Sigma EF-500DG Super flash for my Nikon

[stevo1210]

I want to buy a flash unit for my Nikon D3000 DSLR... I'm still an ameteur at photography, but I am however using a Nikon 35mm f1.8 AF-S lens I purchased last month... which also takes great quality depth of field photos. However, I was at a function the other day doing some shoots and I borrowed a Nikon SB-600 for the night, the results in the end were flawless and I had beautiful pictures of the event... however as my pocket doesn't stretch so far (got a mortgage and car to pay for), I want to opt for an aftermarket flash that's well... cheaper and has similar results (or close to it anyway).
So I came across a Sigma EF-500DG super flash which my friend is selling for half the price of an SB-600. It does the same functions, has i-TTL as well as manual modes.
But on the other hand, I could get a Nissin Di-622 flash for about the same price, but that one doesn't have an LCD display.

Now, would the Sigma flash be a good choice for an ameteur like myself? Usually doing indoor shots at parties and reception functions these days, as well as outdoor car photography.

Thanks.

[JohnG]

I had that same flash in canon mount. Worked fine for a couple years but then I started to encounter 2 problems:
1) inconsistent results - started getting erratic flash exposures even with new batteries.
2) tolerance on the tilt became quite loose so it changed angle too easily.

I switched to canon flash and have been using it for several years and it's still perfect. That to me is the catch - how well does a product work in the long haul. When getting advice for the less expensive flashes ask the person if said unit has been used for 3 or 4 years. Lots of less expensive products work well for a while but fail much quicker than more expensive products. Just my opinion.

[stevo1210]

Well I bought the Sigma flash, but I won't be seeing my friend until next week to pick it up. I'll see how it goes.

[stevo1210]

I also have another question, should I get a soft diffuser for the flash as well? I used an SB-600 the other day that had one of these and the flash in pics looked really toned and beautiful.

[shoturtle]

a modifier is always a handy add on. It softens the light, I am particular to the gold or yellow ones, as a nice warming effect with indoor photography. But I have white and gold and switch back and forth.