I have a Elan IIe with Sigma 28-300 len. I am thinking about getting a flash for it. Which flash is good? 380EX or 420EX? I just want to get a flash that can fully utilize my Elan IIe features and yet it is not expensive. Thanks.

-- Jeffrey Fu (jeffreyfu@yahoo.com), May 28, 2002

Answers

Sigma EF 500 Super. $ 179 at B & H.

-- J.Horton (masssalt@yahoo.com), May 28, 2002.

The Sigma certainly seems to be worthy of consideration - see the article on it at photonotes.org for some more info.

Of the two you mention, the 420EX is the better flash for the Elan IIe because:

• It's somewhat more powerful (about 10%)
• It has a proper AF assist beam (the AF assist beam on the 380EX only works if you select the central AF point manually or with ECF; use either other AF point or let the camera choose and you only get the body's AF assist beam)
• It not only tilts but swivels

-- Steve Dunn (steved@ussinc.com), May 28, 2002.

I've got all of the gear you are considering and find that I like the 420ex better than the 380ex...it's a little more compact, a little more powerful, has the swivelling head and if you ever want to expand your flash system to include either a 550ex or st-e2 IR trigger, then the 420ex will fit right into that system. The 380ex won't. I'm actually looking to sell my 380ex at the moment, if you want to make an offer, let me know. Probably haven't given it a great recommendation with this response though. It really is quite a nice flash for the camera you are using.

-- Lex (lex.bowden@vicpointss.qld.edu.au), May 28, 2002.

I recommend secondhand 550EX. 380EX or 420EX lacks many functions which 550EX has. I think you'll be skillful at flash photography before long, then you'll want more functions which 550EX solely has. To cut cost, look for a secondhand.

Ken

-- Ken Itoh (KEN@clara.oc-to.net), May 28, 2002.

For the Elan IIe, I'd recommend the Sigma EF-500 Super. Just about all the features and power of the 550EX for half the price.

The Sigma flash has a very good, red AF assist light, but unfortunately only works with the center AF point. This isn't a problem with the Elan IIe since the camera's AF assist light works well and takes over for the outer AF points.

It's more difficult to recommend the Sigma flash for the Elan 7 since that camera has a miserable excuse for an AF assist light and it needs all the low light help it can get. For an Elan 7 you might be better off with a 550EX or even a 420EX.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), May 28, 2002.

If you can find a second hand 550EX, I would get one! I bought mine second hand at the price of a new 420EX (for my EOS 50E/Elan IIE). It has more capabilities and it somewhat more powerful.

-- David Chiaradia (ered_lithui@hotmail.com), May 29, 2002.