The EF430 Super can be used with various AF SLR cameras and controls the flash with automatic TTL. It supports not only normal flash shooting, but als
The EF430 Super can be used with various AF SLR cameras and controls the flash with automatic TTL. It supports not only normal flash shooting, but also bounce and automatic flash fill. The flash contains an AF auxiliary light to make auto focus shooting possible, even in dark locations.
In addition to my review below I discovered that E-TTL metering is only available in the Canon Elan II, Elan IIE, Rebel G, IX and the IX Lite. High Speed Sync (FP Flash), Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) is also only available on these cameras. Sigmas website does not have alot of info on this flash so I'll quote a few things from the manual. The camera can be fully manual if needed, power range is 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16. If you use a motor drive in 1/16 mode the flash can fire upto 8 times, 4x in 1/8, 2x in 1/4 and 1x in 1/2 and 1/1 each charge. Manual operation of the zoom head is available as well 28, 35, 50, 70, 80mm and auto. There is an optional wide panel for 18mm to 28mm lenses. There is also a Multi Flash option so the subject's series of movement will be exposed in one frame in 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 0.5 or 1.0 sec increments. Slow Sync and Second Curtain Sync as well. None of these modes above can be used on the Canon Eos 700, 750 or 850 cameras. Flash exposure compensation is available as well (not available with EOS 620, 650, 700, 750, 850 and 1000/Revel series of cameras. Thats about it. The very first time I used this flash it went totally crazy and would not turn off and each time I pressed a button and it did the same thing as the button next to it. I removed the flash and removed the batteries to reset it. Worked a treat and has never ever failed me since then. Value rating I give is a 4 out of 5. If you had a Elan II, Rebel G, IX etc I would give it a five. Other wise not bad.
Rating Reviewed by: Matt D(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date April 3, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Review 2 of 9
Price Paid:
$150.00
Summary:
A good flash with all of the functions most people need. Rear curtain sync is always useful and not available on the Canon 340. E-TTL metering is availble with this flash which is great if you have a EOS 3 or a 1V but if you have these cameras use should be able the afford the accessorys. You dont put Dunlop retreads on your new Ferrari, afford the car, afford the tires. This is a similar flash to the Canon 540 in terms of specs. The GN for the 540 is slightly higher at 54/177 (ISO 100, m/ft) than the Sigma but the price is almost double. Stand a few of meters closer to your subject and that problem is solved and you would have saved money in the process. The big clear LCD screen on the back of the flash is easy to follow and has a blue backlight if needed. Basically you are getting a flash thats similar to Canons 540 flash for almost half the price, ties in well with E-TTL metering and is fully manual if needed and wireless. Theres room for improvement but its not to shabby so far.
Strengths:
Good build quality for the price.
Lot of useful features and its fully manual.
Good output GN142/Ft(GN43/m)ISO100.
Wireless.
Weaknesses:
Flash Head Doesnt rotate horizontally, but how often are you going to use that. Go wire less if need be. Zoom head could needs to go higher than 80mm (Come on Sigma thats not hard to do)
Similar Products Used:
SunPack 4000AF (broken straight out of the box)Canon 540 and 550.
I am a Nikon user. This item sounds good but its design was poor. You can not turn it off. Even though you switch it to off, you are still be able to change the ZOOM, test the flash and making other settings. Besides, the "OK" light won't work until you turn on the LCD backlight. You even need do this in the daylight. One word, this item isn't worth the money.
Rating Reviewed by: Davis Bobby(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date September 20, 2000
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 5 of 9
Price Paid:
$180.00
from B&H photo
Summary:
This is the best flash unit I've ever owned. It's versatility is its best feature. With E-TTL and auto-zoom, its point and shoot simple. With manual to 1/16th and multi channel slaving, its as complex as you want it to be. Hands down the best deal for the money in a brand specific TTL autoflash.
Strengths:
E-TTL metering with canon Elan II and Rebel 2000, FP flash(high-speed sync), strobe affect, full-1/16th manual power...etc.`
Weaknesses:
Batteries are limited to Alkaline and NiMh, no packs available. Zoom head is only 28-80, unlike the 380EX which is 24-105; but the manual zoom feature means that you can zoom the flash manually with non-canon lenses, which is not possible on the 380EX.
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