Sigma EF-530 DG ST

I need some advice please. I was looking to buy the entry level Pentax of Metz flash unit. Both seem to be priced around £70-£80, dont seem to complicated to use and have P-TTL compatibility. I have now been offered a nearly new Sigma EF-530 DG ST Pentax fit for £75.

What one do I buy?. Still a lot to learn with my K-m so don't want to complicate things.

Thanks

Les

It's a powerful flash and it should work al right, no flash is simple to use since it opens another dimension and I do mean that literary, you should see what happens if you use two flashes or more

I've heard that the user interface is not all that super but like said the flash is powerful and it does all the things and tricks.
The entry level flashes are just as complicated but have just one or two tricks less or have other limitations.

Just have a play with the flash you'll see how the interface is like and that will say enough if you like it or not.

ST only has full or 1/16 power on manual, so not very flexible off-cam. If you want to use it on-cam, go for it.

Bret

Exactly. Off-cam needs the Super version.
i have been using two 500Super for two years. Other than they look rather cheap and poor quality plastic i am very happy with them.

Ah wait sorry yes you're right I thought this was the super.

Les you are better of with the Metz 48 most likely, the Sigma EF-530 DG ST is missing some functions that you will miss when you get a bit more advance with flash photography, like the lack of wireless and limited manual control.
If you just want a simple flash and don't want to experiment with them or do anything really serious then yes the Sigma ST is also a good flash or else you need to look at the Super version and that one is quite a bit more expensive.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will invest in the future and look to a better flash. I will regret it it I don t.

Les

Les, all in all the Metz 48 give you the most option of the budget flashes.
- It has a tilt & swivel head (big plus)
- wireless mode but only as slave (good enough)
- useful manual mode

The only thing you might miss is next to the P-TTL mode an Auto mode which you need to have if you use older lenses without auto aperture to get an automatic flash so you need to use manual mode with it but all "budget" models miss that.

Pentax Af360FGZ pro's are:
- Compatibility
- full wireless mode
- good manual mode
- good controls (personal preference of course)

Cons:
- no swivel head only tilt
- battery door isn't the strongest

I don't have a sigma 530 ST and never used it but I can name some things.
Pro's:
- Strongest flash
- swivel and tilt head

con's
- only P-TTL mode is useful, manual mode with only two options
- no wireless mode
- no high speed sync
- no trailing curtain sync (you need that for those speed lines link)

I think you can do something with this, here is a full guide.
link

Stefan.
Many thanks for your help and the intrest in my question. I will now take a little longer to make up my mind. Glad now I did not go on impulse.

Thank you

Les