In a Dilema: Which Flash should I go for?

[Felix]

Hi Everyone,

I am interested to get a flash for event shooting and the 3 that I have shortlisted are:

Sigma EF-530 DG Super
Pentax AF540 FGZ
METZ 58 AF-i

The problem is that the Pentax used to sell at SGD$490.00 but there are no more stocks until the 3rd week of October and the price will increase with the new stock.  Should be SGD$500 plus.

The Metz is the best amongst the 3 but should SGD$600.00 be the justifiable cost?

Or go for the Sigma which will cost me SGD$430.00?

The thing is that I would seldom use flash as I have the DA*16-50mm F2.8.

Advise anyone?  Thanks in advance.

[blackcloudbrew]

I've read good things about Metz equipment.

One other possibility is a Promaster 7500EDF.

http://promaster.com/prod...products.asp?product=7273

I have just bought one and it works quite well. It is also completely compatible with Pentax.

Tim

[Rupert]

I have both the 360 & 540, love them both, but if I was buying now I would buy that Promaster 7500. It is a nice flash, works perfectly on Pentax and saves you a bundle. I had one but it is a long story.......... Just get one, you will enjoy!
Regards!

[spyglass]

If using the Pentax DA*16-50mm lens (yes it is reasonably fast) you will still have many occasions to use flash (fill flash, stop motion, night shots, etc). The on board flash will be blocked by the end of the lens and create large black semi circle shadows when using the 16-50 or any mid to long lens.
I am not well versed on the other makes of flash units so I can not comment on them. I can truthfully say that the Pentax AF 360FGZ flash unit does perform well. I use the wireless feature on a regular bases. The only complaint I would have with the 360 is the battery door is very substandard and must be handled like glass. (picture the worst TV remote batter cover you have ever seen and multiple it by 10x). I wish Pentax would have spent the nickle and put a solid latch or catch in the design. A weather sealed flash would also be a great addition in their line.

If you do get a 3rd party flash write up a review c/w a few photos and let us know your thoughts.


Spyglass   

[Rupert]

Just a note on the Promaster....I had the 5750DX? and loved it, however it failed and was replaced under warranty three times, the last time they just gave me a 540Pentax, which is a superb flash.
However, the Promaster has that little "fill flash" on front and I loved it for Macro work, just turn the main flash straight up and let the little fill flash light up those close shots without being too bright! Worked wonders! The quality was comparable to the 540 in build, and if it had held up I would still be using it! Maybe the newer model is better?
Regards
Rupert

[Felix]

If using the Pentax DA*16-50mm lens (yes it is reasonably fast) you will still have many occasions to use flash (fill flash, stop motion, night shots, etc). The on board flash will be blocked by the end of the lens and create large black semi circle shadows when using the 16-50 or any mid to long lens.
I am not well versed on the other makes of flash units so I can not comment on them. I can truthfully say that the Pentax AF 360FGZ flash unit does perform well. I use the wireless feature on a regular bases. The only complaint I would have with the 360 is the battery door is very substandard and must be handled like glass. (picture the worst TV remote batter cover you have ever seen and multiple it by 10x). I wish Pentax would have spent the nickle and put a solid latch or catch in the design. A weather sealed flash would also be a great addition in their line.

If you do get a 3rd party flash write up a review c/w a few photos and let us know your thoughts.


Spyglass   

Sure I will once I get my hands on a 3rd party flash.

Thanks to all who replied and I would be waiting for the silly stocks to get in before I decide.

[Felix]

Just bought my Metz 58 AF-i instead of the lower end as I wanted to use for future events.  Will be trying it out and will post pics that I use with flash over here soon.

It cost me SGD$600.00 but i think it will be worth the investment.