Sigma vs. Canon Flashes

cdonovan

I am trying to decipher the value...is it only the name??? I need something fairly powerful as a large amount of my regular work is at an arena with absolutly horrid lighting...

Does the 580ex really have a battery pack and am I correct in the thought that that is carried outside of the flash??? Or is that what is refered to as the big battery that fits in the cameras?

I am trying to shop smartly, and want the best bang for my buck..I am of the mind I am going to spend x amount of dollars...why not spend x+x to fill todays needs and others in the future!

any thoughts..I have searched for similar threads and can't seem to find them.!

ian408

Use the search feature for more info.

I think each has it's advantage/disadvantage and you'll find that folks
have chosen one or the other and been happy with their choice. As far
as battery packs go, you can get them for most brand name flashes.
A good battery pack should allow you faster recycle time.

Best of luck on your choice.

P.S. here's a thread for the Canon. http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=50546&highlight=flash
and one for the Sigma http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=51389&highlight=sigma+flash

cdonovan

I used the search but came up with very little...not sure what i did wrongs!

my next glass purchase is going to be a 75-300is f/2.8L

and i wondered if either flash the 580 or the 420 would be compatable with that lens as well...or is there something else that i should be shopping for???

Too many decisions!!!

ian408

OK.

There's something called a Better Beamer that helps extend the flash.

HiSPL

You can also get a used Metz potato masher with a TTL module for less than a 580EX. This will get you off-shoe, and a guide number approaching or over 200.

Dat's some punch...

hgernhardtjr

cdonovan, the 580ex is perhaps a bit sturdier build than it equivalent, the Sigma 500 dg super. Both are excellent flashes. As for a battery pack, check here http://www.qtm.com/?res_set=yes&res=1024&resh=768 for one that is superior to Canon's (but also far more costly). Re-flash rate is extremely fast — but be careful as you can potentially exceed the flash's maximum flash rate and overheat.

ziggy53

The Sigma 500 "Super" (yes, the Super is significant) is similar in power to the Canon 550EX, but similar in features to the Canon 580EX. The Canon units are more sturdy than the Sigma, but the Sigma are pretty sturdy and not as flimsy as others.

The Canon units are easier to set than the Sigma units, the Sigmas requiring more menus to find some settings.

The Canons also have a larger focus assist light, but the Sigma has been satisfactory for me.

I have not found any external power capability for the Sigma, so that could be the deal-breaker for you.

There is limited compatibility between the Sigma and Canon units for Master and Slave, so you can mix them, but with some channel limitations.

The Better Beamer is a great device for long distance illumination, and would work with either.

While I love my Sigma 500 Super flash, I do believe that for an "arena" the extra power of the Canon 580EX could be a benefit, as well as the external battery capability.

ziggy53