Flash questions from a novice

[pbucks]

I am thinking about buying a new flashgun to use with my Canon 30D.
As always, the budget is tight.

I have been looking at several options:

1/ Canon Speedlite 580ex II
2/ Canon Speedlite 430ex II
3/ Sigma EF 530 DG Super

As far as I can tell, the speedlite 580 and Sigma 530 are very similar in spec, but way different in price.
The speedlite430 is closer in price to the Sigma, but seems to be lower spec.

I seem to be leaning towards the Sigma.

Can anyone tell me the pros/cons of these in simple english and jhow they compare in practice, before I part with my hard earned.

Or even suggest any alternatives. I don't mind buying used if that is the best value.

 

[HoppyUK]

Big difference between those units, apart from power, is that the 430EXII cannot be used as master unit in an E-TTL multiple auto flash set up, only a slave. IMHO that is well worth having.

I'm pretty sure the Sigma Super can do the master thing (but double check that) and so too can the top model from Nissin which looks to be good value and very powerful.

 

[mr_pants]

Big difference between those units, apart from power, is that the 430EXII cannot be used as master unit in an E-TTL multiple auto flash set up, only a slave. IMHO that is well worth having.

I'm pretty sure the Sigma Super can do the master thing (but double check that) and so too can the top model from Nissin which looks to be good value and very powerful.

... although if one you've only got one flash unit, then master mode is probably not too important.

The Sigma flash that I used to have cancelled its high-speed mode whenever the shutter speed dropped below 1/200. Which I found to be a bit of a pain when walking around in AV mode using the flash for fill. The Canon units stay in high speed mode, whatever. I don't know if the newer Sigma units have had this niggle addressed.

 

[33L]

when i talked to you about this the other day, for the strobies kit i mentioned the mount for the Nikon SB900 fits and this has been confirmed.

 

[HoppyUK]

... although if one you've only got one flash unit, then master mode is probably not too important.

Which is why I mentioned multiple auto flash.

The Sigma flash that I used to have cancelled its high-speed mode whenever the shutter speed dropped below 1/200. Which I found to be a bit of a pain when walking around in AV mode using the flash for fill. The Canon units stay in high speed mode, whatever. I don't know if the newer Sigma units have had this niggle addressed.

Of course the flash cancelled the high speed mode when the shutter dropped to the x-sync speed and lower. It is very wasteful of power and reduces range, so no point if you don't need it. The end result will be the same, but you get more range with HS switched off, and faster recycling.

Canon units work in the same way and HS modes is automatically switched on/off above and below the camera's maximum x-sync speed.

 

[Green Li]

I am thinking about buying a new flashgun to use with my Canon 30D.
As always, the budget is tight.

I have been looking at several options:

1/ Canon Speedlite 580ex II
2/ Canon Speedlite 430ex II
3/ Sigma EF 530 DG Super

As far as I can tell, the speedlite 580 and Sigma 530 are very similar in spec, but way different in price.
The speedlite430 is closer in price to the Sigma, but seems to be lower spec.

I seem to be leaning towards the Sigma.

Can anyone tell me the pros/cons of these in simple english and jhow they compare in practice, before I part with my hard earned.

Or even suggest any alternatives. I don't mind buying used if that is the best value.

I used to have Sigma 500 Super. Worked well for me. I hear reports that some units heavily overexpose, though. Cannot confirm that.
Canon quality is superior, but Canon units cost more.
Here is a detailed comparison review: 430ex 2 vs 580ex 2