Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash Unit
Posted on November 20th, 2008Filed Under: Equipment
Comments: 10 Comments »
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I finally was able to pick up my next least expensive camera purchase and I hope I can learn how to use it properly. The Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash is (according to other people I have talked to) the equivalent to the Canon 550EX flash but at least half the price and a bit [...]
I finally was able to pick up my next least expensive camera purchase and I hope I can learn how to use it properly. The Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash is (according to other people I have talked to) the equivalent to the Canon 550EX flash but at least half the price and a bit more power.
I have not done really any great test shots of the flash but it sure does look funny attached to my Canon XSi. The flash is almost as large as the camera’s body!
The one thing that my cousin Brennan mentioned is that the Sigma EF-530 also supports wireless. So if one day I obtained a couple of smaller flash units I can trigger the flashes remotely. Pretty cool feature I think.
Now I know little about flash photography and the terminology such as ETTL, high-speed sync and such but I plan on learning how and when to use my flash. Some people really hate flash photography but I believe it has its proper place.
Off my first impressions with the 4x AA batteries it makes my Canon XSi a bit top heavy, I’ll need to compensate by purchasing a bigger lens I think 
. It has an auto-focus assist lamp that is larger and stronger than that built into the Canon XSi. Up to 29.5f or 9m. It also reads what focal length I am set at (I assume via the ETTL hot-shoe) and adjusts accordingly.
Using ‘P’ mode with the flash sure takes the guess work out of the whole Flash mystery, but I do not like shooting in ‘P’ mode, I prefer ‘M’ mode (full manual) or depending on what I am doing one of the priority modes. I mean if the light meter in the camera tells me I should have a 1/8 shutter speed to a f5.6 then if I use the flash will it over expose the photo? I guess I’ll have to look at the manual to see the slowest shutter speed I can use with the flash.
I mainly got the flash so I can use it as a bounce for fill in. Also being able to use a flash that can go further than 4 feet would be a bonus to. Think the manual said at particular focal length the flash can be used up to 117feet? That’s petty far! It also had a ‘Wide Panel’ for doing shots at 17mm focal length.
I guess this will be a learning experience for me. If anyone out there has some advice for using a flash such as the Sigma EF-530 DG Super that I purchased I’m all ears! Though it does look like I’ll need to purchase a difuser for this flash as one did not come with it
November 21st, 2008 at 1:49 am
I just picked up a 430EXII for the same reasons, but I’m starting to lose interest in bounce flash; there just aren’t enough white walls!
As for how to use it correctly, I couldn’t tell you. (I’m still learning myself.) However, regarding slowest shutter speed, I don’t think there is one when using flash. Slow shutter speeds just let more light in, right? So, the initial flash will “burn” the flash-exposed image in, at which point the rest of the delay is dedicated to letting ambient light shine through.
Or so I believe.
November 21st, 2008 at 7:08 am
I guess I’ll just have to take it out and about with me and use it to learn it eh? How are you liking the 430EXII?
November 21st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Oooh congratulations! I can’t believe how BIG it is!
Any test shots with it yet?
November 24th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
The next post (set to go live tomorrow at 9am) will have some photos that were taken with the flash
November 25th, 2008 at 9:03 am
[...] tired out my Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash and found that I really need to pick up a bounce diffuser for it as the light was a bit harsh on [...]
November 25th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I wonder if it will work wirelessly with a cannon flash? If so, that is a nice alternative to buying additional cannon flashes to go with the one I have…
I ordered an extra diffuser from the place I had told you about that you can have if it fits on this flash.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:21 am
I’ve been told it will work with a Canon flash. Though since I do not have one I can’t test it for ya. My cousin had a spade diffuser (think for his Nikon Speedlite) but it didn’t fit, the flash head on the Sigma was a bit bigger. Though if you spare is for your Canon 530 it might fit the Sigma.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Maybe once the diffuser comes I should bring it and my flash in, and we can try it out.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Just remind me the day before so I can bring my flash in too. Of course if it is a day where I come to the office that is.
November 30th, 2008 at 2:48 am
@Tyler: I love the 430EXII, but I don’t have anything else to compare it against. I’ve heard great things about the Sigma though. If I didn’t grab mine for a dirt-cheap price off Craigslist, I think I would have gone the same. Have you tried any portraits with it lately?
Trade you!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremylim/3069725061/