Photo equipment from Yongnuo (read "Yongnuo") is one of the most recognizable among Chinese manufacturers. Yongnuo has gained such popularity due to the good price / quality ratio for its products. Indeed, among the original Canon and Nikon flashes there are no manual flashes - this raises the bar for amateur photographers, for whom it is not always justified to buy not only a branded flash, but also, in principle, an automatic one with TTL. But from this article, you will still have the opportunity to form your opinion on the justification for purchasing Yongnuo photographic equipment. I will try to make this review both informative and concise at the same time. Let's talk about everything in order.

Manufacturer Yongnuo entered the market of photographic equipment back in 2007. For more than 10 years, the company's engineers have been working on introducing new solutions to their flashes and synchronizers. The first flashes of the company were inexpensive, functional, but quite miserable by today's standards: they did not have an LCD screen - the power was changed by a wheel with an indication on the panel with LEDs, the buttons were pressed indistinctly because they were soft, rubber, the battery cover was fragile and broke, at first even the foot of the hot shoe was not metal. It is unlikely that you would now consider the YN-465 or YN-467 flash model to be reliable, convenient, modern.

During the sale of Yongnuo flashes in Ukraine until now, the following models have been discontinued from production: YN-460, YN-460 II, YN-465, YN-467, YN-468, YN-468 II, YN-560, YN- 560 mark II. It makes no sense to consider them in this review. (Yongnuo YN-468 II is currently available for sale on our website). Models YN-460 (II) were good cheap flashes, low power, but already obsolete at the time of the release of YN-560 III. The YN-468 is also not a bad model, but considering that the YN-565EX has been on the market since 2011 - this is a very long time - there was no point in continuing to produce the YN-468 flash, although buyers in our country are sometimes interested in the presence of the YN-460 store.

Looking ahead, I note that we should still expect that the YN-565 will be discontinued soon. Why? On the one hand, the YN-565EX II is a good flash, the most budget automatic, time-tested, which supports TTL mode. But the YN-568EX supports high-speed sync and only costs $13 more. For us in Ukraine with our exchange rate it can be a lot of money and savings, but the Ukrainian market is small enough to target and over time the demand for older and more expensive models around the world will make it more profitable to release some really great flashes from Yongnuo.

After these long introductory words, let's get down to reviewing the Yongnuo flash range.

Yongnuo manual flashes

Everything is extremely simple here. There is a manual mode in absolutely any Yongnuo flash. But only the Yongnuo YN-560 mark III, mark IV models have only it, plus Mutli modes - a strobe (the flash makes a series of low-power flashes in a row at a given frequency) and S1, S2. These models, in principle, cannot support TTL mode - it is trite because they have only one central contact in the hot shoe. For a cheap price, you have to pay with the lack of automation.

Why and when do you need manual flashes?

It is worth noting that you do not need to treat manual flash as outdated or a relic of the past. You need to use them for their intended purpose. Manual flashes are designed to be used off-camera - on stands using umbrellas, in mobile photo studios, for staged portraits and product photography. Also, Yongnuo manual flashes are bought by some amateur photographers who have a limited budget - they have already spent a lot of money on a good camera and lens for it, and then they realized that they could not do without a flash. In this case, when you take out the camera just to capture a family celebration with friends, shoot indoors, then a cheap manual flash will not be a bad option - point the flash head at the ceiling, take test shots and then shoot with the same aperture - the distance from the white ceiling to people's faces will almost always be the same - you won't have to change the exposure.

Multi, S1, S2 modes in Yongnuo flashes

The strobe mode is also included in every Yongnuo flash - it will come in handy in those very rare cases when you want to photograph a subject in motion. With this mode, the photo will have several images, states of a moving object.

S1, S2 are optical synchronization modes. This is the same manual mode, but in the case when the Yongnuo flash has this mode (and almost all Yongnuo models have it), you can remove it from the camera, place it in a place convenient for your photographic plans and YN-560 III, IV triggered by the light pulse of another flash. It can be either built into the camera or any other flash. But there is a caveat - the Yongnuo flash light trap must not be covered by anything in order to catch a light pulse, and also the reliability of light synchronization deteriorates outdoors in bright sunlight. In S1 mode, the flash receiving signal (slave) fires on the first pulse of the main (master), and in S2 mode - on the second. Many flashes in TTL mode make the first evaluation flash - this is where S2 mode is worth using.

Built-in radio support in Yongnuo

It is also worth noting that the Yongnuo YN-560EX model works in manual mode, like the 560 III, IV, but only when mounted on the camera. Yongnuo YN-560EX is a unique flash with: it can work in wireless TTL mode - out of the camera.

Models YN-560 III, IV have built-in radio signal receivers. They can receive radio signals from Yongnuo RF-603 mark transceivers. To synchronize via radio, you need to install the transceiver on the hot shoe of the camera and tune it to the same frequency as the YN-560 III, IV.

Moreover, Yongnuo YN-560 IV can be a manual radio leader - give control signals to YN-560 III, IV flashes.

Yongnuo flashes for Canon, Nikon with TTL support (automatic)

Currently, the Yongnuo flash range for Canon includes the following models: YN-468 II, YN-560EX, YN-500EX, YN-565EX II, YN-568EX II, YN-685, YN-600EX-RT.

At the same time, the range of flashes for Nikon is much poorer: YN-468 II, YN-560EX, YN-565EX, YN-568EX. For the 565 and 568 models, yongnuo has not updated the models - there is no "mark II" in their name.

Based on this, below will be a review-comparison of flash models for Canon. For Nikon, flash functionality is absolutely the same. Externally, Yongnuo flashes in the Canon version have inscriptions in silver, and for Nikon in gold.

Yongnuo YN-468 mark II for Canon / Nikon

Yongnuo YN-500EX Canon

- the relevance of the release of this model in 2013 is very doubtful. In terms of functionality, it is very similar to the YN-568EX II (and $ 9 cheaper than it): the same modes and HSS support, but all this fit into a smaller body - almost a copy of the Canon 430EX II, respectively, the leader has decreased to 53 conventional units.

It should be noted that this model has not become popular in Ukraine. It is possible that the events of 2013 were the culprit, they were not willing to buy it, did reviews and discussed it.

Yongnuo YN-685 Canon/Nikon

() - a very interesting and worthy flash (leading - 60: ISO 100, 200mm). The case in size is the largest of all models - the development of Yongnuo. The flash has three modes: E-TTL (II), Manual, Multi. Yes, there is no optical synchronization S1, S2. But she's not needed here! Model YN-685 is capable of receiving signals from all: RF-603 (II), RF-605, YN-622 (II), as well as commanders: YN-622C-TX, YN-560-TX and flash Yongnuo YN-560 IV . In my opinion, this functionality makes this model the best choice among all Yongnuo flashes. The body itself deserves attention - it's huge here, with beautiful matte white plastic clips, a convenient control wheel, a quick power on / off toggle switch (yes, now you don't need to hold down the On / Off key), quick fixation of a hot shoe on the leg ( wow!!! Now you don't need to turn the clamping wheel for a long time. Now it's as convenient as with Canon flashes!). My only subjective opinion is that the matrix LCD display is not as clear and informative as the previous models. But now it, among other things, shows the battery level. The battery cover is also no longer a weak point - it has a unique locking mechanism.

Yongnuo YN-600EX-RT Canon

- positioned as the top flash in the lineup (leading - 60: ISO 100, 200mm). It costs the same as the YN-685, has the functionality and design (one-to-one body) exactly like the top model Canon 600EX-RT! Is it worth dreaming more? The case has the same improvements as the YN-685 model: dot matrix display, control wheel, off switch, hot shoe heel clip, secure battery cover.

In this table, we have tried to list the main characteristics that are most important between Canon flashes and Yongnuo, Godox, Pixel

Automatic E-TTL flashes

Model	Guide number (105mm, ISO 100)	Radio synchronization	Remote TTL (Canon, Nikon)	FP sync up to 1/8000 sec	light trap	PC sync port	External power supply	Horizontal head angle
YN-468-II	33	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	270
Yn-565EX II	58	No	slave	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	270
Yn-568EX	58	No	slave	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	360
Yn-568EX-II	58	No	slave/master Canon	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	360
Yn-500EX	53	No	slave	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	270
Canon 430EXII	43	No	slave Canon	Yes	No	No	No	270
Canon 430EXIII	43	Canon RT	slave and master Canon	Yes	No	No	No	270
Canon 580EXII	58	No	slave and master Canon	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	360
Canon 600EX	60 (200mm, ISO 100)	No	slave and master Canon	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	360
Canon 600EX-RT(II)	60 (200mm, ISO 100)	Canon RT	slave and master Canon	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	360
Yongnuo YN600EX-RT(II)	60 (200mm, ISO 100)	Canon RT	led and leader	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	360
YN-968EX-RT	60 (105mm, ISO 100)	Canon RT	led and leader	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	360
Yongnuo YN685C	60 (200mm, ISO 100)	Slave: YN622C/N, YN560-TX	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	360
Godox TT685C	60 (105mm, ISO 100)	Godox X	led and leader	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	360
Pixel X-650	60	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	360
Pixel X-650 C Mago	65	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	360

Since the flashes are automatic, of course they support TTL on the camera. Automatic selection of the pulse power and the angle at which the light pulse will be directed.

A little explanation about the names of the functions:

• Guide number- Power, the more, the brighter and farther the flash will shine
• radio synchronization- built-in radio synchronizer. To start, you need to purchase only the transmitter that is installed on the camera. Especially convenient if you plan to use the flash remotely. The built-in synchronizer fully supports all TTL automation.
• Support TTL remote slave(Canon, Nikon) - triggering this flash by other systems without the use of synchronizers and wires in E-TTL II mode by both Canon and Nikon cameras.
• TTL remote master support(Canon, Nikon) - this flash can control and fire other flash units with "TTL Remote Slave Support"
• High speed sync up to 1/8000 sec (FP)- needed for shooting during the day, against the sun
• light trap- The mode allows you to start (set fire) the flash from another bright light pulse (from another flash). The flash will only work in manual mode. Choose your power ahead of time.
• PC sync port- Connector for flash ignition via Viltrox PC-PC Wire. Same for manual mode.
• External power supply- the ability to power the flash from an external source, such as a JJC battery pack for Canon, Nikon, Sony. The block is used in addition to batteries in the flash. Increases reload speed. Cooldown becomes about 1 second. If the batteries are fresh. To maintain a good charge, smart chargers are used, for example: La Crosse BC 700, La Crosse RS 1000 or Kweller X-1800. Collectively, Eneloop batteries without memory effect are very popular among photographers: SANYO Eneloop AA white and SANYO Eneloop XX black
• Angle of rotation of the head horizontally- A very important point, if you are a reportage photographer (club), the ability to turn your head is needed for convenient vertical shooting with reflection. If you're not a reporter, don't think about it.

I want to note that the flashes Yn-500EX and Yn-565EX-II (in terms of characteristics, the second version differs only in this, well, there is also a low battery indicator) it is possible to adjust the pulse up to ± 5, unlike all the others, which have up to ± 3

A few words about the Pixel X-650, it has a 2W LED light as a bonus, a USB port for flashing, an extended zoom 20-200mm, a mount in a 1/4 "case, a constant display backlight function

It should be commented that Canon600EX and 600EX-RT flashes are distinguished by the presence of a built-in radio synchronizer (Canon RT), which is not yet available in any other flash for canon. And also the leading number for Canon is 60, with other parameters, if they are brought to a normal form, it will be less than in the 580th, who knows the secret of the translation, write comments.

Although the final choice of flash is up to the individual buyer, the purpose of this article is to assist a potential buyer in purchasing an auto flash that supports Nikon i-TTL or Canon's E-TTL and clarify the situation currently in the Yongnuo lineup.

It is worth noting that an article with a comparative was already published earlier and now the Yongnuo YN-560 mark II holds the sales lead (do you want?).

This article was written in 2013 and a lot has changed since then, so we suggest you familiarize yourself with.

The review will cover all TTL flashes, with the exception of YN-560EX, which supports TTL only in wireless mode and does not work in TTL on the camera, as well as a good model Yongnuo YN-467 mark II, which was a good flash for the money, until Yongnuo set the same purchase prices for the YN-467 II and YN-468 II models, which caused the YN-467 II to disappear from store windows and the YN-468 took its place II, which, in our experience, breaks down more often than any other Yongnuo flash. And if not for this unfortunate fact, then the YN-468 II could be recommended as a good flash. The situation regarding the warranty for Yongnuo products, our store provides a six-month warranty for any Yongnuo product and another six months from the manufacturer itself.

In general, with regard to outbreaks, if they have worked for at least the first month or two, they will be able to last a year or more, that is, sores of equipment can be identified already at the initial stages.

So, let's take a look at the comparison table of characteristics:

Yongnuo TTL flash performance comparison table
flash model	Yongnuo YN-468 mark II Nikon/Canon	Yongnuo YN-565 Nikon/Canon	Yongnuo YN-500EX Canon	Yongnuo YN-568EX Nikon/mark II Canon
Price in PhotoSale store (October 2013)	800 UAH	1200 UAH	1270 UAH	1599 UAH Nikon / 1670 UAH Mark II Canon
Maximum guide number	33 (85mm zoom heads)	58 (105mm zoom heads)	53 (105mm zoom heads)	58 (105mm zoom heads)
Operating modes		M, S1, S2, i-TTL/E-TTL, Multi	M, S1, S2, i-TTL/E-TTL, Multi	M, S1, S2, i-TTL/E-TTL, Multi
Improved light trap for work in S1/S2
Availability of LCD display
7-level manual power adjustment
Fast reload (4 sec)
Flash head zoom
Connector for external battery pack
Full charge beep
Wireless i-TTL/E-TTL support
Support HSS/FP high speed sync
Illumination of the subject with a lamp in the dark
Built-in overheating protection

There are some reservations for this table - support for master E-TTL has been added to the YN-568EX mark II version for Canon. Otherwise, it remained the same as the first generation model.

Now let's look at the table and compare flashes by price. Depending on whether you have a Nikon or Canon system, the choice will be ambiguous.

Yongnuo YN-565EX on Nikon, which has been produced for more than a year and a half, although it is 400 UAH more expensive. rivals YN-468 II, it's still worth it to pay extra money and get: reliable flash , which not only looks solid, but also has a high guide number, zoom head up to 105 mm, protection against overheating, a full charge beep (although, in fairness, we have to admit that it is quite loud and a little nasty, although it turns off), as well as an improved light trap, which will allow you to shoot without indoors. In addition, although the YN-565EX with Sanyo Eneloop branded batteries recharges in 4 seconds, it is also possible to connect an external battery pack, Yongnuo SF-18. A trifle, of course, but the YN-565EX was also aimed at pro-photographers when it was released.

Yongnuo YN-468 mark II has nothing to oppose - small, with a light trap from the YN-460 series, there is a strobe mode, but what to do with it when the leader is only 33? Flash does not have any strengths.

In the Canon version YN-565EX breathes in the back Yongnuo YN-500EX. For the difference of 70 UAH, you get a qualitatively different flash - with support for high-speed synchronization, E-TTL wireless mode, a slightly smaller leader - 53, but compact, similar to the Canon 430EX, with a pleasant sound of a full charge and bright LCD backlight. The Yongnuo YN-500EX Canon will be an excellent choice if you also want to use the Yongnuo YN-622C II TTL synchronizers () in the future. The Canon YN-500EX version, in my opinion, is the best choice, given that the next Yongnuo YN-568EX mark II in the lineup costs 400 UAH. more expensive and has: a larger body, a slightly larger driver and master E-TTL support.

In the Nikon version : if you firmly decided that you need high speed sync then you should buy

Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo entered the photography market in 2007, and their first flash was released in 2009. I can’t even believe that so little time has passed, because today the range of Yongnuo flashes is quite wide - none of the other brands simultaneously produces so many modifications of flashes “for every taste and color”.

Frame

Today, Yongnuo uses four types of cases - 46x, 500 and 56x series. Moreover, all modifications have a three-digit numbering, for two types the average figure is necessarily 6: YN-460, YN-465, YN-465, YN-468, YN-560, YN-565, and for one - “0”: YN -500EX…

The flash size of the YN-46x is relatively small. This is Yongnuo's own development, with which the production of the manufacturer's speedlights began. For a guide in size, you can take such popular flashes as Nikon SB-600 or Canon 430EX. And the dimensions of the front of the reflector head exactly match the Nikon SB-800, from which you can install accessories and modifiers, like diffuser caps.

If you look at different YN-46x models from the front, it is almost impossible to tell them apart (only the YN-468 II stands out with its battery cover and PC port on the same side). Personally, I consider this design to be very successful - convenient, compact, of high quality in execution - but with one fly in the ointment: the battery cover is not very convenient in its design. The manufacturer did not pay attention to this shortcoming for a long time - but with the release of the YN-468 II model, everything changed for the better and the lid was updated. Since 2013, such a cover has been installed on the entire YN-46x series.

The second type of body (if we talk about dimensions), which was introduced by the manufacturer in 2013 with the release of the new Yongnuo YN-500EX mid-range flash for Canon. If you look closely, you can see that the Canon 430EX flash was taken as the basis for the design and dimensions, but there is no direct copying. Ultimately, the flash turned out to be quite elegant, with a modern design. Moreover, the dimensions of the head correspond to the Canon 430 series, so, for example, their white caps are completely interchangeable.

The third type: in their YN-560/565 line in 2010, Yongnuo engineers decided not to be smart, and took the Canon 580EX II flash body as a basis. Of course, this is not a complete copy, but the dimensions and execution of the main parts - flash head, height, lines - almost completely match the previous flagship from Canon.

If we discard the moral and ethical side of this approach, then this is a very good decision - after all, many accessories that are produced for the Canon 580EX II model are suitable for Yongnuo YN-560/565 speedlights: caps, diffusers, light modifiers, external battery packs. To be honest, this case remains the most elegant case in Yongnuo's lineup to this day.

The fourth and last body type for today, which was released in August 2012 by Yongnuo, when the manufacturer released its new "hybrid" manual-TTL flash YN-560EX.

External dimensions and design are close to the YN-560/565 series, but it's still a new case. With him, Yongnuo began to gradually move away from cloning Canon developments and flashes now look original in appearance. All Yongnuo flagships come out in this angular case today. Further, since September 2012, Yongnuo flash tops began to appear in this case - the YN-568EX models for Canon and Nikon, and in the summer of 2013 - YN-568EX II for Canon.

In terms of workmanship, all Younguo flashes can be rated very highly: the plastic is cool, the fitting of parts is at a good level, the assembly creates a pleasant feeling of well-made equipment. I call such things "products of a quality Chinese manufacturer." And if users periodically have complaints about circuitry and functionality, then almost never about the case. The only exception is the same battery cover of the 4th series, with which this case was produced until 2013.

Yongnuo manual flashes

When using off-camera flashes to work with portable mobile photo studios, manual flashes are the simplest and most inexpensive choice. The pulse power in them is set manually using the buttons on the case in the ranges of 1/1 to 1/128 of full (the minimum level depends on the model).

The main external difference between inexpensive manual flashes and automatic flashes is the presence of only one contact on the leg, through which the signal for firing is received. In principle, manuals can also be used in the on-camera position - and they will work: until the 90s, in general, all blitzes were “manual”, and, nevertheless, reportage photographers used them with success. But in modern photography, there are more reasonable proposals for on-camera flash light - speedlights with automatic power control (TTL, E-TTL, i-TTL), so it makes no sense to use manual flashes for, for example, reportage shooting. They have other tasks and applications.

Once again: manual speedlights, in principle, do not have any automatic functions, such as TTL, auto-zoom, autofocus illumination and software for communicating with cameras. Despite the fact that I write about it everywhere, I still constantly get questions like “will this flash work on Canon / Nikon / Pentax?”. Yes - it will work on all cameras that have a flash shoe with a central contact for “ignition”, but with a big caveat: the flash output will have to be adjusted manually and only manually, there will be no autofocus backlight, the “second curtain” will not work on Canon cameras and reflector auto zoom will not work. By definition, there is no automation in manual speedlights - this is the prerogative of Automatic TTL flashes (read about them below). The main purpose of the manuals is to work in mobile portable photo studios, i.e. - on racks, with remote synchronization. And here they show themselves in all their glory ...))

There are three manual modes for Yongnuo flashes.

M - manual mode
The flash is installed in the "hot shoe" of the synchronizer or camera and fires from a trigger signal through the flash foot contact.

In this mode, the contact on the leg is not involved, the flash can be installed either in any "cold shoe", or simply stand / lie anywhere (even in the assistant's hand), and the launch is carried out through an optical light trap in the front of the body on the first impulse of any another flash.

The flash also fires through an optical light trap, but in this mode it ignores the first pulse and fires only on the second, which can be very useful when used as a master, for example, the built-in flash of a camera operating in TTL - the ignition occurs synchronously with the main pulse.

To date, there are five manual models in the Yongnuo flash range.

Yongnuo YN-460

The first flash that started the production of digital speedlights by Yongnuo. Its power is low (GN 33), the recharge time does not break records (5 seconds with NiMh batteries at full power), there is no reflector zoom (fixed angle 35 mm), power adjustment range from 1/1 to 1/64 without intermediate values ​​... But the main advantage is the price. Despite such modest performance, the YN-460 is still being produced and is selling well, because this is the most inexpensive offer not only in the Yongnuo line, but among all manufacturers in general.

Yongnuo YN-460 II

The second flash from the manufacturer Yongnuo, which is an upgrade of the first version of the YN 460. It was released less than a year later and the main shortcomings of the initial generation were corrected in it: the guide number was increased to GN 38, the recycle time reached 2 seconds. with NiMh batteries at full power, the adjustment of which remained in the range from 1/1 to 1/64 but now with intermediate values ​​for finer tuning. Only the reflector zoom remained the same fixed at 35mm.

Externally, the first and second generation of YN-460 manuls differ only in the additional numbers "II" on the back near the control panel. But the changes listed above have led to the fact that this flash has become very popular among fans of portable remote-controlled light ("strobe" - as they are called in the Internet space). I, too, have been happy to work with the YN-460 II for more than three years - I like them for their small dimensions and reliability. I can safely recommend it to both beginners and advanced photographers.

Yongnuo YN-560

In the summer of 2010, the production of the new Yongnuo YN-560 manual flash began. In this model, all the charms of the YN-460 II were left and new useful features were added. The large flash head of the new body is less overheated, a reflector zoom with a range of 24-105 mm has appeared, the sensitivity of the optical trap has been seriously improved, a PC sync port has appeared for connecting a synchronization cable and a 3-pin connector for connecting external power supplies, such as Yongnuo SF-17 and SF-18, or other compatible butblocks with a Canon type connector. Plus, the YN-560 has a beep to confirm the readiness of the flash after reloading - this is a very convenient feature that really helps in real shooting, when it is clear by ear whether all the flashes on the racks are ready for a new impulse.

Unfortunately, today this flash has already been discontinued. Nevertheless, I consider the Yongnuo YN-560 the most balanced manual flash for working with portable mobile photo studios and I can safely recommend it to all photographers without exception. So if you find it somewhere in the stores in the remnants - feel free to take it, it's worth it.

Yongnuo YN-560 II

In December 2011, the second generation of the YN-560 flash was announced. All the main characteristics remained the same, and the changes affected the control - instead of indicator lights, a full-fledged LCD screen appeared, which displays all the settings and flash values. A stroboscopic mode (Multi) has also been added and the tactile component of the control buttons has been improved.

The Yongnuo YN-560 II flash is interesting for its price - with such power and capabilities, this is the best offer on the market after the discontinuation of the first generation YN-560.

Yongnuo YN-560 III

The third generation of the manual 560 series was announced in January 2013. In terms of basic functionality, this is a complete analogue of the YN-560 II - M, Multi, S1, S2 modes, zoom 24-105 mm, guide number [email protected] ISO100, 105mm. And on the body - a complete copy of the second generation.

The main innovation is the built-in radio synchronizer receiver! It is also fully compatible with Yongnuo RF-602C/RF-602N and RF-603C/RF-603N transmitters. And this is really a very important update - now you do not need to carry / install additional receivers, there are fewer things for photographers in their trunks. Plus - you will need to buy batteries only for the transmitter and flash - the receivers are powered in parallel with the speedlight.

Manual flashes with Canon and Nikon slave mode

There are two flashes in the Yongnuo lineup that cannot be clearly classified as manual or automatic. They are like a "transitional" option.

The fact is that there are four main ways to fire the flash along with pressing the camera start:

1. Flash on the camera, the signal to “ignite” is given through the central contact of the hot shoe. Moreover, if the flash is manual, with one contact on its leg, then it cannot receive any more commands from the camera. If the flash is automatic (more on them below), then control signals are transmitted through additional contacts on the leg - modes, automatic reflector zoom, autofocus illumination, etc.
2. The off-camera flash is connected to the camera by a sync cable and receives all commands through it.
3. The flash outside the camera is mounted on a radio trigger (or with a receiver inside, as is done on the YN-560 III), and fires from a signal that is transmitted from the transmitter on the camera to the receiver on the flash.
4. The flash is outside the camera and is triggered by any other impulse, the so-called. "master" flash. To do this, the remote flash must have its own light trap.

And this method of synchronization by light trap can be "manual" and "automatic". In the first case, the flash simply receives a signal to "ignite" according to the same principle as through the central contact - and fires with the power set on it.

In the second case, it is possible to set the parameters and operation modes through an optical pulse signal - operation in TTL or Manual modes, power control at a distance ... These systems are called Canon Wireless Flash (CWF) from Canon and Creative Lighting System (CLS) from Nikon.

So: in "pure" manual flashes YN-460 (II), YN-560 of all generations, only the first, "simple" synchronization by light traps is supported.

In addition to them, Yongnuo decided to release a kind of “transitional” version of manual flashes that have only one contact on their leg (respectively, they can only work on the camera and synchronizers in manual mode), but which can fully work as slaves in CWF and CLS . Moreover, in one flash it is possible to control both Canon and Nikon. And the presence of such functionality can be easily determined by the encoding of the models - they always have the prefix "EX".

Yongnuo YN-560EX

The first "hybrid" manual-automatic flash Yongnuo YN-560EX (originally announced under the name Yongnuo EX600) in a new housing with unique capabilities for working in mobile portable photo studios. In terms of power, this flash corresponds to all analogues of top-end flashes from manufacturers.

The YN-560EX is available in a new Yongnuo body, which is also supplied with the manufacturer's flash tops today - the YN-568EX models for Canon and Nikon, and in the summer of 2013 - the YN-568EX II for Canon

With only one central contact on its leg, the Yongnuo YN-560EX flash can only work in on-camera position in manual mode, when the power is set manually by the photographer.
When installing the Yongnuo YN-560EX on stands and remote synchronization from the camera, a large selection of modes appears in which this flash works.

• M - manual mode
• S1 - simple flash trigger optical synchronization mode
• S2 - intelligent flash trigger optical synchronization mode
• Slave C - E-TTL (II) compatible optical sync Canon
• Slave N - optical sync with i-TTL support Nikon

Yongnuo YN-510EX

A complete analogue of the YN-560EX model in a new, more compact body and with less power (GN guide number 52 meters, as opposed to 58 meters for the YN-560EX).

Yongnuo TTL auto flashes

As I said above, manual flashes are good for remote use. If the photographer needs a speedlight on the camera, then the right choice would be to use flashes that support automatic pulse power control - TTL.

Starting in late 2009, Yongnuo launched automatic models, first for Canon cameras with E-TTL (II) support, then for Nikon cameras with i-TTL support. They limited themselves to these two brands - the owners of cameras Sony, Olympus, Pentax, Samsung can only be upset, but there are no options for them ...

As it should be for system automatic flashes, on their leg there is not only a central one, but also a set of other contacts through which data is exchanged with cameras. Moreover, if anyone does not know, in the versions for Canon and Nikon they do not coincide with each other. Therefore, when installing models for cameras, for example, Canon, on Nikon cameras (or vice versa), you will not receive TTL support. But since there is also a central contact, in such cases the flash will work like a clean manual with manual power setting.

What is the difference between Yongnuo automatic TTL flashes and the "native" Canon or Nikon (except for the price, of course) is the fully preserved manual capabilities (M, S1, S2 modes), which fully allow you to use them not only on cameras, but also in the same portable mobile photo studios (for "brand" models, everything is not just with optical synchronization).

Yongnuo has released quite a few TTL models to date, but it's not that difficult to figure them out.

Yongnuo YN-465 / YN-467 / YN-468

I combined these three models because they were the first attempts to make automatic TTL flashes, but, in my opinion, may not be of interest to very many photographers. Unless, if they get it at a very bargain price.

The Canon and Nikon YN-465 is the simplest flash, based on the first generation YN-460. Low power, two modes - TTL and M, no reflector zoom (the same 35 mm), there is not even an optical trap. Too simple. Of course - better built-in, but no more.

YN-467 was also made in versions for Canon and Nikon and the model is more interesting - there is already a 24-85 mm reflector zoom, which works both automatically in the on-camera position and when mounted on stands (by long pressing the Mode button), the optical trap and, accordingly, modes S1 and S2 for manual work. But the power remained the same from the YN-460 I, as did the reload time. But the disadvantages are compensated by the price ...))

The first generation YN-468 was only released for Canon cameras. This is the first flash from Yongnuo to have an LCD screen. In terms of its other characteristics - power, zoom, modes - this is a complete analogue of the YN-467 model with several differences - there is a pulse power correction when working in TTL in the range from -3 to +3 eV, a stroboscope mode (Multi) has appeared, there is an autofocus backlight (although not very successful) and the reflector zoom can be controlled not only in the on-camera position, but also manually when installed as a remote-controlled in portable photo studios.

Yongnuo YN-468 II for Canon and Nikon

After working on the bugs, Yongnuo has finally released a decent entry-level TTL model - YN-468 II. First, in November 2011, a second generation version appeared for Canon, and in February 2012 for Nikon.

In fact, the filling remained the same as in the first generation - they could not increase the power (GN33 at 35 mm zoom - in principle, the level of medium flashes from many manufacturers), pulse power correction when working in TTL, zoom 24-85 mm in all modes, "strobe" Multi, manual modes M-S1-S2. But the right improvements have also appeared: a normal battery cover, a PC sync port, an improved optical sensor, an improved autofocus backlight and updated control buttons that have become more informative and clear in settings.

The result is a very balanced flash in all its components - from ergonomics to price. It can be safely recommended to owners of entry-level and mid-level DSLRs and advanced Canon / Nikon digital compacts, as it fits them perfectly in size and works well on a TTL camera.

The YN-468 II is also worth paying attention to for those photographers who are going to buy their first set of portable mobile photo studio based on manual flashes YN-460 II. If, for example, you want to start with three light sources (flashes-synchronizers-stands-holders-modifiers, etc.), but there are no other TTL automatic flashes available yet (430EX, SB-60/700, etc.) etc.), it is better to buy not three YN-460 II, but a set of 1 pc. YN-468 II + 2 pcs. YN-460 II. As a result, you can easily shoot both leisurely staging sets with remote pulsed light, and reportage scenes with an automatic TTL flash mounted on the camera.

In terms of power, the YN-565EX is at the level of the top Canon 580EX II / Nikon SB-900 flashes, but still loses in terms of functionality. Firstly, the YN-565EX does not have a HSS / FP high-speed sync mode, and secondly, it cannot act as a master flash, only a slave flash. Although with remote operation there is one interesting and unique nuance: regardless of the version, the YN-565EX can act as a slave with TTL support in both Canon and Nikon systems.

The Yongnuo YN-565EX is great for photographers who don't shoot with flash outdoors during daylight hours (no need for FP). When shooting indoors, when the flash is needed as the main light source, this model can easily replace the flagships of Canon and Nikon. She has excellent power, a zoom of 24-105 mm, cool autofocus illumination. At a price 2.5 times lower than the Canon 580EX II / Nikon SB-910, it can be a great alternative for reportage photography. As one photographer friend of mine said: “For that kind of money, I calmly shoot her at all sorts of matinees, corporate parties, parties, not as pitiful as tops for half a thousand dollars.” And also, in addition to TTL automation, the YN-565EX has the entire set of manual modes M, S1, S2, and the power adjustment range is from 1/1 to 1/128.

In addition, since the summer of 2013, Yongnuo has dropped the price of this flash quite significantly, so the YN-565EX may be a good choice for photographers who do not need high-speed sync.

Yongnuo YN-568EX for Canon and Nikon

The flash in the new Yongnuo body, with the same power and functionality as the YN-565EX model, plus support for HSS/FP high-speed sync mode.

The YN-568EX appeared in the fall of 2012 and has since been considered the top of the Yongnuo flash range. Versions for Canon and Nikon outwardly also differ in the color of the inscriptions - white for Canon, yellow for Nikon, so it's hard to confuse them.

This is my main flash for work - I have three of them in my arsenal for over a year. I can’t give any strong complaints about the work - everything works clearly and without problems. And complete with YN-622C radio triggers, YN-568EX flashes show their best side.

Unfortunately, there is no information about the release of the YN-568EX II analogue for Nikon cameras, so the appearance of the Master mode for this manufacturer in the Yongnuo line is still vague.

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15.08.2016

Yongnuo Speedlite YN685 Flash Review, Test & Comparison

Historically, the development of on-camera flash units has occurred in a certain sequence as certain technologies have appeared. They appeared in the following order:

1. Flashes with exclusively manual control.
2. Flashes with automatic mode and wireless operation on a light impulse.
3. Flashes with a built-in radio synchronization receiver.

The “last level” of flashes is the Yongnuo Speedlite YN685, which can work both on the camera in TTL mode (that is, automatic flash exposure mode) and wirelessly via radio. Moreover, work on the radio channel is carried out within the framework of Yongnuo's own radio synchronization system.

Yongnuo Speedlite YN685. General form.

So, Yongnuo Speedlite YN685 is a powerful flash with guide number 60, classically shaped and compatible with radio triggers YN-622C, YN-622C-TX, YN560 IV (built into this flash model), YN560-TX, RF-605, RF- 603 and RF-603 II. At the same time, the flash mode, triggering power, focal length and synchronization mode can be controlled by the YN-622C synchronizer, and all of these parameters, except for the synchronization mode, can be controlled through the YN560 IV and YN560-TX. Canon RT system is not supported.

Radio communication in this system is carried out at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which guarantees a range of up to 100 meters.

Another advantage of this flash is a wide zoom range of 20-200 millimeters. Naturally, a flash of this class supports high-speed sync with shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second.

Other features worth mentioning are rear-curtain sync, exposure compensation, bracketing, beeps, thermal protection, and auto-off.

In our review, we will consider the Canon flash version as the most common.

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