Sigma flash compatibility with canon

[david noone]

I'm SERIOUSLY thinking of buying a sigma ef430 super flash for my

Canon Elan 7. Does anyone know if this is a completely compatible

flash? Will all the bells and whisles work? Will it be just like

having a Canon speedlite on my camera as far as dedication goes? I've

just spent the last 3 hours on the web trying to find the answer to

these questions. Any help or advise anyone can give would be greatly

appreciated.

[aim rollphoto805]

I believe the only good sigma flash would be the 500 super, If you wanted all the bells and whistles.

[cliff_lesergent]

From reading the various posts over the past few years regarding compatibility issues and operational problems between Sigma products and Canon equipment, I'm starting to think that "Sigma compatibility" is an oxymoron.

[jimstrutz]

I believe that the Canon 420EX is the only flash made today that has an AF assist light that actually overs all of the Elan 7's AF points. Even the 550EX won't cover all seven. But the Sigma flashes & all other third party units that I am aware of, only cover the central AF point. Technology changes by the moment though, so that may not be true next month. Also full coverage AF assist is not the only thing to consider with a flash.

 

If you are looking for a third party flash for the Elan 7, make sure it offers E-TTL metering. That way you can also get high speed sync and flash exposure lock. I'm not sure the EF430 Super is E-TTL capable, but the EF500 Super is.

 

The EF500 Super is the flash of second choice for the Elan 7. 550EX is my first choice in spite of the AF assist limitations. The 420EX is my third since it lacks manual control and other features. Others will prioritize these differently.