Nikon SB800 vs SB600 Flashes

[CypressPhotog]

I am in the market to buy one of these two flashes. My obvious reason for desiring the SB600 more is the price savings. My question is, how much of a difference does it really make in real life shooting situations? I am planning to go to Europe in December so I will mostly be shooting architecture and landscapes and I love night shooting.
I know the 800 has more options/gadgets but I don't think I am interested in any of those. I just need light!
Is it worth spending the extra money?
Erin

[ndsimm]

I can only give you a perspective on the SB800 and I love it. In addition to the distance, I like the ability to add the 5th battery for faster recycling time, the ability to bounce in landscape and portrait, the fact that it came with a softbox and colored gels (haven't used the getls yet) and later this year I plan to get a SB600 and use it remotely with the 800. I find that it works better with rechargeables over alkalines though and can get 300+ shots with a fresh set

[jeffkohn]

In addition to the extra power, diffusor dome, and 5th battery option there are some other things to consider. The SB-800 can be used as a wireless master for CLS. Also, if you want to use non-iTTL modes the SB-800 has more options including more granular manual mode and SU-4 mode which allows it to act as an optical slave when used with any other flash.

[wrogers]

Originally Posted by CypressPhotog

I know the 800 has more options/gadgets but I don't think I am interested in any of those. I just need light!

Save your money, maybe a fast 50mm lens for museum (where no flash is allowed) Get the 600. That is what I am going to do. I don't need all that other stuff. I don't agree with Ken Rockwell on all things but I do on the SB600. Many people hate him.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600.htm

[CypressPhotog]

Thanks so much for that article! It really gave me the info I needed. I really don't want to get bogged down with too many "extras" bc then I get frustrated and give up. As I said before, I just need light! I think my mind is made up to get the SB600. Thanks to all who replied!
Erin

[krviera]

Hello Erin,

I have the SB-600 and will hope to purchase a SB-800 before too long. When I purchased the 600 I thought that saving a little extra would be good, but I ended up buying a diffuser dome for it that cost me $20 and it doesn't bring the extra battery holder that would be very handy at times for faster reloading. I would go with the 800 if you had the money. If you count the $25 Nikon rebate and the $20 diffuser dome, the price difference is not that much for more reach. That's my 2 cents.