- Tamron 28-75mm 1:2.8
- Canon EF 50mm 1:2.5 Compact-Macro
- Canon EF 28mm 1:2.8
- Tamron 17-50mm 1:2.8
- Canon EF 24mm 1:2.8
- Konica Hexar AF
- Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM
- Minolta MC W.Rokkor - NL 21mm 1:2.8
- Canon BG-ED3 Battery Grip
- Canon 10D
- Sigma EF-500 DG Super EO ETTL
- Minolta Dimage Scan Elite II
- Sears 55mm 1:1.4
- Minolta X-370
- Canon EF 28-90mm 1:4-5.6 III
- Canon 400D (Rebel XTi)
Sigma EF-500 DG Super EO ETTL
Date:
6/2/2010 Sigma has an imperfect compatability record with Canon EOS lenses. Because of that record I purchased a used EF-500 DG Super with a little sceptecism. My first impression was that it was a solid performer. Over time it proved its worth well enough to warrant the purchase of a second EF-500 DG Super.
My expectations started out different than the average Canon photographer. David Hobby's Strobist website has influenced my use of battery operated flash off camera and the Sigma EF-500 DG Super was chosen as it has a built in optical slave sensor. Moderate cost was also a factor as I was looking to have more than one. I also ended up purchasing a Canon 430EX II flash that the Sigma 500's were eventually compared to.
Observations - The Sigma DG Super's don't feel as well built as the Canon 430EX II. But neither the Canon nor the Sigmas have had any failures or breakages. The Sigmas were a great value at less than $100 each on the used market. To me, this is a great value as they function as Strobist style manual flashes AND on camera eTTL flashes.
Strobist Off Camera - The built in optical sensor works well. While the Sigma EF-500 DG Supers go down to 1/128th power, they only offer full stop power settings. After using the various buttons to set the flash into manual power optical sensor slave mode they sometimes forget their settings while changing batteris. Frustrating.
On Camera eTTL - Despite some rumors to the contrary, the eTTL performance when the flash was on my Canon 10D was spot on. Flash exposures seemed consistent and accurate. Although I usually prefer the slightly smaller 430EX II when using on camera eTTL flash, it is useful to have a powerful backup flash available.
Off Camera eTTL Master and Slave - Off camera multiple flash eTTL setup can be complicated. Reading the 430EX's manual made it seem reasonable. But Sigma's manual was a challenge. It was ambiguous in places. In addition, Sigma chose to use different verbage than Canon so configuring a Sigma/Canon master/slave combination required a few translations. Although I did eventually get the Sigma EF-500 to function as master to the Canon 430EX slave, the performance was inconsistent at best.
Performance Conclusion - My needs are well met by this pair of Sigma EF-500 DG Supers. Most of my Strobist shooting is accomplished with these two flashes. Although Sigma flashes don't get much press from the Strobist folks, mine have served me well. Having them perform well as on camera eTTL flashes was a bonus that guaranteed their spot in my gear bag. Where they fall flat is off-camera eTTL. If you have a need for eTTL master/slave off camera flashes I would have to recommend sticking with Canon brand flashes. If a Sigma flash seems a good fit for you the next section might help you refine your choice.
Which Model? - There are a lot of 'Sigma Flash' models. They have distinct models for the various brands of camera. Different model numbers (which indicate relative power). Models with manual power controls and similar models without. And in the Canon line, at least three different versions of the EF-500 Super DG exist. I own the earliest of the three, labeled 'ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-500 DG SUPER EO' with serial number in the 3 million range and smooth exterior plastic, and the middle vintage, labeled 'EF-500 DG SUPER EO-ETTL' with serial number in the 7 million range and textured plastic exterior. I have not yet found any differences between the two but have read about the latest model 'EF-500 DG SUPER EO-ETTL II' having compatibility issues with the latest Canon DSLR bodies. Sigma's website details the issue and upgrade. The vast number of models and submodels required me to do my homework to guarantee I chose the correct model for my camera. I recommend you do the same.
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