sigma flashgun or nikon flashgun

Dutchie · 22-06-2007, 10:10

Ok guys. Honest opinions please. I'm looking to order a flashgun today but i've seen sigma which is a lot cheaper then the sb600 or sb800.

From the reviews on the sigma, there is one bad review and one good review. I've asked some question like this before. But which is gonna do me good.
Oh and i'm gonna use it for a hawaian party, so i need a flashgun for this.
Anybody else any experience with the sigma flashgun?

**stepheno** · 22-06-2007, 11:07

Hi Dutchie, I presume you are referring to the Sigma EF-500 DG Super. I wrote my review back in July 2006 so we are nearly a year down the line. Have I changed my opinion at all? Absolutely not.

In fact, after reading both reviews again I find the other reviewers findings odd, maybe he got a bad copy or maybe his camera wasn't totally compatible. I can only confirm that I am more than happy with mine - there is no battery drain, I get excellent output every time, recharge is practically instantaneous and it always flashes. The ETTL between the flash and my 30D is perfect.

Downside - I haven't got one. OK it's generally recognised as not being as well built as a Canon flash, but then I don't abuse it. If you can afford it buy the Canon - if you can't the Sigma will serve you well IMOP

***Dave*** · 22-06-2007, 15:04

I have the SB800 & can't fault it, but then again I haven't tried the Sigma. It's a big saving on the Sigma, so unless you are going to concentrate mainly on flash photography, it may be hard to justify spending more on the Nikon SB800 ?

Saying that the Nikon SB600 is nearly the same money as the SIgma ...... do you need the more powerful flash ? eg, are you taking very large group shots, or shooting from a quite a distance ? If not, the SB600 might be a good bet

Dutchie · 22-06-2007, 15:18

It is going to be a party and yes there are many people there. But they don't go on the photo all in one go. I was thinking of going the middle way to buy the sb600. I don't think i can justify spending so much on the sb800 while i only use it once in a while. Or i need to have one very good reason to choose the sb800 over the sb600.

It is hard to find reviews on flashguns. So that's why my question.

And distance would be no more then my back garden for example which is big but I would stand to far away from object.

***Dave*** · 22-06-2007, 15:44

SB600 sounds perfect to me

£139

Zoom range of SB600 is listed as 24-85mm, where as SB800 goes to 105mm. Where the SB600 has the advantage is 220 shots per set of batteries, vs 150 for SB800.

**Dabhand16** · 22-06-2007, 16:43

On a more general point, whilst Sigma, Cobra, Metz and others do make very good flashguns, the Nikon flashguns will integrate better with the camera and may be more future-proof in the event of any developments in the exposure technology that might come about with (for instance) a firmware upgrade. There is also the chance you might want to use the multiple flash control cpabilities of the camera in the future, and I'm not sure if third party flashguns will support this.

Have you seen this?

Dutchie · 22-06-2007, 22:32

Yes I have now. And you are not making it very easy for me

**Dabhand16** · 22-06-2007, 22:57

Nobody said it would be easy

Dutchie · 22-06-2007, 23:50

But i stayed with my decision though. I still find £139 more then enough to spend on a flashgun. And I could always add another sb800 if i want to go professional. The first 2 years are gonna be hectic here anyway with 3 kids walking around. So first I need to proof that i'm actually using it all.

And I know what lens my next one is going to be, so I need to wait another few months from myself untill i'm alowed to buy it. It is juggling with keeping yourself to certain limits. But it is hard with all the choices you have and I know now that the camera body is the first big spend but definitely not the biggest. Gosh speedlights, tripods, lenses, filters.

Twiggs · 23-06-2007, 23:13

Hi Dutchie great subject I use a Fuji S3 Pro camera which uses Nikon accessories and also don't know which is the best flash unit. until I tested them and found the Nikon gave me a slightly crisp picture over the Sigma. Just asking the 139 pounds is that for the sb600. The best price I can get the sb600 is about 300 pounds and the sb800 is 450 pounds thats converting South African rands into pounds. 12 rands is one pound. The Sigma goes for a little over 300 pounds here.

jobe · 24-06-2007, 09:53

Hey Dutchie

Although its a bit too late for you now, they have 35 reviews at Fred Miranda's on the Sigma Flashgun
fredmiranda.com/reviews/FM Reviews - Electronic Flash EF 500 DG Super.
I know this is a link to another Photography forum, sorry about that Mod's please remove if inapproriate.
Wayne

Edit: - you said it!

Dutchie · 24-06-2007, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twiggs

Hi Dutchie great subject I use a Fuji S3 Pro camera which uses Nikon accessories and also don't know which is the best flash unit. until I tested them and found the Nikon gave me a slightly crisp picture over the Sigma. Just asking the 139 pounds is that for the sb600. The best price I can get the sb600 is about 300 pounds and the sb800 is 450 pounds thats converting South African rands into pounds. 12 rands is one pound. The Sigma goes for a little over 300 pounds here.

My goodness what a money

Very expensive hobby then is it? Can't you get the flashguns send over?

What counted for me aswell is that the sigma could be good or very good. But if i ever want to change my body to another nikon then i would like everything else to fit on that new body. Otherwise I would have to start all over again. So that was a good point from Graham. And If i need more flash i can add the sb800 to work with the sb600.