I liked my 540EZ, but it's gone to make room for a light that works with
the D30. The choices are not clear, so perhaps some of you will care to
contribute some wisdom. I like to bounce a fair bit and the power of the
540 over my old Vivitar 283 was very nice for me. Here's what I'm thinking:
Canon 550EX has the most features and best power (GN around 138). I like
the autozoom, full compatibility with the D30, and the pull-out
diffuser/catch-light reflector. The swivel feature has been useful to me
as well. But at close to $300 that might not be the best choice for my
photo $, plus I've seen several comments here suggesting that E-TTL isn't
as reliable as it should be for the money. It's also fairly big and heavy.
Canon 420EX is smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Looks like it still does the
autozoom and swivel, but lacks the diffuser (perhaps there's an after
market solution there?). Some of the other fancy things the 550EX probably
wouldn't be that big of a deal to me (multi-flash and other "effects"
stuff). Question: is the power difference enough to make a big deal over?
Are there big differences between this and the 550EX that I should be
concerned about?
Sigma Super 500 seems designed to be right up against the 550EX at close to
1/2 the price. Many specs are the same, but doesn't zoom as wide, doesn't
have the diffuser (again, after market?), seems to lack some modes, and I'm
not completely certain it will work with the D30. Anyone use one with the
D30? Anyone care to compare it to the 550EX or 420EX?
Vivitar 285 is definitely the cheap way out. Fairly capable flash in its
own right, but no camera interfacing at all. The D30's focus is so poor
anyway, I'm thinking the lack of focus assist light might make a big
difference. Still, the 285 might do a better overall job than the E-TTL.
Comments? It's also down on power compared to the others, and doesn't
swivel, while being close to as big and heavy as the 550EX.
So those seem to be the choices. I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions.
Also, if anyone is aware of any options other than the MR14-EX ringlight to
replace the ML-3 to work with the D30, please let me know (and my ML-3 will
soon be for sale!)
TIA,
-- Rich
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