Flashes similar to 420EX Speedlite?

mr_jason · Jun 16, 2003

I'm in the market for an external flash for my soon to purchase G3, and I've read glowing comments about the 420ex. But since the 420ex is a bit on the pricy side, I'm just wondering what flashes work as well and have around the same flash range as the 420ex.

Could anyone recommend compatable flashes with the G3 which work similarly to the 420ex (swivel head, same flash range). Also, what do TTL-dedication(is it important?), auto distance range and auto f-stops mean on a flash? I'm probably looking at better known brands such as Sigma, Vivitar and Sunpak.

Thanks for your help.

PatiO · Jun 16, 2003

These are not necessarily comparable to the 420x, but you can see a variaty of inexpensive flashes here: http:www.therolbar.com/flashes.htm. HTH. PatiO.

mr_jason said:
I'm in the market for an external flash for my soon to purchase G3,
and I've read glowing comments about the 420ex. But since the 420ex
is a bit on the pricy side, I'm just wondering what flashes work as
well and have around the same flash range as the 420ex.

Could anyone recommend compatable flashes with the G3 which work
similarly to the 420ex (swivel head, same flash range). Also, what
do TTL-dedication(is it important?), auto distance range and auto
f-stops mean on a flash? I'm probably looking at better known
brands such as Sigma, Vivitar and Sunpak.

Thanks for your help.

Mark B. · Jun 16, 2003

There aren't really any off-brand equivalents to the 420EX, since 3rd party E-TTL doesn't work with Canon digitams even if they do work on Canon digital SLRs.

Mark

mr_jason said:
I'm in the market for an external flash for my soon to purchase G3,
and I've read glowing comments about the 420ex. But since the 420ex
is a bit on the pricy side, I'm just wondering what flashes work as
well and have around the same flash range as the 420ex.

Could anyone recommend compatable flashes with the G3 which work
similarly to the 420ex (swivel head, same flash range). Also, what
do TTL-dedication(is it important?), auto distance range and auto
f-stops mean on a flash? I'm probably looking at better known
brands such as Sigma, Vivitar and Sunpak.

Thanks for your help.

Andrey Platonov · Jun 16, 2003

Member said:
There aren't really any off-brand equivalents to the 420EX, since
3rd party E-TTL doesn't work with Canon digitams even if they do
work on Canon digital SLRs.

Not quite correct. I have Sigma EF 500 DG Super (analog to 550EX, and there is EF 500 DG ST - analog to 420EX, see http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/flashes.htm ), and it works fine with my G3. The only limitation - it works correctly only in Auto mode (but this is specified in the manual). In this mode it supports E-TTL, and there are a plenty of other features.

The price of EF 500 DG Super was 200$, EF 500 DG ST costs 130$ (these are Moscow prices, which are generally higher then in the US). The problem is that they are quite rare.

Here is an example of the photo made using EF 500 DG Super (this was a poorly lit cathedral):

http://avplat.instantlogic.com/images//Photos/ {74BAA787-51DC-4148-B9FA-10AFBF72B10C} {2BDAA564-109F-4990-9952-AD9ED709D5D5}lg.jpg

mosseero · Jun 17, 2003

Andrey Platonov said:
Andrey Platonov said:

There aren't really any off-brand equivalents to the 420EX, since
3rd party E-TTL doesn't work with Canon digitams even if they do
work on Canon digital SLRs.

Click to expand...

Not quite correct. I have Sigma EF 500 DG Super (analog to 550EX,
and there is EF 500 DG ST - analog to 420EX, see
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/flashes.htm ), and it works fine with
my G3. The only limitation - it works correctly only in Auto mode
(but this is specified in the manual). In this mode it supports
E-TTL, and there are a plenty of other features.

The price of EF 500 DG Super was 200$, EF 500 DG ST costs 130$
(these are Moscow prices, which are generally higher then in the
US). The problem is that they are quite rare.

I must say you have some decent prices over there. I paid almost 200$ for ST version and Super would cost another 100$ while 420EX costs approx. 400$.

What did you mean by a flash working correctly only in Auto mode?

I use mine mostly in Av or Tv mode if I shoot outdoors. Indoors I use the P mode and all modes work fine including E-TTL.

Another thing: one can set almost anything through G3 menus. You can set flash exposure compensation to control flash output in many steps, you can use full manual mode in many steps, you can even set 2nd curtain sync if you like.

Phisically ST and Super units are identical. The only difference are slave, HSS and strobe features on Super that are not on ST and ST virtually doesn't have manual controls onboard while Super does. But as I said one can control most things through menus. Flash output is the same. Both even have 17mm diffuser that I use quite often.
Since price was an issue and those features weren't I chose ST.

Andrey Platonov · Jun 17, 2003

mosseero said:
I must say you have some decent prices over there. I paid almost
200$ for ST version and Super would cost another 100$ while 420EX
costs approx. 400$.

Where is it?

mosseero said:
What did you mean by a flash working correctly only in Auto mode?
I use mine mostly in Av or Tv mode if I shoot outdoors. Indoors I
use the P mode and all modes work fine including E-TTL.

I rarely use Av and Tv. I tried my flash in P mode, and it always fired at full strength. I switched to Auto, and it worked correctly. After that you can switch back to P, and it again works correctly. Perhaps, there is some misunderstanding between my G3 and my Sigma Super flash... But in the manual it is plainly written, that camera should be set to Auto mode...

Dzidek · Jun 17, 2003

For prices in Germany check here:
http://www.fotoversand-afa.de/index.html?target=dept_90.html&lang=de

They are rare here too...
---
Jarek

Andrey Platonov said:
The price of EF 500 DG Super was 200$, EF 500 DG ST costs 130$
(these are Moscow prices, which are generally higher then in the
US).

Andrey Platonov · Jun 17, 2003

Dzidek said:
For prices in Germany check here:
http://www.fotoversand-afa.de/index.html?target=dept_90.html&lang=de

They are rare here too...

Hm. I should consider myself lucky for paying such a low price...

)

mosseero · Jun 17, 2003

Andrey Platonov said:
Andrey Platonov said:

I must say you have some decent prices over there. I paid almost
200$ for ST version and Super would cost another 100$ while 420EX
costs approx. 400$.

Click to expand...

Where is it?

In Slovenia.

Andrey Platonov said:
Andrey Platonov said:

What did you mean by a flash working correctly only in Auto mode?
I use mine mostly in Av or Tv mode if I shoot outdoors. Indoors I
use the P mode and all modes work fine including E-TTL.

Click to expand...

I rarely use Av and Tv. I tried my flash in P mode, and it always
fired at full strength. I switched to Auto, and it worked
correctly. After that you can switch back to P, and it again works
correctly. Perhaps, there is some misunderstanding between my G3
and my Sigma Super flash... But in the manual it is plainly
written, that camera should be set to Auto mode...

I had the same case with my first unit. It would fire at full strength for first 15-20 flashes and then it would work correctly. I used it in P, Av and Tv. That was not acceptable for me so I returned it and got a replacement which works fine in every mode.

Which manual are you reffering to? G3's or Super's?

mosseero · Jun 17, 2003

Andrey Platonov said:
Andrey Platonov said:

For prices in Germany check here:
http://www.fotoversand-afa.de/index.html?target=dept_90.html&lang=de

They are rare here too...

Click to expand...

Hm. I should consider myself lucky for paying such a low price... )

Slovenia is a very small market so there aren't any internet shops where you could get one of these. I had to buy one from the distributer. If you check prices in normal stores in Germany or Austria they are basically the same. Super costs 299EUR and ST costs 229EUR. And since we are not in the EU yet most EU shops (mainly from Germany or Austria) wouldn't deal with us because they limit themselves to EU.

Kastor · Jun 17, 2003

http://www.therollbar.com/

two ells in address

1afc · Jun 17, 2003

I borrowed a 420EX from my friend and used it on the G3.

The flash worked fine but it seemed to unbalance the whole camera. Every time I put the camera down it wanted to tip over as the flash was so heavy.

I was thinking of buying a 550EX ( with my friend's unit we could have a master slave setup) but I'm worried about the balance again.

Anyone with experience of this or suggestions?

TIA

Alan C

Andrey Platonov · Jun 17, 2003

mosseero said:
mosseero said:

mosseero said:

I must say you have some decent prices over there. I paid almost
200$ for ST version and Super would cost another 100$ while 420EX
costs approx. 400$.

Click to expand...

Where is it?

Click to expand...

In Slovenia.

I think this is true robbery.

mosseero said:
I had the same case with my first unit. It would fire at full
strength for first 15-20 flashes and then it would work correctly.
I used it in P, Av and Tv. That was not acceptable for me so I
returned it and got a replacement which works fine in every mode.

I think I will consult with the seller - maybe they will exchange the flash.

mosseero said:
Which manual are you reffering to? G3's or Super's?

Super's.

Ravalls · Jun 17, 2003

The 550EX is physically not balanced with the G3. Period. You cannot use it the same way you use a SLR and a flash.

But believe me, this is not a problem. You only need a small mental adjustment to learn a new way of holding a camera.

I always use the LCD for shooting, so most of the time I support the flash with one hand and the camera with another. Then I just enjoy the technical excellence of this combo: since the LCD gives instant feedback about the direction/quality of the flash, I can get more or less perfect results in most situations.

Of course, if you insist on using the optical finder you are in trouble.

Regards,

Ravalls

Mark B. · Jun 17, 2003

Andrey Platonov said:
Andrey Platonov said:

There aren't really any off-brand equivalents to the 420EX, since
3rd party E-TTL doesn't work with Canon digitams even if they do
work on Canon digital SLRs.

Click to expand...

Not quite correct. I have Sigma EF 500 DG Super (analog to 550EX,
and there is EF 500 DG ST - analog to 420EX, see
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/flashes.htm ), and it works fine with
my G3. The only limitation - it works correctly only in Auto mode
(but this is specified in the manual). In this mode it supports
E-TTL, and there are a plenty of other features.

The price of EF 500 DG Super was 200$, EF 500 DG ST costs 130$
(these are Moscow prices, which are generally higher then in the
US). The problem is that they are quite rare.

Here is an example of the photo made using EF 500 DG Super (this
was a poorly lit cathedral):

http://avplat.instantlogic.com/images//Photos/ {74BAA787-51DC-4148-B9FA-10AFBF72B10C} {2BDAA564-109F-4990-9952-AD9ED709D5D5}lg.jpg

Then Canon must have improved E-TTL on the G3. The Sigma EF-500 Super doesn't work at all with my G1 - even in 'P' mode, it fires at full strength. I haven't tried the newer 'DG' model, but I don't have any intention - I have the 420EX for the G1 and use the Sigma on my D30.

Mark

sej1001 · Jun 17, 2003

My understanding is that several work with Canon just fine. In a thread on this forum I discussed this with a gentleman who used the Metz 54AF with the G3 and according to him it worked much better than the 420ex and included support for manual flash sync which is not available even on the 550ex. The draw back to this flash is it's serious cost.

The 420EX now has a mail-in rebate for $15 dollars. You can find one for about $175, and then you can add the rebate = $160.

That's not too bad is it?

Michael McCarthy · Jun 17, 2003

mr_jason said:
I'm in the market for an external flash for my soon to purchase G3,
and I've read glowing comments about the 420ex. But since the 420ex
is a bit on the pricy side, I'm just wondering what flashes work as
well and have around the same flash range as the 420ex.

Could anyone recommend compatable flashes with the G3 which work
similarly to the 420ex (swivel head, same flash range). Also, what
do TTL-dedication(is it important?), auto distance range and auto
f-stops mean on a flash? I'm probably looking at better known
brands such as Sigma, Vivitar and Sunpak.

Thanks for your help.

Has anyone had experience with the Promaster line of flashes made for Digital cameras. Specifically models 5750DX and 5550DX. The 5750DX has a secondary fill light in front. Both are supposed to maintain all ttl functions. I know the people on the Sony site have bought them for their S75, S85 and 7x7 series cams and have great things to say about them. Site is http://www.promaster.com

They cost about $200 w/module at my local retail store, but I know a store in Ohio that was selling flash and module to the Sony people for about $130 complete.

Anyone used one with G2 or G3?

Mark B. · Jun 17, 2003

Michael McCarthy said:
Has anyone had experience with the Promaster line of flashes made
for Digital cameras. Specifically models 5750DX and 5550DX. The
5750DX has a secondary fill light in front. Both are supposed to
maintain all ttl functions. I know the people on the Sony site have
bought them for their S75, S85 and 7x7 series cams and have great
things to say about them. Site is http://www.promaster.com

They cost about $200 w/module at my local retail store, but I know
a store in Ohio that was selling flash and module to the Sony
people for about $130 complete.

Anyone used one with G2 or G3?

Unless the modules are specifically for Canon E-TTL and not just TTL, they won't work properly.

Mark

mr_jason · Jun 17, 2003

Will the mounted 380EX on the G3 be balenced on it when the camera is placed on a flat surface, unlike the 420EX or 550EX?

If it is, then I MAY buy the 380EX, but compromise some some flash range and the swivel head.

Dzidek · Jun 18, 2003

Mark B. said:
Michael McCarthy said:

Has anyone had experience with the Promaster line of flashes made
for Digital cameras. Specifically models 5750DX and 5550DX. The
5750DX has a secondary fill light in front. Both are supposed to
maintain all ttl functions.

Click to expand...

Unless the modules are specifically for Canon E-TTL and not just
TTL, they won't work properly.

Interesting - I've checked thier web page: they claim both flashes/modules are compatible with G2, but not G3...
---
Jarek.

Flashes similar to 420EX Speedlite?

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