The Sigma 530 DG ST flash is a solid, affordable upgrade over the on-camera flash. The advantage of using an external flash like the Sigma is versatility: these flashes can be directed, have improved accuracy and are several times more powerful than the camera's on-board flash. While the Sigma 530 DG ST may look intimidating, there are several ways you can start improving your photos immediately.
Bounce Flash
One of the main reasons photographers use an external flash is to shoot photos with the aid of a bounce flash. Instead of directing the flash at a person in a low-light situation, train your Sigma 530 DG ST at a large, light-colored object, like a ceiling or wall. The flash will "bounce" back off the object and briefly fill the room with bright, diffuse light, allowing you to take a photograph at a faster shutter speed and without the harsh shadows of a directional flash. Using your flash this way may seem strange at first, but it's one of the easiest ways to get more professional-looking photos with your Sigma 530 DG ST.
Be Aware of Your Focal Length
While the Sigma 530 DG ST is much more powerful than an on-camera flash, it's still designed to work only in a certain range: focal lengths from 24mm to 105mm. The flash won't be powerful enough to light the frame from any greater distance. Any closer and your photos will suffer from vignetting--dark areas in the corner where the flash can't reach. For super wide-angle photography, the Sigma 530 DG ST comes with a flip-down panel that extends the range to 17mm.
Invest in Rechargeable Batteries
All external flashes--not just the Sigma 530 DG ST--are energy hogs. The Sigma 530 DG ST requires four AA batteries, and with its power-intensive tasks, can drain a set of typical alkaline batteries very quickly. The solution is to purchase a set or two of rechargeable NiMh batteries. Unlike alkaline batteries, these are better-suited to energy intensive tasks and are rechargeable, sometimes in as little as one hour. While there's a slight upfront cost, these batteries will pay for themselves in just a few uses.
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