Sigma EF 500 DG Super Flash for Canon SLR Cameras

Rating:
Summary: Great flash unit for all of my EOS cameras
Review: One of the major attractions of this flash was that I can use it not only with my Digital Rebel, but also with my Rebel 2000 35mm camera. The performance (especially with 2500 mAH NiMH batteries) is awesome. Cycle times with freshly charged batteries are about 2 seconds. Lots more features than the Canon 420EX. The only negative is the instruction manual; the translation (from Japanese) to English is poor, and the descriptions of some of the modes are rather vague.

Rating:
Summary: Great bang for the buck. Save $ off canon flashes
Review: Over the past 15 years, i've had the whole gamut of inexpensive vivitar/sunpak thristor flashes to pro level quantum qflash 400w/s packs and this flash is the best bang for the buck. I love my new canon 580ex, but it's twice the cost of this flash. I found myself using this flash the most (after I converted the door by drilling a small hole) for the quantum cable and quantum 1+1 battery pack.

I did have a problem of the flash plastic lens turning black and having to replace it. But I was using it as a primary flash for weddings on the digital rebel. It did say not to repeatedly flash the unit...ahahha...my fault. seriously though, the flash is a good flash. bounce and diffuser panel work well.

Slower in recycling than the 550 or 580 EX. So if you need faster recycling, get the canon brands (for twice the cost) or if you're a name brand junky. get the canon brand.

oh..one last somewhat important thing. i DID notice the sigma had more problems getting my digital SLR's to focus with it's infra-red focusing beam than the canon flashes...so if you're doing a lot of indoor and very low light photography, i would say the canon flashes are a better bet.