Sigma EF 530 DG Super flash for Canon

[thegrandpoohbah]

I just found one on sale for $199 CAD (they usually retail for around $329 here). This seems like a great deal to me. I know the Canon 580EX II is better all around and I was going to get one of those in about a month anyways. But now I'm thinking I'll get this now and then get the 580EX II as well. My understanding is that the Sigma will work as a slave unit to the Canon. And both can be controlled wirelessly by the 7D which I plan on getting in a few months. Any thoughts or opinions? I'd love to hear from others who have purchased this flash.

[acedrew]

Not sure, but I don't think the Sigma and Canon Wireless TTL are compatible. The 7D is capable of controlling the 580EXII wirelessly.
I have a 580EXII and Love it, Having problems with my OC-E3 TTL Cable lately but the flash is bomb proof.

Andrew Rodgers
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[inkista]

Not according to this Strobist discussion thread. That said, going with a Sigma is always going to be a little more chancy than going with a Canon, simply because the communication system is worked out by reverse engineering, and Canon has no need or obligation to let Sigma know when they've changed things. Like, say, with the new 7D popup flash.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Thanks for the input. My sources of info were these two threads: Canon EOS 7D - Wireless ETTL flash FAQ - Canon Digital Photography Forums and Flashes compatible with 7D wireless mode - Canon Digital Photography Forums.

I decided to just go ahead and order the Sigma. For $200 what do I have to lose? If it works, great. If it doesn't, I'll be ordering the 580EX II in a month anyways.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Just got my flash today. I would have had it on Tuesday but I got to the post office just after they closed. I've only just started playing with it but so far I am loving it. Even up close, it is better than the pop up flash. And the ability to bounce the flash is great. The build quality is not as good as the 580EX II that I handled at the store but for 2/5 of the price I am quite satisfied.