Sigma or Sunpak: which flash to choose?

[browndad]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently using a Nikon DSLR and a Nikon SLR system.

Need a brand new flash that is:-
a. cheap (<$400)
b. high powered
c. variable power mode.

Have narrowed down to 3 models:-
1. Sigma EF-500 DG Super
2. Sigma EF-500 DG ST
3. Sunpak Power Zoom 40X

For each model, need advice on:-
i. price
ii. performance (based on criteria mentioned above)
iii. good shop to purchase

Appreciate any form of feedback. Thanks.

[unseen]

get the Ef dg super.
No need to think one. It's behaves just like the SB800. Guide number 55, supports iTTL (you have NO idea how useful this is), cheap, can be automatic can be manual, can act as slave, can be a commander..
TCW, $375 IIRC.

[metallilan]

Im using the Sigma 500 Super DG with my D70..works a charm especially the commander mode, and you can use it as the master unit..

So far i know it can truely work with the D70..not too sure with other Nikon DSLRs...whats camera body are you using?

Edit: I know for sure this flash doesn't work for D80..or so i think. You have to take the flash to Sigma to get it reprogrammed for D80.. if what i read from dpreview's forums.

[browndad]

Forgot to mention that I'm using D100, FM2 and F3 systems.

Also, will the TTL work with a Canon G6?

[metallilan]

Originally Posted by browndad Forgot to mention that I'm using D100, FM2 and F3 systems. Also, will the TTL work with a Canon G6?

With a D100 i think it should work. Try checking out the compatibility table on the main sigma website. http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english..._500_super.htm

Although from the table it says that wireless flash is not compatible with D100.

I'm not too sure about film, as i'm not a film user.

[spartacus.ret]

Originally Posted by browndad Also, will the TTL work with a Canon G6?

it won't mount on the g6.

why don't you get a metz? MZ 54-3 or MZ 54-4 - they use an interchangable hotshoe system so you can use with both canon and nikon.

[kendo]

Originally Posted by unseen get the Ef dg super. No need to think one. It's behaves just like the SB800. Guide number 55, supports iTTL (you have NO idea how useful this is), cheap, can be automatic can be manual, can act as slave, can be a commander.. TCW, $375 IIRC.

Hi, just for Comparison - the Sunpak PZ5000AF retails for $280, Alan Photo. Guide number 54, zoom from 28mm-135mm, also have Auto and Manual mode, Swivel/Bounce and Tilt -5 deg for macro, can act as Slave also. But dunno whether works with Nikon DSLRs, dun have Nikon DSLR, so never tried, I use it on Auto mode with Coolpix 8800.

[chanxj]

Originally Posted by kendo Hi, just for Comparison - the Sunpak PZ5000AF retails for $290, IIRC (MS Colour). Guide number 54, zoom from 28mm-135mm, also have Auto and Manual mode, Swivel/Bounce and Tilt -5 deg for macro, can act as Slave also. But dunno whether works with Nikon DSLRs, dun have Nikon DSLR, so never tried, I use it on Auto mode with Coolpix 8800.

wah pz5000af have auto. my pz4000af dun have. Nevertheless if u looking for ttl for DSLR, u have to check if it is Ittl compatible. TTL is for film. In digital there is no film to meter on thus the flash has to give a preflash to "calculate light needed".

Also look out for flash recycling time. It would be a very important factor to consider.

[kendo]

Originally Posted by kendo Hi, just for Comparison - the Sunpak PZ5000AF retails for $290, IIRC (MS Colour). Guide number 54, zoom from 28mm-135mm, also have Auto and Manual mode, Swivel/Bounce and Tilt -5 deg for macro, can act as Slave also. But dunno whether works with Nikon DSLRs, dun have Nikon DSLR, so never tried, I use it on Auto mode with Coolpix 8800.

Correction - just checked my receipt, its $280 at Alan Photo.

[browndad]

Originally Posted by kendo Hi, just for Comparison - the Sunpak PZ5000AF retails for $290, IIRC (MS Colour). Guide number 54, zoom from 28mm-135mm, also have Auto and Manual mode, Swivel/Bounce and Tilt -5 deg for macro, can act as Slave also. But dunno whether works with Nikon DSLRs, dun have Nikon DSLR, so never tried, I use it on Auto mode with Coolpix 8800.

Thanks! This PZ5000AF will be on my candidate list!

I'll check the Sunpak website for more details soon.

Some quick questions:-
1. Does it use 2 batteries or 4 batteries?
2. Is there variable power mode?
3. How is the recycle time like?

cheers.

[chanxj]

i heard if u can get ur hands on the high voltage batt it would be onli 3-4sec? For my pz4000af recycling time at manual full power takes 8-10 sec on 4 Ni-mh aa batteries. Alkaline batteries take longer.

[kendo]

Originally Posted by browndad Thanks! This PZ5000AF will be on my candidate list! I'll check the Sunpak website for more details soon. Some quick questions:- 1. Does it use 2 batteries or 4 batteries? 2. Is there variable power mode? 3. How is the recycle time like? cheers.

Hi, Quick answers!

1. 4 batteries
2. Yes, down to 1/64. (Multi flash also available.)
3. I use Sony 1700mah, recycle time is 7 sec.

The manual indicates that it can be used for film SLRs (like F5, F90,etc) on TTL, nothing on DLSR cos it's quite an old model.

[browndad]

Thanks!