Which Speedlite flash is the best for Elan IIe?

[jeffrey_fu]

I have a Elan IIe with Sigma 28-300 len. I am thinking about getting a flash for it. Which flash is good? 380EX or 420EX? I just want to get a flash that can fully utilize my Elan IIe features and yet it is not expensive. Thanks.

[jay_horton1]

Sigma EF 500 Super. $ 179 at B & H.

[steve_dunn3]

<p>The Sigma certainly seems to be worthy of consideration - see the

article on it at photonotes.org for some more info.</p>

 

<p>Of the two you mention, the 420EX is the better flash for the Elan

IIe because:</p>

 

<ul>

<li>It's somewhat more powerful (about 10%)

<li>It has a proper AF assist beam (the AF assist beam on the 380EX

only works if you select the central AF point manually or with ECF;

use either other AF point or let the camera choose and you only get

the body's AF assist beam)

<li>It not only tilts but swivels

</ul>

[lex_bowden]

I've got all of the gear you are considering and find that I like the

420ex better than the 380ex...it's a little more compact, a little

more powerful, has the swivelling head and if you ever want to expand

your flash system to include either a 550ex or st-e2 IR trigger, then

the 420ex will fit right into that system. The 380ex won't. I'm

actually looking to sell my 380ex at the moment, if you want to make

an offer, let me know. Probably haven't given it a great

recommendation with this response though. It really is quite a nice

flash for the camera you are using.

[ken_itoh]

I recommend secondhand 550EX.

380EX or 420EX lacks many functions which 550EX has. I think you'll

be skillful at flash photography before long, then you'll want more

functions which 550EX solely has. To cut cost, look for a secondhand.

 

<p>

 

Ken

[jimstrutz]

For the Elan IIe, I'd recommend the Sigma EF-500 Super. Just about

all the features and power of the 550EX for half the price.

 

<p>

 

The Sigma flash has a very good, red AF assist light, but

unfortunately only works with the center AF point. This isn't a

problem with the Elan IIe since the camera's AF assist light works

well and takes over for the outer AF points.

 

<p>

 

It's more difficult to recommend the Sigma flash for the Elan 7 since

that camera has a miserable excuse for an AF assist light and it

needs all the low light help it can get. For an Elan 7 you might be

better off with a 550EX or even a 420EX.

[david_chiaradia1]

If you can find a second hand 550EX, I would get one! I bought mine

second hand at the price of a new 420EX (for my EOS 50E/Elan IIE).

It has more capabilities and it somewhat more powerful.

[jeffrey_fu]

1. What about the Sigma EF-430? And they have another version called Electronic Flash EF-430ST or EF-500ST. Is the ST same as Super?

2. I think 550EX or EF-500 Super is too big for my Elan IIe. So I prefer a smaller one. What is the different between 420EX and EF-430 then?

Thanks for answering my question.