Sigma EF-530 DG ST

lin · 10-02-2008, 01:08 PM

Hello, I'm going to buy Sigma EF-530 DG ST for my Pentax K100D. Has anyone used it? Particularly I'm interested in how P-TTL works. Has anyone experienced any problems with it?

ftpaddict · 10-02-2008, 01:33 PM

I've got an EF-500 DG ST and I haven't had any complaints except the long recycle times and sometimes improper communication between body and flash unit (caused by improper contact alignment?)

lin · 10-02-2008, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by ftpaddict

I've got an EF-500 DG ST and I haven't had any complaints except the long recycle times and sometimes improper communication between body and flash unit (caused by improper contact alignment?)

Hm, how often does it happen and how does it look like?

ftpaddict · 10-02-2008, 02:21 PM

It hardly ever happens, and I usually fix it by taking the flash off and putting it back on.
Manifestations include camera failing to detect flash presence.

lin · 10-02-2008, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by ftpaddict

It hardly ever happens, and I usually fix it by taking the flash off and putting it back on.
Manifestations include camera failing to detect flash presence.

Ok, thank you. But that was Sigma EF-500. Has anyone used Sigma EF-530?

drabina · 10-03-2008, 10:47 AM

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that ST model does not support P-TTL. Only Super does.

fsdogwood · 10-03-2008, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by drabina

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that ST model does not support P-TTL. Only Super does.

The super model supports wireless, while for the ST model, it must be wired (direct,
or cable).

Pinwu

lin · 10-03-2008, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by drabina

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that ST model does not support P-TTL. Only Super does.

I think you are wrong. Please check this:
Sigma - Flashes
The page says:
Compatible cameras SIGMA AF, NIKON AF, CANON AF, SONY AF, PENTAX AF
For pentax the barcode number is:
EF-530 DG ST PA-PTTL : 00-85126-92528-4

Here is also a B&H page:
Sigma | EF-530 DG ST Flash for Pentax P-TTL | 179-109 | B&H
that says:
TTL Dedication Yes (P-TTL)

So I'm quite sure that the P-TTL is supported. But anyway I wanted to hear about how it works from people who really used the flash.

ftpaddict · 10-03-2008, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by drabina

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that ST model does not support P-TTL. Only Super does.

You are wrong.

Genes Pentax · 10-03-2008, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by lin

Hello, I'm going to buy Sigma EF-530 DG ST for my Pentax K100D. Has anyone used it? Particularly I'm interested in how P-TTL works. Has anyone experienced any problems with it?

Don't know how much cheaper the ST model is for you, but it's not worth it. Get Super instead. With super, you can not only use PTTL in wireless mode, but you also have full manual control.

I think ST doesn't even have a slave mode.

Gene

lin · 10-03-2008, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Genes Pentax

Don't know how much cheaper the ST model is for you, but it's not worth it. Get Super instead. With super, you can not only use PTTL in wireless mode, but you also have full manual control.

I think ST doesn't even have a slave mode.

Gene

On B&H webpage ST is $90 cheaper than Super. I'm aware of all the features that Super model has. But I'm a hobbist photographer and will always use the automatic P-TTL mode. I'm also quite sure that I will never use more than one flash, so I don't need the master/slave mode. For these reasons I thought that paying ~$90 for the features I will never use is just a waste.

rsi1986 · 10-03-2008, 11:03 PM

Buy the best the first time. Trying to save money is a vicious cycle. As an hobbyist I seem to want better every time I pick up my camera. Wireless ttl is also very cool to have.