebel XT

I take pictures for an orthodontists, and this has drastically improved the lighting on my photos. Its great for close up pictures. I use this in conjunction with a Cannon Rebel XT and a 60mm lens.
Buy Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite for 5D, 1Ds, 20D, 30D, G2, G3, G5, G6, Pro 1 & Rebel XT!

Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash + 8 Batteries & Charger + Flash Bounce Reflector + TTL Flash Cord + Stroboframe 350 Flash Bracket for Nikon D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70s, D80, D200, D300 & D700 Digital SLR Cameras

The "Flash Outfit" is a great kit. I purchased it as a gift and the recipient loves it.
Buy Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash + 8 Batteries & Charger + Flash Bounce Reflector + TTL Flash Cord + Stroboframe 350 Flash Bracket for Nikon D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70s, D80, D200, D300 & D700 Digital SLR Cameras!

Leica SF-24D TTL Flash for R8, R9 & M6, TTL/M7 Series Cameras, Black.

I received the flash in record tiime. The auto setting works great from 1 foot ot 20 feet. Exposer is perect.
I am verry satisfied.
Buy Leica SF-24D TTL Flash for R8, R9 & M6, TTL/M7 Series Cameras, Black.!

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!