Upgrading my flash from SB-400 to ??

[LENAAPPLE1974]

HI!

I was hoping I could get some opinons regarding the differences in the Nikon SB-600 & SB-900. I personally do not have it within my budget to get the SB-900 before August 20th. I am shooting my nieces wedding, but will definitely upgrade my flash. I do not do weddings often, and the only problem I have had is in church scenarios. Not shotty pictures, especially with my D90 - but I want that extra umf. Also, I shot off a shot or two with a friend's SB-900, and it has a bounce card in the flash head. That was the main thing I wanted in my new flash besides the obvious needs. I loved this feature. Does the SB-600 also have this? I have yet to see the 600 for myself, nor have I been able to see anything relating to this in the reviews for either flash. I don't think I need the SB-900, because I wouldn't use it that often. Not sure if I am making too much sense...but for the look I want...that bounce card was the thing to have!

[zona5101]

the 600 has a built-in wide angle adapter but not a diffuser. you can make one pretty easily...anthing from a bent 3x5 card to something like a lumaquest...
DIY Reflector-Diffuser

[candleman]

an Sb800 is a good bet basically as powerful as an SB900... and it also has a built in bounce card.

personally i have an SB600 with a clip-on "Stofen" style diffuser and i've stuck Velcro around it so i can attach bounce cards anywhere i want them.. including gels

the Sb600 isnt as powerful or as big as the Sb800/900 but it gets the job done.
I think the Sb800/900 has some weather sealing that the Sb600 doesnt have.

put it this way... my next flash wil be an Sb800 unless i can get an SB900 for a similar price

[inkista]

Just a thought, but have you considered renting an SB-900 (or borrowing your friend's) for the wedding instead of buying one if, as you say, you don't plan on using a flash very often?

[LENAAPPLE1974]

I have actually thought about renting the flash. The only problem with that is they require a deposit of the worth of the gear! I do not have a credit card, and it is unlikely that I will have $500+ extra cash floating around. For debit cards they expressed that there may be an approximate 3-4 weeks before I get it back! If I have cash, then they give it back that day. I may have bought some time though. I found out the wedding is outside! So I was thinking of renting a wide angle lens instead and just use what I have for flashes.

Thank you for the advice!! The SB-800 sounds like a plan though unless I come up with some extra cash.