I've looked all over the net to see if anyone has put these head to head in terms of output and useability (couldnt find any!) so ive done one - yay!!!
 |
| Sigma 530 DG Super - Nikon SB-900 |
The reason ive done this review is that i started out with my nikon cameras using the Sigma and eventually the Nikon, which i'll get to why further on in the review. Lets start off by saying i was more than happy with my two sigma 530 DG supers i have and they always performed great apart from a little teathing with my triggers but that got solved with a bit of selotape on a few of the triggers terminals. (JOB DONE). The Sigmas have worked well also with nikons CLS system the only niggle is they are a pain in the ASS having to program them through the hot shoe each time!.
First off lets have a look at a few pictures of the two flashes side by side just to show the difference in size and design, this is an area that the SB-900 has had criticism du to its large size. I find that these two flashes are almost the same size wise ( a couple of milimetres in height )
As you can see there isn't much difference, the Nikon is a couple of mm longer and fatter but this is inconsiquential when you pick both of them up as the Nikon feels far superior both ergonomically and quality. The quality comparison is what you pay for with the nikon where the Sigma is around a third cheaper. (not a massive saving!)
The Controls of the flashes are both set out well and both easy to use - in my opinion the Nikon definately has the edge with the JOG dial plus the increments of power go all the way down to 1/128 where the sigma only steps down to 1/64 - sometime's that extra stop really count's.
The way the flash connects to the camera hot shoe is also completely different, The Sigma uses a plastic locking ring which feels like it belong's to a £30 flash rather than a £250 flash. This is one of the areas where the Sigmas build quality is let down significantly. The Nikon however has a very nice switch that you engage once on the hot shoe to lock the flash in place. Very Slick.
The LCD on the Nikon is superior with a large easy to display reading, The Sigma is also easy to read - Far more so than the 430 Super i used to have!. Again from the pictures you can see the difference in quality with the switches - the Nikon oozes class.
The Nikon CLS system is embodied in the SB-900 flash where at the flick of a switch it can go from a dedicated flash to a remote flash or a master flash able to control three groups over four channels. you can utilise some features of the CLS system with the Sigma and they generally dont do a bad job, it just isnt as flexible as the Nikon. In fact i was so impressed with the ease and way that the system works with the SB-900 that i now have three of them.
Above is how these flashes come and Nikon have been kind enough to include some gel filters and a diffusion dome with the pack, also a nice holster. Sigma havent been as generous - although you do get a crummy wallet that ive never used. Im not one for reading instructions but i have to say that you really do need to read the Sigma's - especially if your going to use the wireless function. No problem with the Nikon just flick the Switch onto remote!, full TTL control from the camera or other mounted SB-900.
Lets have a look how they both look on the camera and see the size of them both.
 |
| SB-900 mounted on D700 C/W MB-D10 and 24-70mm f2.8 AF-S |
 |
| 530 DG Super mounted on D700 C/W MB-D10 and 24-70mm f2.8 AF-S |
I didnt want to do a technical review - i just wanted to review my experience with both flash guns after ive used them both for a while. The Sigma is a very capable flash with some nice features if you can be bothered to read the instructions, it has performed well both on and off camera and is a powerful gun. The problem with the Sigma is if you have used the Nikon you will feel imediately let down by the build quality, but then you do get what you pay for sometimes.
The Nikon is now my prefered flash gun and as said before i now have three of them (also two of the Sigmas), ive heard rumours of over heating problems but not experienced any of them even with very heavy usage. the extra reach on the zoom range is also handy (200mm), Overall the Nikon is easy to use and a very powerful tool with the CLS system. Build quality is top notch (as you would expect from a top of the range Nikon product) it feels like a cross between a sherman tank and a finely crafted swiss watch rather than the rubbish plastic toy materials used in the SIGMA. (if only they had paid little more attention to detail!).
Bottom line is if you can afford the Nikon get one, if you cant....... dont spoil it and get someting else wait a little longer save a little more and get the Nikon, you will only live to regret it if you dont because as soon as you touch the SB-900 you will want one!
