This is a comparatively large unit that offers full tilt and bounce functions.......

Product Overview

Overall rating:

85%
Overall score:85%

Pros:

  • Features, price, ease of use

Cons:

  • Slightly uneven illumination

Product:

Sigma EF-500 DG ST

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£100.00

This is a comparatively large unit that offers full tilt and bounce functions; not only does the flash head move vertically but it also rotates on the horizontal plane, allowing for a greater choice of surfaces from which to bounce the light against. It’s powerful, with a GN of 50m@ISO100, so appears good value for money, and there’s also a built-in diffuser to increase the standard angle of coverage – up to that of a 17mm lens. It offers dedicated TTL output for several camera makes, though not all, and also has two manual settings of full and half power.



Images tend to slightly underexpose against white backgrounds, but improve with darker and mixed backgrounds. The fall-off at the standard wideangle of 18mm is obvious but this can be remedied using the built-in diffuser. However, the unit does produce a slight hotspot in the centre of the frame.

Verdict

Full marks go to the Sigma for power and features, but the image quality lets it down slightly. It’s not bad for the price though.

Details

Weight:320g
Dimensions:77 x 139 x 139
Power:4 x AA
Wide Coverage:17mm
Tilt / Swivel:Yes
Compatibility:Can, Nik, Son, Pen, Sig
Guide Number:GN: 50