Sigma EF-500/530 vs. Penax 540FGZ

anomaly · 12-01-2007, 07:51 AM

So what features does the 540FGZ have that the Sigma EF-530 DG Super doesn't?

Are the Sigmas as hit or miss as the Pentax flash?

Right now I am feeling drawn to the Sigma. It has faster recharge rates with NiMH batteries than the Pentax, a larger guide number, lower price and less horror stories.

After that it comes down to reliability and support. Which in your experience is more reliable and which has the best support behind it in terms of cost of repairs or replacements and timeliness?

I am mostly interested in using the flash off camera with a K10D.

Thank you for any insight any may offer.

PS: Sorry of the title.

blwnhr · 12-02-2007, 03:04 PM

I have the DG-500, it feels solid, apart from the battery door. It definately recharges quick. With the right firmware it wirelesses perfectly, and Sigma offer free firmware updates (you pay postage 1-way).

I've not had experience with the Pentax, but have had good experience with the Sigma.

As for hit-and-miss, I don't think either are real good in anything other than full manual with P-TTL.

anomaly · 12-02-2007, 03:13 PM

Full manual is what I am aiming for.

This is the standard or Super version which you are using? It is not completely clear from their site if it can be triggered off camera with the pop up flash.

Thanks for your input.

blwnhr · 12-02-2007, 07:44 PM

I own both the ST and the Super. Yes the Super can be fired by the internal flash.

vievetrick · 12-03-2007, 06:48 AM

I see that Dell.com has the sigma 530 for sale in it says in Stock. I am on the fence as well.

anomaly · 12-03-2007, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by blwnhr

I own both the ST and the Super. Yes the Super can be fired by the internal flash.

Wonderful!

Can the standard version be trigger by the pop up flash? I don't really need all the bells and whistles of the super. Although the modeling flash function is kinda cool.

RBellavance · 12-03-2007, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by anomaly

I don't really need all the bells and whistles of the super.

High-speed sync is extremely useful for fill-in outdoors in daylight, where you often end up with shutter speeds above 1/180s.

anomaly · 12-03-2007, 01:18 PM

You know I forgot about that..

*sigh* guess i better revisit my budget.

i guess since they can be triggered by the K10D i can do without the ebay triggers.

one more question.

i am fairly sure this is not the case but i thought it important to ask anyway. when you use the preflash to trigger the sigmas, do you have to fire the on board flash during the exposure as well? i know you can set it so that it just fires the other strobes and does not pop itself when using AF-540FGZ's so i am just confirming that that is the case with the sigmas as well.

you have all been a great help. thank you.

RBellavance · 12-03-2007, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by anomaly

i am fairly sure this is not the case but i thought it important to ask anyway. when you use the preflash to trigger the sigmas, do you have to fire the on board flash during the exposure as well? i know you can set it so that it just fires the other strobes and does not pop itself when using AF-540FGZ's so i am just confirming that that is the case with the sigmas as well.

Yes, you can do the same with the Sigmas (well, I haven't tested a 530). The option is in the K10D's custom settings menu ("Flash in wireless mode").

blwnhr · 12-03-2007, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by RBellavance

Yes, you can do the same with the Sigmas (well, I haven't tested a 530). The option is in the K10D's custom settings menu ("Flash in wireless mode").

This man knows what he's talking about

Oh, and the ST isn't wireless, you'd need the wireless triggers.

anomaly · 12-03-2007, 05:39 PM

I appreciate the responses gentlemen! Sigma has yet to respond to an email I sent.

dstar · 12-04-2007, 01:06 AM

I got e- mail from sigma 2 day ago .we cant expect 530 before end 2007. They not ship to any story so far.

jazzman · 12-04-2007, 07:39 AM

Dstar, are you talking about this flash?

Amazon.com: Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Pentax and Samsung DSLR: Electronics

If yes, it would appear like it is in stock with a few stores (including b&h)

*Clem Nichols* · 12-04-2007, 08:25 AM

[QUOTE=anomaly;127523]Full manual is what I am aiming for.

If you're looking for a flash to be used off-camera in the full-manual mode, then why not consider the Vivitar 285HV? It can be purchased for $89, and if you'll add a Wein peanut slave (the digital model) for $35 you can then trigger the flash wirelessly using your camera's pop-up flash. Just an idea.

CN

Gruoso · 12-04-2007, 08:32 AM

[QUOTE=Clem Nichols;128403]

Originally Posted by anomaly

Full manual is what I am aiming for.

If you're looking for a flash to be used off-camera in the full-manual mode, then why not consider the Vivitar 285HV? It can be purchased for $89, and if you'll add a Wein peanut slave (the digital model) for $35 you can then trigger the flash wirelessly using your camera's pop-up flash. Just an idea.

CN

If you want to use it manual you can also buy the Nikon speedlights, the SB-24 would cost you well bellow 100USD and they are fantastically built.