An update to the 500DG Super and ST.

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/img/pphoto_ef_530_dg_super.jpg
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/070720_ef530_dg_super.htm

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/img/pphoto_ef_530_dg_st.jpg
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/070720_ef530_dg_st.htm

still boxy and far cry from 58 guide number of the 580ex =) interesting though that theyre still at it...

hmmmm I wunder what it can do?

I'm leaning towards a the Metz 54 MZ-4 which i find more versatile for different cams.

Is the 500 DG ST wireless trigger capable?

Is the 500 DG ST wireless trigger capable?

Hindi yata. I think there is a sigma EF-530 DG super which is wireless capable. 259 USD at Adorama.
Nols

hi, is this available locally? how much?

hi, is this available locally? how much?I know it's somewhere in between 10-15k :)

What are the main differences between the DG super and the DG ST? I won't be using the wireless capabilities, and I only intend to use it for low light situations without a tripod... what other differences does the two have? I'm thinking of getting the ST...

What are the main differences between the DG super and the DG ST? I won't be using the wireless capabilities, and I only intend to use it for low light situations without a tripod... what other differences does the two have? I'm thinking of getting the ST...

I had the ST and sold it and now I'm trying to find a DG Super 500/530. What's the main difference between the super and the st? Super has manual controls (very useful to learn lighting effects). I sometimes found my ST to over power my shots in low light situations. It has wireless functions that might come in handy sometimes, and faster recycle time.

Sir Rob Ponce noted that the DG Super is in between getting a Canon 580ex and the 430ex. So might was well shell out the additional 4k and get the more features. Take this advice from me or anyone who has or had a ST.

By the way ANY BODY KNOW WHERE TO GET THE 530 Super and how much?

@mark: Hmmm...thanks! Actually I'm using a Nikon flash on a Pentax so I'm using it in manual or "A" mode... I'm looking to get a DG Super now based on what you said, for TTL capabilities as well as AF assist... Isn't JT photoworld the distributor of Sigma? Flashes included?

@mark: Hmmm...thanks! Actually I'm using a Nikon flash on a Pentax so I'm using it in manual or "A" mode... I'm looking to get a DG Super now based on what you said, for TTL capabilities as well as AF assist... Isn't JT photoworld the distributor of Sigma? Flashes included?

@franz

Manual control is a definite must. The DG ST didn't have much of a manual control, just a Hi and Lo setting aside from auto. Hence at times I had to adjust the camera shutter speed and f stop to get the shot I wanted (this proved to be more difficult).

I'm not sure if JT photoworld sells the flash, if so I hope you post the price of the SUPER 500 and 530 here so I'll know as well hehe... Thanks

Franz,

The 530 DG Super is P13K and the ST is P8.9K at JTPhoto.

Though as usual, the Pentax Hotshoe mount is per order basis.

http://images.digitalprinting.multiply.com/image/8/photos/41/orig/2/Product%20Price%20List%2020070828%20Sigma%20%282%2 9.jpg?et=mgYLpojB5NWyzfIFdRX6Jw

Franz,

The 530 DG Super is P13K and the ST is P8.9K at JTPhoto.

Though as usual, the Pentax Hotshoe mount is per order basis.

http://images.digitalprinting.multiply.com/image/8/photos/41/orig/2/Product%20Price%20List%2020070828%20Sigma%20%282%2 9.jpg?et=mgYLpojB5NWyzfIFdRX6Jw


Franz bili na tayo hehe...

The price is just like the price of the Canon 430ex and the price difference for the DG Super 530 and the 500 is only 300 pesos (thought the 500 Super should be a lot cheaper than that). At any rate the price is reasonable at best :Grin:

ipon muna ako mark!hehe...

Hmmm, the diference is only 300? wow... and it's reasonable ha... are you gonna be buying one soon? If you do, update me how it is ah! :)

I'll do some more research in Hidalgo on Friday. Probably get it by then, then I have a wedding to attend on Sunday so I'll have a field test also hehe.:Grin:

Franz,

The 530 DG Super is P13K and the ST is P8.9K at JTPhoto.

Though as usual, the Pentax Hotshoe mount is per order basis.

http://images.digitalprinting.multiply.com/image/8/photos/41/orig/2/Product%20Price%20List%2020070828%20Sigma%20%282%2 9.jpg?et=mgYLpojB5NWyzfIFdRX6Jw


Sir Randall where is the location of JT Photo? Is this the one in Pedro Gil belonging to Jerome Tan or is the JT Photo in Chino Roces belonging to Joy Talamayan? Why the DTI allowed them to have the same name beats the hell out of me :BlackEye:

The JT photo that sells the Sigma flashes is the one near Shopwise Makati. I'm not good with street names in Makati eh... :) I think it's near or along Pasong Tamo... dunno if the ones you mentioned are branches though...

Thank's Franz, I thought it would be cheaper to find the flash in Hidalgo, but since a lot of guys recommend the one in Makati I'll check it out on Friday and not bother going to Hidalgo.

I'll inform you how the flash feels in comparison with the ST when I get the chance to use it. :Grin:

Sir Randall where is the location of JT Photo? Is this the one in Pedro Gil belonging to Jerome Tan or is the JT Photo in Chino Roces belonging to Joy Talamayan? Why the DTI allowed them to have the same name beats the hell out of me :BlackEye:

Jerome Tan is the owner of JT photo both in Pedro Gil and in Makati, Joy is just sales rep who's always in a hurry everytime you have concerns with their products, hope Jan Tan can read this.:)

Thanks mark!:) happy lens hunting! hehe... if only I had the cash now, sabay na tayo!:)

edit: i meant flash...happy flash hunting hehehe

The JTPhoto in Pasong Tamo is the main showroom. While the one in Pedro Gil is the stock warehouse. JTPhoto is the official distributor of Sigma here in the Philippines.

Franz, keep me informed if ever you do purchase from JTPhoto on whether how long the waiting period is for Pentax lenses/accessories. If I can't sequester the funds for the DA12-24 I might go with the Sigma 10-20EX K-mount.

BTW, even the DG ST is compatible with Pentax's (K10D) wireless P-TTL flash mode.

Randall, I'm also interested on Sigma 10-20EX K-mount on my K10D. How much is that? Thanks!

Randall, I'm also interested on Sigma 10-20EX K-mount on my K10D. How much is that? Thanks!

It's P24.8K. Though I'm hesitant because it can't do IR. :/

Jerome Tan is the owner of JT photo both in Pedro Gil and in Makati, Joy is just sales rep who's always in a hurry everytime you have concerns with their products, hope Jan Tan can read this.:)

I see... I thought they both had the same store name cause they both had the JT as their initials :Dum:

Randall, I'm also interested on Sigma 10-20EX K-mount on my K10D. How much is that? Thanks!

It's P24.8K. Though I'm hesitant because it can't do IR. :/

Why can't it do IR? sayang it's much cheaper than the UWA of Pentax.

Hotspot problem.

The DA12-24 is pricier because of the constant f/4 opening.

You can try to look for the Samsung-Schneider Kreuznach 12-24 f/4. I hear it's cheaper.

The JTPhoto in Pasong Tamo is the main showroom. While the one in Pedro Gil is the stock warehouse. JTPhoto is the official distributor of Sigma here in the Philippines.


Sir Randall,

Last question, promise! Do you know if the Pedro Gil branch of JTPhoto also does retail sale as well like the one in Pasong Tamo? Pedro Gil is definitely closer to where I am. And I rather not drive to Makati, since I get lost at their back streets :Scared:

Yes they do... no sirs please or else I will call you sir too. :p

Yes they do... no sirs please or else I will call you sir too. :p

Copy that!:Grin:

mark - The one in Paco (my office is just a few blocks away too) doesn't have any stocks of Sigma or Tamrac products. If you plan to order one, call them ahead of time and have it delivered there. If you want to test lenses or flashes then go to the Chino Roces (near Shopwise) branch.

Hehehe... Joy at Makati branch does seem to be in a hurry most of the time.

Would a Nikon SB600 about P10T a better choice than the Sigma flashes in that price range?

mark - The one in Paco (my office is just a few blocks away too) doesn't have any stocks of Sigma or Tamrac products. If you plan to order one, call them ahead of time and have it delivered there. If you want to test lenses or flashes then go to the Chino Roces (near Shopwise) branch.

Hehehe... Joy at Makati branch does seem to be in a hurry most of the time.

Would a Nikon SB600 about P10T a better choice than the Sigma flashes in that price range?

Thanks Ryan,

Could you give me directions or is JTPhoto easy to fine once I hit shopwise? I'll be going there tomorrow after to test/buy the 530 Super :Grin:

If you know if the SB600 is equal to 430ex then I would get the Sigma 530 Super. More functions, more flexability.

After shopwise (few meters), just look at the left side and you'll see a large SIGMA sign and you can park at the gate (A/C repair)

Thanks for the help Ryan, found the store with no problems :) very nice people inside aswell.

Franz, I finally got my 530 Super and I have to say it's definitely better than my (sold) 500 ST.

A quick review between the 500 ST and the 530 Super (out of the box review for the 530 Super).

It looks the same, it feels the same, but the first 5 minutes of using the Super, all I can say is that ETTL metering seems to be right on. Although I've did read I review on another forum of non consistent metering, but for me the 530 Super is right on! I'm not a pro that I'll notice those little errors in lighting hehe...

Quick recycling is good news to me. The flash charges fast and is able to fire again during burst mode (though I did only did 2 burst shots), I had to wait for 2-4 seconds for the flash to recharge with my ST.

Quiet! This camera is very quiet compared to my ST. But then again for those people who have a 580ex, this might not be a big deal. I heard no noise in the recharging of the flash. I didn't hear the hight pitched sound of the flash recharging like I did with my ST and when I zoomed in and out I could only hear a faint sound of the servo moving inside the flash (this made me think if my flash was defective for a second hehe...).

That's my review of the 530 Super for now. I'll be using this flash for my cousins wedding on Sunday, hopefully I can give more information. But for now, it is time for some manual reading, cause this flash's manual is actually a few pages long. :Thinking:

@mark: Congrats on your new purchase and thanks for the quick review!:) Looks like the Super is next on my list now hehe... Using a flash in Manual mode can be fun but sometimes I need to get a shot quickly hence my urge to buy a Sigma DG Super... goodluck on your wedding shoot!

Hey Franz,

I took the flash out for a wedding last Sunday, and I can't say enough praise for this camera. I guess I shouldn't have taken so many practice shots, cause halfway through the wedding I ran out of batteries! (should have charged the batteries first) All in all I think I took about 300 shots with 2700 Mh batt full charged (150 pre wedding test and 150 actual wedding shots:))

This flash is a definite must and I wish I could borrow someones 430ex for better comparison. Since that's not going to happend I'll just have to say this camera beats my old ST hands down (duhhhh!!!:))

I also happend to like the fact I could use my in camera flash to trigger the SUPER as a slave off camera flash. I could definitely think of other experiments with that function even if I don't have wireless transmitters or another SUPER to do a master / slave setup.

The 530 Super definitely has a place in my camera bag, hope you get your copy soon :Grin:

Good Luck!

@mark: crap... all your praises makes me all the more wanting to get my hands on that flash! haha:) So the in-camera flash can trigger the Super if used as a lave huh? I wonder if the Super can trigger my other flash?

Thanks again Mark, I hope to get mine soon! And by that time, you can teach me all the tricks you've learned so far! haha...

@mark: crap... all your praises makes me all the more wanting to get my hands on that flash! haha:) So the in-camera flash can trigger the Super if used as a lave huh? I wonder if the Super can trigger my other flash?

Thanks again Mark, I hope to get mine soon! And by that time, you can teach me all the tricks you've learned so far! haha...


Hey Franz,

sorry to make you jealous, was just proud of my new rig. :) Yup the in camera flash can be used to fire the 530 super. Makes me think of how a stobist would use such a layout. I could definitely practice that first hehe... I'm sure the 530 super can be used to fire your other flash as long as 1. your other flashes have a wireless function... and/or 2. your other flash will fire via another flash.

I'm not sure how much I'll learn by the time you get your flash, but I'm sure you probably know more already and in that case, it's best that you teach me what you know hehe..

cheers

@Mark: Hmmm... thanks again! I don't know about me knowing more, I've got tons to learn! And about flash, sure I use manual, but believe me, it's a severe case of trial and error for me... most especially the error part! haha:)

Just got my EF-530 super!!! Now, if I only knew how to use this. My first flash.

Novice inquiry (pardon me for intruding): will this work on a d40? I am choosing between the sb600 or this one. Here the sb600 is at 650SR (P7540 at the current exchange rate) and I need more information between the two, is there any difference in between (e.g. range of options, auto & manual mode, etc.)? Or should I wait and get the 530DG instead?

JM - I use a D40x. It works well on it. For your other inquiries, don't know. New to flashes also.

Novice inquiry (pardon me for intruding): will this work on a d40? I am choosing between the sb600 or this one. Here the sb600 is at 650SR (P7540 at the current exchange rate) and I need more information between the two, is there any difference in between (e.g. range of options, auto & manual mode, etc.)? Or should I wait and get the 530DG instead?

sir, i have the Sigma 530 DG SUPER
and the SB600. the SIGMA is more versatile = it's designed to level with the SB800.

sir, i have the Sigma 530 DG SUPER
and the SB600. the SIGMA is more versatile = it's designed to level with the SB800.

So shelling out a little more i could get more features on this 530 DG than the SB600? What about compatability on future DSLR models, I have not found any. Do you guys know?

Sigma 530 users, question here.

Im using the 530 with a GaryFong lightsphere. So when you flip the fash head up or side was, the ETTL is disabled right. So, Do you Still place it on the Ettl mode or Manual?

Do you guys flip the built in diffuser and put it on 17mm or just at 24mm.

Im actually experiencing inconsistent light output, even at full recycling time.

sir, i have the Sigma 530 DG SUPER
and the SB600. the SIGMA is more versatile = it's designed to level with the SB800.

Hello Marty,

Apart from the price difference, any other reason why you opted for the Sigma over the SB800?

Hello Marty,

Apart from the price difference, any other reason why you opted for the Sigma over the SB800?

that's it. oh, plus warrantee from the official distributor :D

Thanks Marty. Does it still use the two seperate buttons to swivel and tilt the head (like the 500DG Super) or just one button now to do both (like the SB800)?

Hello guys. I'm also thinking about getting a flash (and if I get to a decision now, I might buy after work today). I'm currently eyeing the SB600, but do you think it's better to spend a little more cash and get the 530DG SUPER instead?

How's the output? I've read a lot of reviews saying it produces inconsistent/unpredictable output when in TTL.

Thanks.

Hello guys. I'm also thinking about getting a flash (and if I get to a decision now, I might buy after work today). I'm currently eyeing the SB600, but do you think it's better to spend a little more cash and get the 530DG SUPER instead?

How's the output? I've read a lot of reviews saying it produces inconsistent/unpredictable output when in TTL.

Thanks.

Im also in the same boat. SB600 or 530 Super. But then if i decide to get the Super, a little more and its already an SB800 hehehehhe... this is hard.

Im also in the same boat. SB600 or 530 Super. But then if i decide to get the Super, a little more and its already an SB800 hehehehhe... this is hard.

How much is the 530 Super and the SB 800 there? Cause here the SB600 is priced at 27K Y, 530 Super is at 29K Y, and the SB800 is at 50K Y. With my present budget, the SB800 is out of the equation. Hehe.

How much is the 530 Super and the SB 800 there? Cause here the SB600 is priced at 27K Y, 530 Super is at 29K Y, and the SB800 is at 50K Y. With my present budget, the SB800 is out of the equation. Hehe.

This is from the JTPhoto site in Multiply... (http://digitalprinting.multiply.com)
530ST is 8,900 (http://digitalprinting.multiply.com/photos/photo/72/3)
530SUPER is 13,000 (http://digitalprinting.multiply.com/photos/photo/72/18)

the sb800 can be bought at 16K for a grey unit this season (while supply lasts hehehe) otherwise it'll be around 18K regular grey market price...

That's a good bargain. Unfortunately here, the price difference between the 530 Super and the SB 800 is large. :(

yup the price diff is large, the features between sb800 and 530Super are quite close.
The swivel buttons are annoying though but you'll get a hang out of it.

If you have non-CLS ready camera (D40,D40x-D50) , the Sigma can act as the master on your camera and remotely trigger a SB600 or SB800.

The 530Sigma can also be a slave. set your onboard flash to manual and set to lowest power ( you can cover it with an electric tape with a small hole).
You need to set the power of the sigma manually as well. I would skip the SB600 it if was a choice between the two.

The 530Sigma can also be a slave. set your onboard flash to manual and set to lowest power ( you can cover it with an electric tape with a small hole).
You need to set the power of the sigma manually as well. I would skip the SB600 it if was a choice between the two.

Is is also possible with a non-CLS-compatible camera? I'm using a D40. If yes, is the tape with the small hole also necessary? Or could I just set the flash to the lowest power. I'm starting to lean on the 530 Super's side now. :Grin: Thanks.

If you have non-CLS ready camera (D40,D40x-D50) , the Sigma can act as the master on your camera and remotely trigger a SB600 or SB800.

The 530Sigma can also be a slave. set your onboard flash to manual and set to lowest power ( you can cover it with an electric tape with a small hole).
You need to set the power of the sigma manually as well. I would skip the SB600 it if was a choice between the two.

Wow, tnx for the info Marty!
I thought that only nikon flashes can trigger other nikon flashes for CLS... This is good since most my friends use SB800s... can this work the other way around? can the sb800s trigger the sigmas?

Wow, tnx for the info Marty!
I thought that only nikon flashes can trigger other nikon flashes for CLS... This is good since most my friends use SB800s... can this work the other way around? can the sb800s trigger the sigmas?


let me clarify... it won't be CLS. CLS ultimately mean iTTL and remote control of powersettings from the camera....

using D40 or D50 + onboard flash, you can trigger the super530 remotely in Manual Slave mode. The D70s and D80 up can do this with its Commander flash mode


using D40 or D50 + Super530, you can do iTTL and also configure your Supre530 as MASTER . If you have an a remote SB600, you can trigger it.

i've tried this once.

Hello guys. I just got myself the 530 Super. I'm finally calm now. Hehe. So far, TTL's working fine. Now I've gotta do a lot of reading. :Grin:

@Marty Thank you very much for the information.

got myself one as well! plus a stofen diffuser...
no more worries!

Great thread...

Question for Canon folks, this flash or the gen1 580EX?

Quick question, after a period of being idle does the flash not fire when you suddenly press the shutter? Does it need a few secs to charge up before it fires? I might be expecting too much with it hehehe...

Tested the CLS of this and it works very well.

I'm considering this over a SB600/800 purchase right now, thanks to this thread. I just have a question as well.

If I use this as a slave, am I right in presuming that any other flash, regardless of brand, can trigger it?

Quick question, after a period of being idle does the flash not fire when you suddenly press the shutter? Does it need a few secs to charge up before it fires? I might be expecting too much with it hehehe...

Tested the CLS of this and it works very well.

Yes, I experience this too Ryan. The power-saving feature is normal I think but wake-up time is faster with fresh batteries.

Nols

Quick question, after a period of being idle does the flash not fire when you suddenly press the shutter? Does it need a few secs to charge up before it fires? I might be expecting too much with it hehehe...

I have the same experience as well. And there are also times when I get overexposed images when I suddenly press the shutter with the flash having just powered on from standby mode.

I'm considering this over a SB600/800 purchase right now, thanks to this thread. I just have a question as well.

If I use this as a slave, am I right in presuming that any other flash, regardless of brand, can trigger it?

Hello Paolo. I'm not sure with the other brands, but if they have master capability, I think they should be able to do so. Also, the D40's built-in flash can trigger the 530 DG Super. Hope that helps. :)

Great thread...

Question for Canon folks, this flash or the gen1 580EX?

the 580ex gen1

Thanks Mark. Just looking to do some improvised CLS with my D40, Hehehe... Nice to know that the built-in will trigger it.

nice thread and nice review! now i'm convinced to get one too! =)

Hello guys. Has anyone tried a 530DG Super/SB 600 or 530DG Super/500DG Super combo using the 530DG Super as the master? I think I've read a post about the 530DG Super and SB 600 combo but I couldn't find it.

What's the general difference between the DG Super from the ST version? I've been googling since forever and all I get are the base specs, not actual reviews. I'm planning to get the non-ST version since I'm just playing with photography as a hobby and was wondering if it would be fine for evening events.

What's the general difference between the DG Super from the ST version? I've been googling since forever and all I get are the base specs, not actual reviews. I'm planning to get the non-ST version since I'm just playing with photography as a hobby and was wondering if it would be fine for evening events.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58025

Is the 500 DG ST wireless trigger capable?


Yes it is capable. I've tried it

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58025



danke! will check it out.

guys, have you heard of this problem with the EF500 DG Super flash?
http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Sigma-Announces-Required-Flashgun-Upgrade-for-D40x-Users-13550.htm

Can a pentax dslr built-in flash trigger the 530 dg super or st?

does anyone know a resource site on flash photography specific to sigma? nahihirapan ako magtantsa eh, and all I found on the net was this http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=171657 but it's canon-specific lang.

Yes, I have a k10d and its built-in flash can trigger my new Sigma 530 DG Super.

Got a question for sigma and its ETTL:

Im using the ETTL at P mode(1/60; 4.5; iso800)

Im overexposing when im at 28mm, but exposure is good when im at 70mm. This is from the exact same spot, around 6ft from the subject. Flash was not fired successively so it couldnt be the power. Im used an omnibounce this time.

Anyone was any ideas? Thanks ahead!

guys, have you heard of this problem with the EF500 DG Super flash?
http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Sigma-Announces-Required-Flashgun-Upgrade-for-D40x-Users-13550.htm

Hi Arpee,
to be safe, just get the newer DG 530 ST/Super.
the DG 500s are the older versions...

newbie question po... when you say canon/nikon mount sigma dg super flash does it mean that it can only be used for canon/nikon? or is there just an adaptor that can be used so you can use it for canon/nikon(so you and your friend/sibling can borrow flashes even if you don't have the same brand of cam) or any other brand? thanks!

I will answer my own question coz i couldnt find anyone who could .. or atleast answered me. And for those who are wondering the same.

So at 28mm I was trying to capture the model in a dim location, full body shot. According to the Strobist.com, the ETTL will try to expose the whole frame, and this includes the background, therefore burning my subject which was closer to me.



Got a question for sigma and its ETTL:

Im using the ETTL at P mode(1/60; 4.5; iso800)

Im overexposing when im at 28mm, but exposure is good when im at 70mm. This is from the exact same spot, around 6ft from the subject. Flash was not fired successively so it couldnt be the power. Im used an omnibounce this time.

Anyone was any ideas? Thanks ahead!

I called Mayer's just now, and they're selling Sigma 530 DG Super at P12,500. :)

Does this Sigma EF 530 Super St has the same functionality of the Sb 800, because I am considering to buy one of the Sigma EF 530 Super ST or a Nikon SB-900.

Is the 500 DG ST wireless trigger capable?
Yes it's wireless capable pareng Franz. I'm using SIGMA 500 DG and a YONGNUO wireless receiver/transmitter and they're both ok to use. Just don't forget to set your flash to slave mode.
Cheers!!!

Another question I need to ask is regarding the AF assist of the Sigma 530, does it works with the manual, shutter or aperture mode?.