Flash Recommendations for a 20D

JimM · November 11, 2005

I know I asked this before, but the forum appears to have fallen off.

I am trying to put together my x-mas list, and I need a flash. I recall there were two Canon flashes that people recommended and one non Canon (maybe a Sun or Sigma?). Can someone please help jog my memory? I remember the Canon 5xx one was in the $500+range, so unfortunately Santa will not be that kind to me, although I am sure I prefer that.

Thanks,

Andy · November 11, 2005

Canon 430 EX $260 at B&H.

JimM · November 11, 2005

Andy, you are quick on the draw. Do you recall what the other non-Canon flash some folks recommened was?

Andy · November 11, 2005

No experience with them, but some folks here use the Sigmas

Zanotti · November 11, 2005

andy wrote:

Canon 430 EX $260 at B&H.

Has anyone had any experiance with the new 430EX. I have not seen a personal review here or in DP review of any individual user.

Andy?

JimM · November 11, 2005

It looks like only the Canon offers Rear-Curtain sync (which is a feature I really like)... I am going to push Santa (or in this case, my wife) for the Canon.

marsmark · November 12, 2005

JimM wrote:

It looks like only the Canon offers Rear-Curtain sync (which is a feature I really like)... I am going to push Santa (or in this case, my wife) for the Canon.

The Sigma (EF-500 DG Super) has it, too. Although I must admit I haven't tried it, yet. I'm pretty happy with the flash otherwise - it has most of the features of the 580EX, but was only $220... The interface has a few quirks to it, but I've been able to live with it since I shoot mostly outdoors and only need flash occasionally.

-Mark

Red Baron · November 12, 2005

I have the 580EX and 420EX and both work just fine with the 20D, although, the 580EX is far superior. I really like the quick control type dial on the back - makes FEC and other changes quick and easy. I also find the LCD panel indispensible - something the 420EX lacks. I thought the 580EX was expensive when I first bought but this feeling quickly disappeared when I saw the results. Now I think buying the 580EX was money very well spent. Andy's 430EX recommendation is where I'd start in a new search for a flash.

Viking · January 17, 2006

Hmm...

What is the HUGE difference between the EF-500 DG Super and the canon 580EX? Speak baby language. I dont know nothin' about flashes.

Nikolai · January 17, 2006

Very briefly

Viking wrote:

Hmm...
What is the HUGE difference between the EF-500 DG Super and the canon 580EX? Speak baby language. I dont know a shit about flashes.

Feature | Canon 580EX | Sigma EF-500 DG Super
Guide number | 190 @ ISO100 (105mm)| 165 @ ISO100 (105mm)
Zoom range | 24-105 | 28-105
Power source | External, battery pack, 4xAA | 4xAA

(data from shopping.com)

There are most likely some other differences, but I'm too lazy to parse all the specs...

As they said at Fred Miranda, "with Sigma you'll get 85% of features at 50% of the price". I can only add that the rule 20/80 ("last 20% of the job require 80% of the efforts", etc) works almost everywhere, and in this case, too :-)

In Ultimate Baby Language:
580EX has more power, it's faster, more versatile and more convenient in usage (the last two are highly subjective).

HTH

JimM · January 17, 2006

I have since picked up a used 550EX and have been very pleased. Think I saw one at FM for around $200 early today.

DanielB · January 17, 2006

Spring for the 580EX

if you ever plan on having more than just the 1 flash its a must as a master. plus its just an amazing flash, i saw one go used on FM for 350 shipped earlier this week!!!

gl though, the 430 is never a bad choice.

Viking · January 17, 2006

Hmm... The 550 and 580 have LCD's. So, dont the Sigma flash have any Settings I can change? I want manual mode.

And WHAT makes the 550 and 580 better then the sigma flash mentiond above? I realy need to get some book about flashes. :cry

JimM · January 18, 2006

I chose the 550EX because I got a good deal on it. It will act as a master and a slave as well. If you are just starting out the 4xxEX (I can't keep them straight) would be a good flash as well.

I like the idea of the Canon brand going on the Canon flash. You start reading how some flashes are too "hot" or I guess it is they are too high voltage for newer DSLR's and I got concerned. I didn't want to fry my body because of the flash. Now I am sure the Sigmas would be just fine, but since you can get a decent Canon for roughly the same price, I like the idea better.

I know you can shoot manual with the Canon's. I am sure you have to be able to with the Sigma as well.

If you are just moving to an exterior flash, you will be happy with any of the above mentioned. For shooting people, make sure you get a diffuser!

NHBubba · January 18, 2006

Viking wrote:

Hmm... The 550 and 580 have LCD's. So, dont the Sigma flash have any Settings I can change? I want manual mode.

I have the Sigma EF-500 Super. Yes, it has an LCD on it. Yes, it has manual controls so you can play w/ the settings if you like. I've only had it for a few months, but so far I think my Sigma flash is great. I'm glad I cheaped out and went w/ the Sigma..

Viking wrote:

And WHAT makes the 550 and 580 better then the sigma flash mentiond above? I realy need to get some book about flashes. :cry

Damned if I know!

3rdPlanetPhotography · January 18, 2006

I'm using the Sigma 500 DG flash with the 20d. It's EXCELLENT and just as good as the Canon 580 flash and about $180 is what I paid.

I got mine from 47th Stree Photo in New York.

kc7dji

JCDoss · February 5, 2006

I have a 420EX and I'm thinking of getting a second flash, probably a 550 or 580. Anyway, I have an extremely basic question regarding manual control. Is there any difference between dialing in manual control on the flash and dialing in exposure compensation on the body (20D)?

DigitalDevo · February 5, 2006

I too use the Sigma 500 DG Super. Make sure to get the Super, it has the LCD and has full controls. Works with master and slave units as well. It will also work flash triggered off camera. I use the little stand it came with and use it off camera all the time for better effects.

Shay Stephens · February 5, 2006

And bringing up the rear with the least popular choice, the manual flash Sunpak 555

It don't do nothin' but flash hehehe

ian408 · February 6, 2006

Shay Stephens wrote:

And bringing up the rear with the least popular choice, the manual flash Sunpak 555

It don't do nothin' but flash hehehe

But in your hands, it's a gem. Your ability to light with it is amazing.

Viking · February 6, 2006

I got myself:

Item Qty Item Description
STOBC430EX 1 OM-EW OMNI-BOUNCE f/CANON 430EX
CASC2OC 1 OFF-CAMERA SHOE CORD 2
CTAANM1H2400 1 AA NiMH (2400mAh) Batteries (4-Pack) wit
CA430EX 1 SPEEDLITE 430EX

Will have within 10 daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyysssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!! I dont like waiting.

SCS_Photo · February 7, 2006

I have the EF-500 DG non-super. No LCD, does TTL and manual high & manual low. The nice thing about using it (nikon version) on the D70 is that the FEC is tied directly to the regular Exposure Compensation controls... very nice when the TTL mode needs a bit more or a bit less juice.

firedancing4life · March 1, 2006

I'm also looking for a Canon flash for my Rebel XT.

What do you guys think. I'm looking for a best buy sorta deal. Nothing super expensive and nothing that beginner...even though I am.

Also...I noticed B and H has two flashes in a kit...two speedlites I think. What's the deal with that?

I'd also like to get some insight on why another flash is better than the stock? You conserve battery...it's not direct...you can bounce it? what else?

Thanks for your time

-Kevin

cmason · March 1, 2006

Must read for those considering a flash for a Canon body:

EOS Documentation Project

While it does not cover the 430EX, it is rather comprehensive in comparing the 580EX and 500 DG Super. Of course, there is no bottomline recommendation, but the info is supplied such that you can determine what works best for what you want your flash to do.

firedancing4life · March 1, 2006

cmason wrote:

Must read for those considering a flash for a Canon body:

EOS Documentation Project

While it does not cover the 430EX, it is rather comprehensive in comparing the 580EX and 500 DG Super. Of course, there is no bottomline recommendation, but the info is supplied such that you can determine what works best for what you want your flash to do.

nice. thanks for the link!

JimM · March 1, 2006

firedancing4life wrote:

Also...I noticed B and H has two flashes in a kit...two speedlites I think. What's the deal with that?

Kevin, the deal is the Canon flashes can be wirelessly synced to fire, basically a master (on top of the camera) can wirelessly fire compatible "slaves". So B&H is trying to upsell more flashes here.

Flash Recommendations for a 20D

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