Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation
The EF-530 Super DG is Sigma's flagship TTL flash, and has been updated with improved coverage range and a stronger power output. It features a powerful Guide Number of 174'/53 m at 105mm, and covers a focal range from 24mm to 105mm.
The EF-530 Super DG is also fully compatible with the latest digital SLR cameras that use a pre-flash, and supports full P-TTL operation (where supported by camera). You will find features designed for the professional, at a much more attractive price than the comparably equipped manufacturer's flashes. The perfect all-around flash for any digital or 35mm autofocus SLR shooter.
- TTL Wireless Flash Function
- TTL wireless flash function allows the flash to be positioned and operated from a location away from the camera. A Pentax D-SLR can utilize an EF-530 DG Super mounted on the camera hotshoe for triggering single or multiple EF-530 DG Super units located away from the camera.
- Slave Flash
- Allows the flash to be triggered by the camera's built-in flash or another flash (Flash Exposure must be adjusted manually)
- Bounce & Swivel Head
- Flash can be tilted 90° upwards and 7° downward for close-ups. Also can be swiveled 180° to the left and 90° to the right
- AF Assist
- Autofocus auxiliary lamp helps the camera to focus in low-light situations
- LCD Display
- Features an illuminated LCD panel
- Strobe Effect
- The "multi pulse" features enable reduced power setting from 1/4 to 1/64, and the pulse frequency of the flash can be set from 1Hz to 199Hz
- High-speed Sync
- High-speed sync feature is are supported when used with applicable cameras
- Modeling Light
- Incorporates "modeling flash" mode to provide proper light distribution to check the shadow of the subject
- Auto Power Off
- Battery-saving mode shuts down power after 90 seconds
| Type | Shoe Mount |
| Guide No. |
92' (28 m) at 24mm 132' (40 m) at 50mm 174' (53 m) at 105mm |
| Angle of Coverage | 84° to 23° (24-105mm lenses in 35mm format) 103° (17mm with Wide Panel supplied) |
| Variable Power | 1/1, 1/2, 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, 1/64th & 1/128th |
| TTL Dedication | Yes (P-TTL) |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Zoom Head | 24-105mm autozoom (flash senses focal length & adjusts) |
| Off Camera Terminal | No |
| Recycle Time |
6 seconds (based on fresh alkaline batteries & full power) 4 seconds (based on fresh Ni-MH batteries & full power) |
| Power Source | Four 1.5-Volt "AA" batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiCad & NiMH) |
| Dimensions | 3.0 x 5.5 x 4.6" (76 x 140 x 117mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 11.8 oz (335 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 19 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast recycling (14)
- Good power output (14)
- Consistent output (13)
- Easy to use (10)
- Durable (9)
Cons
Best Uses
- General purpose (14)
- Portraits (9)
- Fill flash (8)
- Night photography (4)
- Photojournalism (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (8), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great great flash!
I purchased this Sigma flash for use on my K20D as I needed a second flash with the ability to swivel the head, but money is tight and I didn't want to shell out almost...Read complete review
I purchased this Sigma flash for use on my K20D as I needed a second flash with the ability to swivel the head, but money is tight and I didn't want to shell out almost twice as much for the Pentax AF-540 FGZ.
What a great decision! I broke this flash in at a wedding this past weekend, and was thoroughly impressed. The flash is nice and light, puts out a LOT of light, and sips batteries. Even after 50 to 100 flashes on a set of regular old Duracells, it was recycling and ready to go again in just 2 or 3 seconds. With NiMH rechargeables, I was getting recycling times of 1 second. It was ready almost immediately for many many flashes! Also, it is the perfect size to accept the Gary Fong Universal Lightsphere diffuser that I use.
As far as all of its functions, I don't generally mess with the settings a lot, so I can't compare it to the Pentax AF-540 FGZ feature for feature, but it has a variety of different settings one could use if they were so inclined. In any case, this Sigma really did a nice job for me. I got a great flash with a swivel head for almost half of what the Pentax brand flash would have cost.
Are there downsides? I found a few.
1) First of all, if you leave the flash idle for 90 seconds or so, it will shut itself off. Awesome for battery life, not so awesome when you leave your camera to pose a large group, come back and snap a picture only to realize the flash has turned itself off. This is especially irritating if you have it up on a light stand/umbrella setup, as you have to go over and turn it off and on again.
2) The on off switch can be a little tough to move back and forth compared to the Pentax brand, but this is really not a big deal.
3) The battery cover feels a little flimsy and can be difficult to get back down when changing batteries.
Overall, though, I would purchase this flash again in a heartbeat. A couple minor nitpicks do not change the fact that this is a solid performer that I will gladly take to weddings with me. When in the market for another flash, I will probably buy it again.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good but not perfect
I use this product for portraits and studio photography. Recently I decided to purchase studio lighting and this was eventually my choice. The price was an important factor. Overall the flash works pretty good...Read complete review
I use this product for portraits and studio photography. Recently I decided to purchase studio lighting and this was eventually my choice. The price was an important factor. Overall the flash works pretty good and has plenty of features to get creative. The manual is a disaster, particularly if you are a first time external flash user as I am, and there is not much help online. The wireless mode works only in P-TTL. In the Manual mode you will need an external flash attached to the camera with the Sigma EF-530 Super set as a slave flash; The built in flash will not work as a trigger. Also the High-speed Sync does not work in P-TTL wireless mode, although the manual states it does.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 19 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-19
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I've had it for a few weeks now and have fallen in love with this. It ALWAYS makes reat shots and with little input.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
Excellent flash for the money. The main features I bought it for were the power and the wireless-PTTL ability as well as high speed sync. Swiveling head increases flexibility by allowing you to bounce of ceilings in portrait shooting. On the downside, I wouldn't exactly call the flash "intuitive" to use and it definitely takes a while to learn how to use everything. Additionally flash power dips as the battery power gets low and it begins to underexpose without warning, so a low battery indicator would be useful. A set of eneloops are definitely recommended with this flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Lousy manual
- Not Interchangeable
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I use this product for portraits and studio photography. Recently I decided to purchase studio lighting and this was eventually my choice. The price was an important factor. Overall the flash works pretty good and has plenty of features to get creative. The manual is a disaster, particularly if you are a first time external flash user as I am, and there is not much help online. The wireless mode works only in P-TTL. In the Manual mode you will need an external flash attached to the camera with the Sigma EF-530 Super set as a slave flash; The built in flash will not work as a trigger. Also the High-speed Sync does not work in P-TTL wireless mode, although the manual states it does.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
- No External Battery Plug
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I use this mostly for wedding work, but it is a great all around flash with a few diffusers. Very easy to use, quick to get comfortable with. The only thing it could do better would be have a power cable attachment for a bigger off-flash battery pack, but for <$250, you can't complain too much. Would recommend!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
It is the best flash for price !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pros
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I prefer this one over Pentax AF-540 FGZ because of price (two times less).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
This flash was very feature packed and fairly easy to use. Syncs wirelessly to the cameras main flash so you don't even need cables. It comes with a mini stand so you can put it on a table. I'm glad I went for this over the pentax model.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Shuts Itself Off Too Fast
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I purchased this Sigma flash for use on my K20D as I needed a second flash with the ability to swivel the head, but money is tight and I didn't want to shell out almost twice as much for the Pentax AF-540 FGZ.
What a great decision! I broke this flash in at a wedding this past weekend, and was thoroughly impressed. The flash is nice and light, puts out a LOT of light, and sips batteries. Even after 50 to 100 flashes on a set of regular old Duracells, it was recycling and ready to go again in just 2 or 3 seconds. With NiMH rechargeables, I was getting recycling times of 1 second. It was ready almost immediately for many many flashes! Also, it is the perfect size to accept the Gary Fong Universal Lightsphere diffuser that I use.
As far as all of its functions, I don't generally mess with the settings a lot, so I can't compare it to the Pentax AF-540 FGZ feature for feature, but it has a variety of different settings one could use if they were so inclined. In any case, this Sigma really did a nice job for me. I got a great flash with a swivel head for almost half of what the Pentax brand flash would have cost.
Are there downsides? I found a few.
1) First of all, if you leave the flash idle for 90 seconds or so, it will shut itself off. Awesome for battery life, not so awesome when you leave your camera to pose a large group, come back and snap a picture only to realize the flash has turned itself off. This is especially irritating if you have it up on a light stand/umbrella setup, as you have to go over and turn it off and on again.
2) The on off switch can be a little tough to move back and forth compared to the Pentax brand, but this is really not a big deal.
3) The battery cover feels a little flimsy and can be difficult to get back down when changing batteries.
Overall, though, I would purchase this flash again in a heartbeat. A couple minor nitpicks do not change the fact that this is a solid performer that I will gladly take to weddings with me. When in the market for another flash, I will probably buy it again.
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I chose this flash over the Pentax AF 540FGZ, as it has all the power and control, as well as wireless function for half the price of the Pentax unit.
Not much to say on the negative side: it is a little tight fitting on the shoe, but I imagine that will wear in with use. It locks securely once on.
I have used this flash for animal portraiture as well as a fill flash for weddings. I expect many years of use out of this Sigma flash.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
Took it out on a shoot for a school talent show and was able to capture the entire stage from over 30 feet away. Very impressed with the coverage. Can be harse without a diffuser of somekind.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Complicated to use
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I have just started using this flash, and so far I am happy. There are alot of settings for a newbie, but that just means more reading. Does a great job of lighting up a gym.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Confusing display
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Off camera flash
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
Once I'd finished reading the manual, I was still on a learning curve. The small icons are difficult to look at and just understand. Once you work that out, you're set.
As an off camera flash, it's brilliant, will fire on slave mode from the pop up flash, rarely mis-fires except in low light situation in auto-focus mode when the popup will fire to get some contrast for focus.
Switch your camera to "Commander" mode in the custom menu and P-TTL information is passed on to the flash wirelessly. (you must put the flash onto your hotshoe to transmit aperture data)
My only beef with this flash is that it can be almost TOO bright! a couple of my subjects have complained about being blinded by it within 4 - 5 frames, and that was being diffused.
This flash delivers real bang for your buck, when compared to other proprietry branded strobes of equivalant specs.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I purchased this flash to replace the Sigma EF 530 DG ST. I needed the wireless function available with the Super. It is easy to use and has a consistent output. The DG ST was given to my wife who requires a more basic flash. Both flashes are excellent for their intended purposes and much cheaper than the brand models.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
Allows indoor soccer photos with 1/180 and higher shutter times. Easy to use.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
This is a great flash for beginners.
Seven different modes and easy to configure
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
nice buy, works very well
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Fussy TiltSwivel Locks
- Limited Swivel
Best Uses
- Photojournalism
- Wireless off Camera
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
I bought this flash for My Pentax K10D after reading this exhaustive comparison of flashes available for my camera: [...] The one feature I wish it had is the ability to swivel more than 90 degrees to the right. I shoot vertical orientation a lot and the inability to bounce the flash behind me over my left shoulder is a frustrating limitation. The locking buttons don't always operate smoothly either, especially the one for tilt. I change the direction of bounce a lot during a shoot and this does slow me down. I was using a modified Vivitar 4600 with no tilt/swivel lock buttons at all so this may just be something I need to adjust to.Other than that, I love this flash. It does everything it claims to do and it does it well at a very economical price.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
buy this flash with sanyo eneloop batteries
u will love how good this combination is,flash is ready in an instant for next pictures
i think u will get get this performance only if u use eneloop with this
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash for Pentax P-TTL Operation:
As a general all around flash, it works great. The swivel and bounce head work fine. What I find a bit annoying is the button release that needs to be pressed to set the head in bounce position. My other two flash units have some sort of lock that alows the head to be simply snapped into place.
Displaying reviews 1-19
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- Price: $8.49
Brackets
- Price: $34.98
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- Price: $70.00
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- Price: $35.96
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- Price: $24.99
Flash Accessories
- Price: $49.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $18.82
What's in the Box
- Soft Case
- Hot Shoe Table Stand
- 1-Year Warranty
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