[jmbower]

I have been putting off getting a flash for a while, but have a few events coming up in which the pop up just won't cut it.

I don't really want to spend the money to get the 540 or 360. I know they're nice and shiny and "genuine Pentax", but they just are just too pricey for my needs. Especially since it seems that Metz/Sigma, etc make flashes of equal capability for a good deal less.

I had been looking at the Sigma 530-DG ST, but it seems to have been discontinued. It looks like the new 610 ST is the next logical step.

In the ~$150 range, is there anything else you would recommend that would be better?

Thanks!

[bdery]

I just ordered a 530 through Amazon, 130$ shipped. The 610 is just 25% more powerful, apart from that it's the same flash.

People might tell you to go for the super, it makes sense if you want high speed sync, wireless, and full manual controls over your flash. If you don't (like me) then the SD will serve you well I'm sure.

It's really the cheapest option right now for Pentax, except for a Bower/Sakar/Digical concept chinese plastic fantastic which is much less powerful but can serve its purpose.

Otherwise look at something like the Pentax AF280T (mine will be sold when I get my Sigma back from Florida, in about 8 weeks), you can get one for around 80$ and it's a good flash, excellent for the price in fact.

[landscaped1]

Here is the Bower option that is $104 from B&H however the Sigma is probably a little more powerful like bdery suggested. worth a look at the specs tho.

[jake14mw]

The two things I don't like about the Sigma ST are: only 2 manual power settings, and no auto mode. But, hey, for the low price you have to have some compromises. If you plan on just using it in TTL mode in the hot shoe, then it seems like a reasonable choice. Do you have one of the newer model cams? They work much better in TTL mode than the older models. I have a K10d which I find is much more reliable with a flash in Auto mode vs. TTL.

[mattb123]

In a similar situation I recently got a Sigma 530 Super for ~$160 (Amazon) and I have only used it a few times now but it seems to do the trick. User interface is a little on the cryptic side, but it has a decent cycle time and P-TTL seems to work well with my K-x.

[jmbower]

Thanks, all.

Yes, I have a k20d, so hopefully TTL for most everything. That Bower might be worth looking at. I don't really need high power, so function is important. Though I usually lean toward the better makers (The Bower is a Sakar clone, right? Or vice versa?)

[bdery]

Bower is a Sakar clone, indeed, although on some websites (such as B&H) the Digital concept clone is rated as poorly made while the Bower gets praises for its quality of craftsmanship.

Last time I looked the Bower cost 110$ and the Sigma 530 ST cost me 130$, so for 20$ it's a no-brainer I think. The Sigma is more powerful and dare I say more reputable.

If I could have purchased a Yongnuo 465 for 70$ like our Nikon friends can, I would have gotten that one, but as it is, the Sigma is probably the safest bet (for me it was at least).

[jmbower]

hmm..looks like I have the following options currently:

Sigma 530 DG Super - $169
Sigma 610 Dg ST - $165
Sigma 530 DG ST - $120
Bower unit - ~$105

If I went high end, would it be better to get the 530 super, than the new 610 ST?

[bdery]

If I went high end, would it be better to get the 530 super, than the new 610 ST?

for that price difference, yes by all means. Otherwise, if price remains an issue, go with the 530 ST.