Any tips or tricks for the SB-600?

Good Luck! I found using the SB800 the most frustrating part of photography. It throws another three or four variables into the exposure equation.

Anyway, bought this charger and their batteries, and love it
http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/viewitem.asp?idproduct=423

 

I have an SB-600 and am happy with it. I use AA rechargeables 2500 mAh (always carry two sets) and they work fine and last a long time. When I travel out of town I always take the recharger plus you can always get regular AAs.

Works fine with Nikon's RF control system too. I also use it with a diffuser and with a Better Beamer when birding.

 

If you can, I'd get a spare set of Sanyo Eneloops. They are great as spares as they can hold their charge when not in use much longer than regular NiMH's.

 

Read the manual and try the commander mode. You can use the SB-600 off the camera, without wires, and have full iTTL exposure control. It's awesome!

Make sure you read the manual and understand how to get it out of that mode as well. Figuring out how things work -without the manual- can be impossible.

 

I have passed the strobist site on a few times. Its not about any specific flash but its a good place to learn what can be done with small flashes. A good place to start.