I would like to know 1)does sunpak pz5000af run ETTL if fitted to an EOS? 2)what's the difference between stroboscopic flash and high-speed synchro? 3)is there any third party flash that provides either one of the flash functions mentioned above? I'm considering the sunpak and a not-famous-brand flash which has GN25 but costs only $150. any comment? thanks

-- legnum (legnum212@email.com), November 07, 2001

Answers

1. I don't know for sure, but I don't believe so - the only third-party flash units I know of that can do E-TTL are some Metz models and one Sigma.

2. Well, when it comes down to it, both involve emitting multiple pulses of light. The difference is that high-speed sync does it tens of thousands of times a second, and it's designed to mimic a single flash; it lets you get around the maximum sync speed that is imposed by a focal plane shutter. Strobo is designed to emit flashes at a lower rate, with the goal being to record multiple images of a moving subject on the same frame - the same effect you get from strobe lights at a disco/dance club.

3. There are some third-party flashes that do strobo and/or high-speed sync.

Better answers to #1 and #3 could be obtained by doing some research - contacting manufacturers and/or distributors and/or retailers. Some companies have decent info on their Web sites (e.g. Sigma); others do not (e.g. Sunpak).

-- Steve Dunn (steved@ussinc.com), November 07, 2001.

I can't find any advertising that braggs about E-TTL with the Sunpak. Looks like a nice flash otherwise, but you'd be giving up high speed sync and flash exposure lock, so I wouldn't buy it.

The Sigma EF500 Super will do all of the above. In fact it will do all that the Canon 550EX will do and more. It seems to be the third party flash to buy right now if you're looking to fit it to a Canon camera. I have both the 550EX and the Sigma. I'm thinking of selling the 550EX so I can buy two more of the Sigma's.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), November 07, 2001.

Definitely consider the Sigma EF500 Super. As mentioned above, it's the Canon-compatible flash to buy right now. It's a Canon 550EX clone at half the price. It's about $180 and it's definitely worth going $30 over your budget for.

-- Peter Phan (pphan01@hotmail.com), November 07, 2001.