Why should I buy an SB900 instead of a SB600?

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I have 1 SB600. I plan to add 2 more strobes (so I can have 2 front cross lights and a hair light).

Would you buy one SB900 and one SB600 OR just get 2 more SB600's?

I'm just thinking of the SB900 as it might be better as my on camera flash for the many occasions when that's all I'm using. Are there enough advantages to the SB900 to make up for it's higher price?

[K1W1]

If I could afford it I'd go the 900 + the 600 with the intention of using the 900 on camera a lot.

I have also seen some SB-800's in shops (one was a JB HiFi) recently. It may be worth just having a scout around and seeing if you can pick up a bargain "obsolete" flash somewhere.

[Rooz]

I'm not sure I'd buy either. Have you considered cybersyncs and a couple of sb28's ? I doubt the price would be much different to a 900. Then you drop ttl of course but you significantly gain reliability and range.

Regarding your question though, the 900 is vastly superior. Much better user interface, more power and more ling range punch. I got my 900 at a time when they were very cheap compared to now but honestly, the cybersyncs are the bees knees mate. Give it some thought

I certainly wouldn't buy any more 600's cos they don't have a sync port for down the track if you do want to start using radio triggers. 800's would be the way to go if you wanna stick to ttl

[tizeye]

The delima may be resolved...

I too was going throught the SB600 vs SB900 and decided to defer on the SB900, picking up a 600. By the time I decided that, they disappeared from the stores - and online showing "out of stock". These include the major suppliers Adorama, B&H Photo, Best Buy, Amazon, etc. Over at Nikon Rumors, a 3/24 article, someone followed up and posted their chat session with Staples "The exact explanation given to me on the phone and during the chat session was that the SB-600 was “put on hold by the vendor” (Nikon) and the item is inactive in their system, which is unusual."

I'm guessing, the SB600 replacement is just around the corner. Why else would supply be drying up when the other typical reason, part shortage, would probably apply across all models. Plus, there would be news releases on part shortages to quell rumors, or defection.

[Screenclutter]

For those in the U.S., I read something about a $100 instant rebate for the SB-900

[tizeye]

For those in the U.S., I read something about a $100 instant rebate for the SB-900

That would be nice, but what else does one have to buy to qualigy for the $100. Perhaps pair it with a D3s?

It is not like Nikon to give a rebate on a single item when they think they could sell two.

I only saw it as a rumor, but no details yet, even on Nikon's site. Checked Adorama as B&H is closed this week for Passover, and no discount noted on the flash.

[K1W1]

There have been rumours of a SB-600 replacement for several years. Originally it was coming out when the 900 replaced the 800 according to the rumours. It's logical that at some stage it will be replaced so why not now?

[VTEC_EATER]

Ehh, I wouldn't spend my money on an SB-900. First, its very expensive. Second, its very big. Third, it overheats, and the list goes on. Personally, I would try to find a used SB-800 if I wanted TTL capabilities for on camera flash. I would sell the SB-600 while you can still get some good money for it, then use the money from the SB-600 to buy two SB-28's. The money you saved by purchasing the SB-800 instead of the 900 will give you enough to buy some inexpensive remote triggers, and you are good to go.

But that's just me.

[alessy]

In our country the price difference between SB900 and SB600 is about 100 to 150 Eur.
We all know that SB600 is weaker, doesent include difussor, inbuilt bounce card, doesent include jells, etc .
If you need all that stuff, then SB900 is way better choice. If you buy all that stuff for SB600, youll come very close to price of SB900.

I dont have problems with overheating.

[Screenclutter]

In our country the price difference between SB900 and SB600 is about 100 to 150 Eur.
.

300 Euros for an SB-600 at the FNAC website is a bit painful, I agree going to the SB-900 would make more sense here