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ascii · 02-13-2009, 08:19 AM

Hi..

I'm in the dilemma in choosing a flash for portrait and wedding shooting.
My budget is tight and only afford to get either a Sigma EF-530 DG ST or Sigma EF-530 Super. I really need your advice whether this Sigma is suitable for my K100D Super?! Please enlighten me about this EF530 DG/super.

And of course, if my budget is ok, i might be going for the Metz 48AF.
Please ..i need you advice here...Thanks

Reportage · 02-13-2009, 08:29 AM

do you intend to use for wireless/strobing in future? Get the Super.

but if possible i recommend Pentax original 540 if you need high sync flash speed. Your budget is a bit tight to consider the 540 but considering your line of work, better to get a flash that has everything in one neat package.

lostkj233 · 02-13-2009, 08:36 AM

I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60.

flyer · 02-13-2009, 08:47 AM

I'd choose the Sigma over the Pentax for one good reason. The Pentax units have a locking pin to keep the flash from coming off the camera, and said pin has a tendency to break and lock the flash to the camera permanently. Other than that, ther is not much difference between a Sigma EF530DG Super and the Pentax AF540FGZ.

Reportage · 02-13-2009, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by lostkj233

I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60.

just have to mark it to go 45 degree. though it wont lock in place but as long as there are markings to indicate 45 degree..works out around the same.

ah yes for the 530, if using lenses other then Pentax and Sigma...do check if it works with other lenses like Tamron before buying.

ascii · 02-13-2009, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by Reportage

do you intend to use for wireless/strobing in future? Get the Super.

but if possible i recommend Pentax original 540 if you need high sync flash speed. Your budget is a bit tight to consider the 540 but considering your line of work, better to get a flash that has everything in one neat package.

Thanks Reportage for your advice... i'm quite new to this hobby.May i know what is high sync flash speed?

Originally posted by lostkj233

I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60.

Thanks lostkj233,
I heard from a friend that this kind of third party flashes will burn your camera.Is it true??

Originally posted by flyer

I'd choose the Sigma over the Pentax for one good reason. The Pentax units have a locking pin to keep the flash from coming off the camera, and said pin has a tendency to break and lock the flash to the camera permanently. Other than that, ther is not much difference between a Sigma EF530DG Super and the Pentax AF540FGZ.

Thanks flyer,
But how if compare the EF530 DG and the super version? Any other differences between them?

Originally posted by Reportage

just have to mark it to go 45 degree. though it wont lock in place but as long as there are markings to indicate 45 degree..works out around the same.

ah yes for the 530, if using lenses other then Pentax and Sigma...do check if it works with other lenses like Tamron before buying.

Then is it not compliant with Tamron lenses?And is it reliable and good in quality??Thanks..

Presto · 02-13-2009, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by ascii

And of course, if my budget is ok, i might be going for the Metz 48AF.

You may already be aware of this, but I thought it worth mentioning. Metz is offering a mail in rebate on it's current flash units for the next couple of months. It might be worth considering.

Edit: I just noticed your location, so this may not apply. It's worth checking, though.

Last edited by Presto; 02-13-2009 at 09:49 AM.

ascii · 02-13-2009, 09:49 AM

Originally posted by Presto

You may already be aware of this, but I thought it worth mentioning. Metz is offering a mail in rebate on it's current flash units for the next couple of months. It might be worth considering.

The price that i can get thru adorama or amazon are much more cheaper if compared to the price at Malaysia. Unfortunately it seems they didnt ship the product to my country and i might be push to get a Sigma

But still searching online for more good bargain here...

flyer · 02-13-2009, 10:02 AM

The DG530 ST doesn't operate in wireless mode and doesn't have as many power ratio as the Super. Beside that, they are about the same.

Reportage · 02-13-2009, 10:07 AM

above is mine.

1. http://syndicate.tentoe.com/Syndicate/SynMaster?ttpid=TTPID-8A-60&vsr_sku=399856 high speed sync.

2. some flash the power not meant to be used for digital cameras.

3. quite a number of difference including wireless function.

4. test the flash actually works with the 3rd party lens you own.

when used properly...nearly as powerful as SB900 imo just not as flexible when it comes to manual controls.

rockmaster1964 · 02-13-2009, 11:45 AM

It is compatible with Tamron lenses. It will not burn up you camera.

The super has wireless, can manually control the power zoom on the flash, high speed sync, trailing curtain, more manual flash power modes.

I did not need the extra features, so I went with the ST. The power is the same between the two flashes.

fsdogwood · 02-13-2009, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by lostkj233

I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60.

For the EF-500 DG ST, is it a pa-pttl model? Will it work with the newer Pentax
DSLRs (K100D and up)? Did you have to send it in to Sigma for firmware flash?

Thanks in advance.

Pinwu

rockmaster1964 · 02-13-2009, 03:37 PM

From what I have read the EF-500 needs a firmware update for the K10D, K20D, K200D, K2000.

It is a p-ttl flash.

ascii · 02-13-2009, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by flyer

The DG530 ST doesn't operate in wireless mode and doesn't have as many power ratio as the Super. Beside that, they are about the same.

That's means the ST also embedded with functions like manually control the power zoom on the flash, high speed sync, trailing curtain, more manual flash power modes which stated by rockmaster?Thanks..

Originally posted by Reportage

above is mine.

1. http://syndicate.tentoe.com/Syndicate/SynMaster?ttpid=TTPID-8A-60&vsr_sku=399856 high speed sync.

2. some flash the power not meant to be used for digital cameras.

3. quite a number of difference including wireless function.

4. test the flash actually works with the 3rd party lens you own.

when used properly...nearly as powerful as SB900 imo just not as flexible when it comes to manual controls.

Thanks for the picture... from what you said it is something like a Nikon SB600?

Originally posted by rockmaster1964

It is compatible with Tamron lenses. It will not burn up you camera.

The super has wireless, can manually control the power zoom on the flash, high speed sync, trailing curtain, more manual flash power modes.

I did not need the extra features, so I went with the ST. The power is the same between the two flashes.

Thanks rockmaster, this is very informative.

mattdm · 02-13-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by flyer

I'd choose the Sigma over the Pentax for one good reason. The Pentax units have a locking pin to keep the flash from coming off the camera, and said pin has a tendency to break and lock the flash to the camera permanently. Other than that, ther is not much difference between a Sigma EF530DG Super and the Pentax AF540FGZ.

Hmmm, I wouldn't say that. The features list is quite different, and the user interface is not at all similar.

02-13-2009, 08:19 AM	#1
ascii Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Malaysia Posts: 58	How is Sigma Electronic Flash EF-530 DG ST Hi.. I'm in the dilemma in choosing a flash for portrait and wedding shooting. My budget is tight and only afford to get either a Sigma EF-530 DG ST or Sigma EF-530 Super. I really need your advice whether this Sigma is suitable for my K100D Super?! Please enlighten me about this EF530 DG/super. And of course, if my budget is ok, i might be going for the Metz 48AF. Please ..i need you advice here...Thanks

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02-13-2009, 08:29 AM	#2
Reportage Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 739	do you intend to use for wireless/strobing in future? Get the Super. but if possible i recommend Pentax original 540 if you need high sync flash speed. Your budget is a bit tight to consider the 540 but considering your line of work, better to get a flash that has everything in one neat package.

02-13-2009, 08:36 AM	#3
lostkj233 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hudson Valley of New York Posts: 28	I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60.

02-13-2009, 08:47 AM	#4
flyer Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ste-Anne des Plaines, Qc., Canada Posts: 2,013	I'd choose the Sigma over the Pentax for one good reason. The Pentax units have a locking pin to keep the flash from coming off the camera, and said pin has a tendency to break and lock the flash to the camera permanently. Other than that, ther is not much difference between a Sigma EF530DG Super and the Pentax AF540FGZ.

02-13-2009, 09:06 AM	#5
Reportage Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 739	Originally posted by lostkj233 I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60. just have to mark it to go 45 degree. though it wont lock in place but as long as there are markings to indicate 45 degree..works out around the same. ah yes for the 530, if using lenses other then Pentax and Sigma...do check if it works with other lenses like Tamron before buying.

02-13-2009, 09:33 AM	#6
ascii Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Malaysia Posts: 58 Original Poster	Originally posted by Reportage do you intend to use for wireless/strobing in future? Get the Super. but if possible i recommend Pentax original 540 if you need high sync flash speed. Your budget is a bit tight to consider the 540 but considering your line of work, better to get a flash that has everything in one neat package. Thanks Reportage for your advice... i'm quite new to this hobby.May i know what is high sync flash speed? Originally posted by lostkj233 I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60. Thanks lostkj233, I heard from a friend that this kind of third party flashes will burn your camera.Is it true?? Originally posted by flyer I'd choose the Sigma over the Pentax for one good reason. The Pentax units have a locking pin to keep the flash from coming off the camera, and said pin has a tendency to break and lock the flash to the camera permanently. Other than that, ther is not much difference between a Sigma EF530DG Super and the Pentax AF540FGZ. Thanks flyer, But how if compare the EF530 DG and the super version? Any other differences between them? Originally posted by Reportage just have to mark it to go 45 degree. though it wont lock in place but as long as there are markings to indicate 45 degree..works out around the same. ah yes for the 530, if using lenses other then Pentax and Sigma...do check if it works with other lenses like Tamron before buying. Then is it not compliant with Tamron lenses?And is it reliable and good in quality??Thanks..

02-13-2009, 09:43 AM	#7
Presto Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 85	Originally posted by ascii And of course, if my budget is ok, i might be going for the Metz 48AF. You may already be aware of this, but I thought it worth mentioning. Metz is offering a mail in rebate on it's current flash units for the next couple of months. It might be worth considering. Edit: I just noticed your location, so this may not apply. It's worth checking, though. Last edited by Presto; 02-13-2009 at 09:49 AM.

02-13-2009, 09:49 AM	#8
ascii Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Malaysia Posts: 58 Original Poster	Originally posted by Presto You may already be aware of this, but I thought it worth mentioning. Metz is offering a mail in rebate on it's current flash units for the next couple of months. It might be worth considering. The price that i can get thru adorama or amazon are much more cheaper if compared to the price at Malaysia. Unfortunately it seems they didnt ship the product to my country and i might be push to get a Sigma But still searching online for more good bargain here...

02-13-2009, 10:02 AM	#9
flyer Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ste-Anne des Plaines, Qc., Canada Posts: 2,013	The DG530 ST doesn't operate in wireless mode and doesn't have as many power ratio as the Super. Beside that, they are about the same.

02-13-2009, 10:07 AM	#10
Reportage Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 739	above is mine. 1. http://syndicate.tentoe.com/Syndicate/SynMaster?ttpid=TTPID-8A-60&vsr_sku=399856 high speed sync. 2. some flash the power not meant to be used for digital cameras. 3. quite a number of difference including wireless function. 4. test the flash actually works with the 3rd party lens you own. when used properly...nearly as powerful as SB900 imo just not as flexible when it comes to manual controls.

02-13-2009, 11:45 AM	#11
rockmaster1964 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Frisco Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 382	It is compatible with Tamron lenses. It will not burn up you camera. The super has wireless, can manually control the power zoom on the flash, high speed sync, trailing curtain, more manual flash power modes. I did not need the extra features, so I went with the ST. The power is the same between the two flashes.

02-13-2009, 02:26 PM	#12
fsdogwood Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: RTP, North Carolina Posts: 64	Originally posted by lostkj233 I'm using an older Sigma EF-500 DG ST and it works great. The newer 530 super should be even better. The only thing that I don't like about it is it doesn't have a 45 degree angle, it goes right to 60. For the EF-500 DG ST, is it a pa-pttl model? Will it work with the newer Pentax DSLRs (K100D and up)? Did you have to send it in to Sigma for firmware flash? Thanks in advance. Pinwu

02-13-2009, 03:37 PM	#13
rockmaster1964 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Frisco Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 382	From what I have read the EF-500 needs a firmware update for the K10D, K20D, K200D, K2000. It is a p-ttl flash.

02-13-2009, 06:38 PM	#14
ascii Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Malaysia Posts: 58 Original Poster	Originally posted by flyer The DG530 ST doesn't operate in wireless mode and doesn't have as many power ratio as the Super. Beside that, they are about the same. That's means the ST also embedded with functions like manually control the power zoom on the flash, high speed sync, trailing curtain, more manual flash power modes which stated by rockmaster?Thanks.. Originally posted by Reportage above is mine. 1. http://syndicate.tentoe.com/Syndicate/SynMaster?ttpid=TTPID-8A-60&vsr_sku=399856 high speed sync. 2. some flash the power not meant to be used for digital cameras. 3. quite a number of difference including wireless function. 4. test the flash actually works with the 3rd party lens you own. when used properly...nearly as powerful as SB900 imo just not as flexible when it comes to manual controls. Thanks for the picture... from what you said it is something like a Nikon SB600? Originally posted by rockmaster1964 It is compatible with Tamron lenses. It will not burn up you camera. The super has wireless, can manually control the power zoom on the flash, high speed sync, trailing curtain, more manual flash power modes. I did not need the extra features, so I went with the ST. The power is the same between the two flashes. Thanks rockmaster, this is very informative.

02-13-2009, 07:14 PM	#15
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by flyer I'd choose the Sigma over the Pentax for one good reason. The Pentax units have a locking pin to keep the flash from coming off the camera, and said pin has a tendency to break and lock the flash to the camera permanently. Other than that, ther is not much difference between a Sigma EF530DG Super and the Pentax AF540FGZ. Hmmm, I wouldn't say that. The features list is quite different, and the user interface is not at all similar.

How is Sigma Electronic Flash EF-530 DG ST

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