Flash for Canon?

Martyn

I am looking for a new flash for a Canon 40D.
What recommendations do people have?


Would love a 580EX II but it's above my current budget and is probably too complex for my needs.

I have seen the Nissin Di622. Anybody have experience with this model?
It's about half the price of the 580 EX II which fits well with my budget.


Thanks in advance

Manfr3d

I've never heard about Nissin nor do I know if they're compatible with
Canon. If you buy an incompatible flash you can damage your camera.

I'd recommend the Canon 430EX or Sigma 500DG Super or Metz 54AF C.
They all fall in the same pricerange whereas the Canon has the least
features.

Scott_Quier

with above RE: the Sigma flash. I have one, had it for a year or two now and it's still working very well. I've pretty much given it to my son and he used it at the last wedding he shot with no issues (on a 30D).

ziggy53

I have 2 of the Sigma EF-500 DG Super E-TTL shoe mount flashes and I like them very well. They have similar power and price to the Canon 430EX Speedlite E-TTL II, with a feature set close to the Canon 580EX Speedlite E-TTL.

The Canon 580EX Speedlite E-TTL is much easier to use and it has much better construction, but I see no reason why "I" need to upgrade at this time. (The Canon 580EX can also use external battery packs if that's important to you.)

Sigma also came out recently with the Sigma EF-530 DG Super E-TTL which has a bit more power than the Sigma EF-500 DG Super E-TTL for only $30USD more. I haven't seen any reviews for the new model yet, but I haven't seen any user problems either.

Likewise the Nissin model is an unknown.

I can vouch that the two Sigma units I have are very reliable and accurate and they do E-TTL II properly, including dual flash.

Martyn

Thanks for the replies.

I will take a closer look at the Sigma EF-530 DG Super E-TTL and the Metz.
My only concern with the Sigma is the lack of 45 degree angle. Which is something I use a lot on my existing flash. Strangely it has a 75 degree angle though.

The Nissin seems to be pretty new - it is getting a lot of press here in HK at the moment. Most of the hits I get on Google are asking if it's any good.
For thoses who are interested more info can be found here: http://www.nissinflash.com/

ziggy53

Martyn wrote:

Thanks for the replies.

I will take a closer look at the Sigma EF-530 DG Super E-TTL and the Metz.
My only concern with the Sigma is the lack of 45 degree angle. Which is something I use a lot on my existing flash. Strangely it has a 75 degree angle though.

The Nissin seems to be pretty new - it is getting a lot of press here in HK at the moment. Most of the hits I get on Google are asking if it's any good.
For thoses who are interested more info can be found here: http://www.nissinflash.com/

One caution, there are some who believe that the Metz implementation of Canon E-TTL II is not very accurate, possibly not true E-TTL at all. I don't have one to test with so I cannot say for sure.

I can endorse the Sigma EF-500 DG Super E-TTL and it has worked very well for me for wedding, graduation and other event photography.

I agree with your observation about the lack of sufficient detents or drag to set various angles. If I did more "feathering" with the flash, that would be a concern. I find that in actual use, I only need that capability occasionally, so not a major problem (for me). I use mostly some sort of flash modifier that precludes the need for much adjustment of the head.