Customer Reviews

Sigma EF-530 DG ST Electronic Flash for Sony DSLR

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

A powerful flash, well priced alternative for the Sony Alpha system. I am getting good results at 60 foot plus distances even with 300mm focal lengths. Well worth the price.

I'm not a prosumer or a pro photographer. I basically wanted something that's better than the the built in flash abut not spend big bucks. I have to say that this flash fits the bill. Great for all those "portrait" moments that you want to keep.

I got this flash after returning the Bower flash which was kaput on arrival. I purchased this flash knowing that Sigma is more reputable than Bower and tests their products before marketing them. It is Made in Japan and works with Sony's ADI-TTL system with pre-flash. The only negative comment I have is that the flash tends to underexpose the shot when the background has no reflectance value like a window. Other that that, all shots came back properly exposed. Anyhow, it is a huge flash and worth the money. Until I can afford to buy the Sony flash, this will do just great.

Update: 04/29/2011
After owning this flash for 2 years I could say that it badly needs updating to keep up with Sony's newer model DSLR. IT DOES NOT WORK when camera is on Live View mode. Flash fires at full power all the time causing over exposure. When using OVF, flash underexposes the picture. I tested it on both the Sony Alpha a300 and a560 and both showed the same resiults. After 2 years of ownership, I am downgrading my rating to 2 stars. Too bad, I do like Sigma products. IF YOU HAVE LIVE VIEW AND YOU INTEND TO USE THIS FLASH WITH LIVE VIEW, YOU WILL BE DISSAPOINTED. I think this flash was intended only for the sony alpha a100 and earlier Minolta models.

I've only used this flash for a few test pictures, so far. It was a Christmas gift. Nonetheless, having used at least a dozen similar flashes over four decades, I'm quite certain it will do the job. I am especially pleased with the even distribution of light. I took several interior shots with a 19mm wide angle lens at ranges from 9 to 15 meters with excellent results. I also tried a few macro shots at about 20 cm. using a mini bounce hood with equally excellent results. Only downer: I'm less than satisfied with the sketchy user's instructions.

It sure looked pretty when it arrived. Unfortunately, it wouldn't flash either on the camera or off. Read the book. checked all the forums for help and was able to determine it was dead on arrival.

Good product, very powerful flash. Sometimes you end up having a underexposed pic but not very often.

not happy even after sigma sent it back twice, states that it works for sony alpha serious, but i cant seem to get it o work w/ my a-350 at all?

I bought this flash mainly to take sports actions shots at night football games. Simply put, the flash controls are limited, the flash has a VERY SLOW recycle time and after doing about 30 test shots, the flash didnt work. It would fire only every 1 out of 8 shots I took. I end up returning it to Amazon. I had no problem returning it and getting a refund. I end up buy the Sony Alpha flash at $299. More expensive, but it works great and does what I want.