Monday, September 10, 2012

Yongnuo YN-560EX (EX600) Review


This is a follow up to my preliminary review of the Yongnuo YN-560EX.  For convenience, I'm going to incorporate the information on the previous review in this one, so this will be the main resource page for the 560EX.

ABOUT THE YONGNUO YN-560EX
The YN-560EX (formerly EX600) is a manual flash but can act as a wireless TTL slave via Canon or Nikon's wireless flash commanders (yes it is cross-compatible with Canon and Nikon).  I was excited about this model because it's only $109.99, less than the YN-565EX (which has wireless TTL as well as on-camera TTL and costs around $160 for the Nikon version).  It is one of the cheapest wireless TTL flashes available.  (At the end of this article I will post other wireless TTL alternatives.)

The YN-560EX should not be mistaken with its similarly-named predecessors, the YN-560 (a purely manual flash) and the YN-560II (an updated version of the YN-560, also purely manual).  The 560EX was previously known as the EX600 but its name was finalized as the 560EX.



YONGNUO'S FLASH LINEUP
Here's a brief comparison with the other current flashes in Yongnuo's lineup:

  • YN-560 - Manual only flash.  Simple interface.   Compatible with external power pack.
  • YN-560II - Manual only flash.  LCD interface.   Compatible with external power pack.
  • YN-465 - TTL flash (Canon or Nikon version available).  No optical slave, no zoom.
  • YN-467 - TTL flash  (Canon or Nikon version available) with built-in optical slave and zoom.
  • YN-467II - update of YN-467.  Adds metal foot, PC port and improved buttons and battery compartment.
  • YN-468 - Similar to YN-467 but adds stroboscopic mode and LCD display.
  • YN-468II - update of YN-468.   Adds metal foot, PC port and improved buttons and battery compartment.
  • YN-460RX and TX - manual flash with Yongnuo's built-in radio-based wireless TTL system.
  • YN-560EX (formerly EX600) - When mounted on-camera, it is a manual only flash.  However, as a wireless flash it is capable of TTL with either a Canon or Nikon commander.
  • YN-565EX - When mounted on-camera, it is a TTL flash (Nikon or Canon but not both).  Like the 560EX, it is capable of TTL as a wireless flash with either a Canon or Nikon commander.  Compatible with external power pack.


WHAT'S IN THE BOX
I ordered my 560EX on eBay from seller thephotogadget.  Three days after I ordered it, it was shipped out from Shanghai, then I received it just 10 days later.  It arrived in a package with bubble wrap around the 560EX's box.

The box contained the flash itself, a ballistic nylon case, a flash stand, an instruction manual in Chinese and English, and a brochure describing Yongnuo's flashes.  The case is handsome and includes a pocket for the included flash stand.  However, the material is thinner than similar cases for the Nikon SB-800 or SB-600.  The velcro is also kind of weak.  If held upside down and shaken, the case could open and your flash could drop.


The flash stand accommodates the standard ISO foot and has a receptacle for a locking pin.  There is a 1/4-20 socket at the bottom for mounting on a tripod or light stand.  However the socket is plastic.

THE 560EX BODY
The 560EX seems to take its design cues from Canon's 580EX, although it's not likely one will be confused with the other. 
Optical sensor on top; ready light indicator on the bottom
The front of the flash has a large red window.  In Canon and Nikon flashes, this red window is used for AF assist.  In the 560EX, the red window covers a "ready lamp" that pulses to indicate the flash is ready when it is being used as a slave.  Above the red window is an opaque cover that houses the 560EX's optical sensor for the wireless slave function.


At the back of the flash, there is a large LCD panel, unlike the YN-560 which had a simple panel with LED lights.
560EX and 560 comparison of interfaces and head rotation
In terms of size, the 560EX is about the same size as the YN-560.
Nikon SB-800, YN-560EX, YN-560
Nikon SB-800, YN-560EX, YN-560

The 560EX build quality seems about the same as the YN-560, but the LCD screen makes it look more polished.  The buttons are also different from the YN-560 and are hard plastic instead of squishy rubber, another improvement.  The hotshoe is mostly metal but the middle is plastic.  It is probably plastic to avoid activating the TTL contacts of a hotshoe.  There is a collar around the foot, and when the collar is rotated, it brings down the locking pin.  The 560EX doesn't look cheap at all.


On one side of the flash is the battery compartment with a spring-loaded battery cover with a hinge, so it will never get lost.  The battery chamber has a clear label to show the polarity of the batteries.  The other side of the flash has a rubber-covered port that covers a 2.5mm (not 3.5mm) miniplug sync port.  There is no port for an external battery.

Spring-loaded battery cover
The 560EX's head rotates 180 degrees in both directions, and has a vertical bounce angle of -7 degrees to 90 degrees.  The head has a built-in diffuser and catchlight reflector.  When the diffuser is pulled out, the zoom does not change.

OPERATING THE FLASH
By default, turning the flash on or off requires the power button to be held down for about 4 or 5 seconds while the LCD shows some simple animation.  If the power button is released before that time, it won't work.  Fortunately there is an option for 'quick startup/shutdown'.  If that option is activated, then pressing the power button immediately turns the flash on or off.
The 560EX has a simple and intuitive interface:
From L to R: Optical slave mode (S2 looks similar), Manual on-camera mode, Stroboscopic mode, Wireless Nikon mode (Wireless Canon mode looks similar)
The first button is for the backlight and sound.  Pressing the button activates the backlight.  If it is held down, then the sound will toggle on or off.

The second button is the mode, which cycles from Slave 1 (simple manual optical slave) --> Slave 2 (optical slave with delay) --> on-camera manual flash --> stroboscopic mode --> Canon wireless --> Nikon wireless --> Slave 1.

In Slave 1, Slave 2, manual flash, and stroboscopic modes, you can select the power level and the zoom.  To select the power level, you press the directional pad.  Pressing left or right adjusts the power down or up by a full stop.  Pressing up or down adjusts the power up or down in increments.  By default the increments are 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7.  There is an option to change the increments as discussed below.  In stroboscopic mode, you can only adjust power in full stops (incremental power changes are not available).

To change the zoom, you just press the zoom button which cycles from 24mm --> 28mm --> 35mm --> 50mm --> 70mm --> 80mm --> 105mm --> 24mm.

In stroboscopic mode, you specify the number of times the 560EX will flash and the frequency of the flashes.  The number of flashes is anywhere from 0 to 70 (however from 20 to 50 times, the number changes by 5, and from 50 to 70 times the number changes by 10).  The maximum number depends on the power level selected.  At 1/4 power, the maximum number of flashes is 3.  At 1/128 power, the maximum is 70.  Adjusting the power level upward automatically decreases the number of flashes to the maximum.  The frequency is anywhere from 1 to 100 hertz (cycles per second).  The frequency is not affected by power level.  As with the number of flashes, the number changes by 5 above 20hz, and changes by 10 above 50hz).

In the Canon and Nikon wireless modes, you can change the channel (1 to 4) by pressing the channel button, and/or group (A, B or C) by pressing both mode and channel at the same time, as clearly labeled by the buttons.  This simple interface is a huge improvement over the YN-565EX which was much less intuitive.  As with the other modes, you can also change the zoom.  Changing the power level or flash exposure mode (TTL or manual) is of course done through the commander.

There is a pilot light / test button left of the directional pad.  It glows green when the flash is recycling and then red when the flash is ready.  You can press the button to fire a test.



As mentioned, the flash has some options available.  Holding down the zoom button activates the options menu.  Pressing up and down cycles through the 5 available options, while pressing left or right cycles between the parameters for each option, and pressing the middle button on the directional pad exits the option menu:
-
Options mode.  Maximum vertical (bounce) angle also shown.
1. Power saving in non-slave mode ("SE Sd").  It will show 2 numbers.  The first number is the number of minutes before the flash enters a standby mode.  At "--" the flash doesn't standby.  The second number is the number of minutes before the flash automatically shuts down.  Available choices are: (3 30, 15 60, 30 120, -- 120).

2. Power saving in slave mode ("Sd").  30 mins or 60 mins.

3. Power level increments ("Inc"). 0.3 stops, 0.5 stops, or 0.3/0.5/0.7.

4. Backlight time ("lcd").  7, 15, or 30 seconds.

5. Quick startup or shutdown ("qu"). On or off.



Power (Guide Number)

To test the 'real' guide number of the 560EX, I attached it to a lightstand, outdoors, away from a bounce surface.  I positioned the flashmeter (a Paul Buff CyberCommander) on an identical lightstand, and used a tape measure to position the flash 10 feet away from the flashmeter.  I triggered the 560EX by mounting it to an RF-603 trigger which was in turn connected to a Paul Buff CSRB+ receiver.  I used the flashmeter function of the CyberCommander at ISO 100, 1/250 sync. I took 3 measurements each at 35mm and 105mm zoom, waiting 30 seconds between firing.  I converted the f-stop to guide number using the information here.  For comparison, I did the same to an SB-800.



YN-560EX Results

35mm
test1: f/8 1/10 = GN of 82.8 feet
test2: f/8 0/10 = GN of 80 feet
test3: f/8 0/10 = GN of 80 feet
average GN = 80.93 feet = 24.67 meters.
105mm
test1: f/8 9/10  = GN of 109 feet
test2: f/11 0/10 = GN of 110 feet
test3: f/11 0/10 = GN of 110 feet
average GN = 109.67 feet = 33.43 meters.

Nikon SB-800 Results

35mm
test1: f/8 3/10 = GN of 88.8 feet
test2: f/8 2/10 = GN of 85.7 feet
test3: f/8 3/10 = GN of 88.8 feet
average GN = 87.77 feet = 26.75 meters.  At 35mm, the SB-800 is 2/10ths of a stop more powerful than the 560EX.
105mm
test1: f/11 2/10 = GN of 121 feet
test2: f/11 2/10 = GN of 121 feet
test3: f/11 2/10 = GN of 121 feet
average GN = 121 feet = 36.88 meters.  At 105mm, the SB-800 is about 3/10ths of a stop more powerful than the 560EX.



Note: speedlights.net publishes an extensive power comparison here.  To compare the data above with the speedlights.net power index: add 1 stop (I asked speedlights.net why they add 1 stop but I didn't get a reply).

Flash duration
Used an LX5 (which has a digital shutter therefore unlimited sync).  Killed ambient by setting exposure at ISO 80, f/8.  Started with a shutter speed of 1/125, then fired full power at progressively higher shutter speeds (allowing 30 secs recycle time) until there is noticeable drop in output.
Result: no reduction in flash exposure observed at speeds up to 1/640.  At 1/800 there was a slight reduction in flash exposure.  The flash duration at full power is therefore between 1/640 to 1/800.

Max Wireless sync speed
- S1: 1/8000 tested ok on Nikon D70 (manual external flash attached).
- S2: 1/2000 tested ok on Lumix LX5 (popup flash was on TTL mode).  Could not test higher speeds.
- Nikon wireless mode:
1/500 tested ok on D70.
1/250 tested ok on Fuji S5
1/200 tested ok on D90.
The 560EX wireless mode works at all Non-HSS shutter speeds tested, up to 1/500.

TTL comparison with SB-800.
-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3 FEC
TBA

Recycling speed
Test: connected flash to camera, fired full power
Counted amount of time it took to fire 10 shots.  Got the average time.
Result: 25.6 seconds to fire 10 shots.  Average recycling speed: 2.6 seconds.  Please note that this needs to factor in my reaction time, which at 1:30am is not really very good.

Wireless compatibility:
The list below shows the commanders I tested.  For each commander, it shows the groups tested, channels tested, whether TTL worked (+1, 0 and -1 FEC), and whether wireless manual worked (tested 1/64, 1/16 and 1/4).

  • D90 popup.  A ok. B not ok. / Channel 1-4 ok. / TTL ok / Manual ok.
  • SB-800 on D90.  A,B,C ok. / 1-4 ok / TTL ok / Manual ok.
  • Fuji S5 popup.  A,B ok. / 1-4 ok / TTL ok / Manual ok.
  • D70 popup. A ok / 3 ok / TTL ok / Manual ok.

Wireless Accessories:
SG-3IR: tested ok with Nikon D70, Nikon D90, Fuji S5.
Aokatec AK-TTL wireless radio trigger: see Aokatec review.


OTHER THIRD PARTY WIRELESS TTL ALTERNATIVES
Other flashes you may want to check out:

  • Yongnuo YN-565.  Same wireless capabilities as 560EX but in addition has TTL when mounted on-camera.
  • Oloong SP-660.  Same wireless capabilities as 560EX.
  • Oloong SP-690 II.  Claims to have both master and slave wireless modes.

Nissin and Metz also produce flashes with wireless capabilities, but for me the price difference between their flash and Nikon's flashes is not that significant.

59 comments:

  1. excellent summary of the many confusing yongnuo flashes at the start!

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  2. Will this work when mounted on a Nikon D70s?!
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes but pls note that when it's used on-camera, it's manual only.

      Delete
  3. Couldn't you tape over the contacts to make it TTL on the camera?

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    Replies
    1. Hi. I'm kind of confused by your question. If I were to answer your question literally, then the answer is no. It is true that you can change a TTL flash into a manual flash by taping over some contacts, but the reverse is not true. If a flash's foot doesn't have the necessary TTL pins to begin with, then taping certain contacts will not change that. If you had a different question in mind, I'll try again.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
    2. On camera its only manual, because you can't pop up the build-in flash for wireless mode. Only when NO flash is on the hotshoe you can pop up the build-in flash for wireless mode.

      Delete
  4. Hi, is it possible to use this flash in TTL off-camera mode with the Yongnuo YN-622C Wireless TTL trigger?

    Thanks for the review...

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    Replies
    1. Hi. I don't have the YN-622 but I don't think this will work with the YN-622. For the YN-622 to work, you need to attach it to a flash with TTL contacts (a flash that can work in TTL mode *on-camera*). This flash doesn't have TTL contacts therefore when you put it on a YN-622 receiver, I don't think the YN-622 receiver can send the TTL information to the flash.

      On the other hand if you have a popup commander then you don't need the YN-622 to control this flash remotely.

      The other thing is that I think YN-622c is for Canon - you may want to confirm that you're getting the right trigger for your camera.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
    2. Hi, thanks for your quick response. I think it will be better to buy YN-568EX to trigger in TTL mode.

      Delete
  5. Excellent review! Thorough and detailed, thanks very much! 8-)

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  6. Great review! But I'd like to know how does the power compare to 560 mark ii, I've noticed that you've done a first impression and long term review on the mark I, I'm just curious does the manufacture actually improve the REAL power output over the generations or they are actually the same? It would be great if you can do a test on it :) if 560ex is more powerful than mark I or mark ii, I know which one will be my purchase then :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I don't have access to a YN560 Mk II so I don't know how much power it has. However, if you look at the speedlights.net power index, it seems that the YN-565 and YN-560 (original version) have similar guide numbers so it is possible that Yongnuo flashes of the 5xx series may have the same or very similar guide numbers, but I don't have sufficient data to reach a conclusion at the moment...

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  7. Hi,

    Can my Nikon D5100's built-in/pop-up flash send TTL information to this flash? Or do I need to purchase additional equipments?

    Best regards,

    Ákos from Hungary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Akos. The D5100 doesn't have a popup flash commander so it cannot send TTL information to the 560EX. You could use the popup flash in TTL mode then use the 560EX as a manual slave in S2 mode (it will sync with the popup's TTL flash).

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  8. Hi I am just starting out with a cannon 550d and dont know anything about flash apart the one on the camera my question is in manual mode does the flash follow the camera settings or do i have to st the flash up to match the 560ex ?

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    Replies
    1. Hi! If you are in manual exposure mode and you are using a manual flash (like the 560EX), then changing the aperture or ISO will affect both the flash and ambient, whereas changing the shutter speed will only affect the ambient, not the flash, as long as you're within the sync speed and flash duration speed.

      If you use a TTL flash instead, then you can adjust the ambient exposure and the camera will track your settings automatically and keep the flash exposure more or less constant (you can adjust the flash exposure upward or downward with the flash exposure compensation). For more info, check out the TTL Flash FAQ here: http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2009/08/ttl-flash-faq.html

      If you don't need the flash to track your camera exposure settings, then manual flash is fine.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  9. Hi, i have a canon 550D (eos kiss) DS126271. and a yn560ex yongnuo speedlite flash (ttl)
    I am having trouble setting the flash to go "off" when taking a picture without the camera flash going off as well. ie as a wireless flash.
    How do you know what setting to use? I have tried using the mode selection slave c, and it doesn't "flash". Can you please write answer in simple language as I am not technically minded.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello friend. Thank you for your question.

      Briefly, I understand you want to trigger the 560EX without it being connected to the camera. You can do that if you use the popup flash of the 550D. There are two combinations that can work:
      1. Alternative 1: You turn on the 550D flash and set it to TTL mode (the default). You set the 560EX to S2 mode. When the 550D flash fires, the 560EX will also fire.
      2. Alternative 2: You turn on the 550D flash and set it to manual flash mode. You set the 560EX to S1 mode. When the 550D flash fires, the 560EX will also fire.

      As for the setting to use on the camera and the flash I'll be happy to provide more information if you let me know the situation. Please email me at info AT betterfamilyphotos.com.

      Best regards,
      Mic

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    2. Hi, The 550D has a master/commander mode like Nikon's CLS, so there are other modes to use it, what he is asking is how to send the signal to the off-camera flash to fire without making the camera's pop-up flash firing, the answer is he can't, the camera's flash is sending the signal no matter if its in manual or E-TTL II mode, what he can do is set the mode to not include the camera flash in the exposure, which lowers its output and results in a little catchlight. The pop-up flash being in master mode can transmit E-TTL II so a compatible flash in slave mode like the 560EX needs to be in wireless TTL mode not the S1 and S2 modes which are manual modes. The wireless master mode in the 550D includes "easy wireless" for beginners and advanced wireless, the difference is that in advance you can control groups' power balance

      Delete
    3. Thanks for the clarification! Technically, you're right - the popup flash has to fire in order to send a signal. Fortunately, you can use an IR filter such as the one by Aokatec (a clone of Nikon's SG-3IR) and it will block the visible light from the popup flash. See these posts:
      http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2009/08/flash-eliminates-blinks-sg-3ir-flash.html
      http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2012/09/cheap-wireless-ttl-aokatec-ak-ttl-review.html

      Yes you're right about the 560EX setting - it has to be in Canon wireless slave mode. Thanks again!

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
    4. Apparently the 550D has no built-in commander flash, so S1 and S2 are the only modes that will work.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete

  10. Hello, I want to know what setting to use so the 560ex flash goes off and NOT the pop up flash on the camera. Can this be achieved?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! Two ways to do that are either a TTL cord or if you want wireless then you can use an infrared filter such as the Aokatec. See here: http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2012/09/cheap-wireless-ttl-aokatec-ak-ttl-review.html

      It is similar to the Nikon SG-3IR but it has a cutout for the Canon TTL pins.

      If you are using the Aokatec infrared filter then the popup will still fire but you won't see its light in the shot. On the other hand the 560EX will still see the light from the popup and will be able to fire in sync.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  11. Hi Mic, Is it normal for the 2 red lights on the front of the flash to always be pulsing? Can they be shutoff. I find them very distracting when doing off camera lighting for portraits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! The 2 red lights will pulse whenever the 560EX is in slave mode, to let you know that the flash is ready to fire. There is no menu option to turn it off. However, you can use gaffer's tape or something to cover the red lights. The sensor for the slave is in the black part above it not in the red window, so covering the red window should have no effect on the sensor. Hope this helps!

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  12. Hello! I really enjoyed the information you provided. Very thorough! I'm shooting NIkon, and own a YN-560, and a YN-565. I'm really enjoying using these "off camera". I'm looking for a third flash now. My question is this, (In your opinion of course) Is the price difference in 560EX worth passing on the 565 for my 3rd flash. I would love to have a back-up flash to my 565 that I can use TTL on camera, but the cost savings on the 560EX is pretty big. I'm stumped, and need another users opinion, and logic. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello, thanks for your very very well done review. After reading it I bought two of the YN560EX für using them as dedicated TTL-Slaves with my SU800. I´m very happy with them, altough I didn´t do much work with them.

    Best regards
    Wolfgang

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  14. Thank you for the concise review. I wanted to ask whether or not it is possible to adjust the exposure of the 560ex from a camera that has a ettl menu like the canon 7D. With wireless triggers, like pocketwizards or the YN 622c, can I use that connection to adjust the 560ex wirelessly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! I havent tried the 560ex with pocket wizards or the yn-622c. The 560ex functions only as a Canon ttl slave when operating using the Canon (or nikon) infrared wireless system. I believe the yn622c or pocket wizard flex requires a flash that has ttl capability when attached to the hotshoe therefore they could not wirelessly control the 560ex. However you can use radiopopper px or aokatec ak-ttl because those use the infrared system (and converts it to radio). Hope this helps!

      Delete
  15. Just wanted to say THANK YOU! I searched on Google for 2 days (well, maybe 2 hours total over 2 days) looking for the differences in the YongNuo flashes and specifically which supported Nikon i-TTL. It wasn't until I stumbled onto your site that it was spelled out.

    --------------------------------------------

    YONGNUO'S FLASH LINEUP
    Here's a brief comparison with the other current flashes in Yongnuo's lineup:

    YN-560 - Manual only flash. Simple interface. Compatible with external power pack.
    YN-560II - Manual only flash. LCD interface. Compatible with external power pack.
    YN-465 - TTL flash (Canon or Nikon version available). No optical slave, no zoom.
    YN-467 - TTL flash (Canon or Nikon version available) with built-in optical slave and zoom.
    YN-467II - update of YN-467. Adds metal foot, PC port and improved buttons and battery compartment.
    YN-468 - Similar to YN-467 but adds stroboscopic mode and LCD display.
    YN-468II - update of YN-468. Adds metal foot, PC port and improved buttons and battery compartment.
    YN-460RX and TX - manual flash with Yongnuo's built-in radio-based wireless TTL system.
    YN-560EX (formerly EX600) - When mounted on-camera, it is a manual only flash. However, as a wireless flash it is capable of TTL with either a Canon or Nikon commander.
    YN-565EX - When mounted on-camera, it is a TTL flash (Nikon or Canon but not both). Like the 560EX, it is capable of TTL as a wireless flash with either a Canon or Nikon commander. Compatible with external power pack.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome! Glad to help! Since then, a couple of other models have come out:
      YN-560III - manual only flash. Adds built-in receiver for RF-602 transmitter.
      YN-568EX - similar to 560EX (manual flash with wireless TTL mode) but adds high-speed sync
      YN-500EX - on-camera TTL + wireless TTL + high speed sync.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
    2. I'm pretty sure the 568EX replaces the 565EX as the new top-of-the-line flash for TTL use both on and off camera. It adds high-speed sync, but drops the high-voltage input port.

      Delete
  16. is it compatible with CANON EOS 550D? I'm just wondering why should I use as manual to take a shoot? Is there any solution to make it auto? What I mean is the zoom on speedlite display and camera display is different also for the speed?

    So sorry for the stupid question, im newbie on camera specially on speedlite because this is my first speedlite

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joan. The 560EX can only function as a wireless TTL flash if you have a commander flash on your camera body. The 550D has no built-in commander but you can get an ST-E2 commander or 580EXII commander-capable flash or similar. If you do, then you'll be able to command the 560EX wirelessly, with TTL flash exposure (meaning the flash exposure will adjust automatically based on your aperture and ISO).

      However, the 560EX will not zoom in or out automatically to match your focal length but when using a flash wirelessly arguably you don't really need it to zoom in or out to match the focal length insofar as the flash is at a distance to the subject that is probably not the same as the distance of the camera to the flash.

      Please feel free to email me at info AT betterfamilyphotos.com

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  17. Hello, excellent review mate. Although I cannot find anywhere if it is compatible with film cameras, Canon Eos 3000 for example. I shoot film and digital so I would like it to work on both cameras. I don.t mind if I can only use it in manual mode, it would be enough.
    Thanks and have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi siberian baobab. sorry for the delayed response. I haven't used the 560EX with a film camera but I believe it is possible. I just don't know about the voltage. It is also possible to use it wirelessly using the S2 optical slave mode (if your film camera has a flash). As a side note, the 560EX's wireless Canon slave mode won't work with your film camera (I'm assuming your film camera doesn't have a commander), in which case you could save money by buying the YN-560 instead or another pure-manual flash.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  18. i love your review, will be sure to read your other article.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Great review,
    I am a bit of a newbie to off camera flash, will this work with Nikon d90 using the pop up camera flash as a trigger, if so can I reduce the power of the pop up flash or turn it off.
    Many thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Yes the 560EX can work as a wireless CLS slave for the Nikon D90. To reduce the power of the popup flash you can go to the commander menu in the D90 and set the popup flash exposure to "--" (to minimize the light) or to your desired setting. Even when the popup flash is set to "--" it will still contribute a little light. See here: http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2012/11/why-does-my-popup-commander-contribute.html If you want to eliminate the light from the popup flash completely, you can use an SG-3IR or the Aokatec clone of the SG-3IR.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  20. Thanks for a wonderful review, I just bought one for my Nikon D90 based on your review. I love it, it works just fine in commander mode. I do have one question which I cant find any information on. When in mode for Nikon there is a setting on the display which says GA can you tell me what this is for.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! GA means you are in group A. You can change that to group B or group C to assign the 560EX to a different group by pressing mode and CH simultaneously.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  21. Other than optically is there any other way you can trigger the flash and make use of TTL? I have a Canon 60D, 430EXII and am looking for a second flash just for off camera. I would ideally like ETTL capability. I know I can trigger optically using the built in flash on my 60D, but this is not ideal with line of site or outdoor use. I assume I can use a RF-602 trigger to trigger it in manual slave mode? I know the 568/565 can use 622c's but my budget is very limited.

    My other alternative is to get the 560III and hope in the future there is a trigger system that will allow mt to adjust settings away from the flash.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vicky. There are several options for triggering off-camera flash without using optical means:
      - If you want remote adjustment, the cheapest method is a TTL cord (and a TTL-capable flash).
      - If you don't need remote adjustment, the cheapest method is to use a cheap manual flash and ebay triggers such as the RF-602 or cactus triggers.
      - If you want remote manual adjustment (meaning the slaves are manual but you can adjust their power remotely) then the cheapest option is probably Radiopopper JrX (note: you need TTL-capable flashes, but even old ones will work).
      - If you want remote TTL that is not optical, is wireless and is cheap, there are no cheap options but the cheapest ones are probably the Aokatec AK-TTL (with the 560EX as a slave) or the YN-622 (this will require a compatible flash, which is not cheap).
      - I believe the YN-560III will never develop the built-in capability for remote adjustment regardless of what triggers Yongnuo comes up in the future. I don't think it was designed for that.

      Best regards,
      Mic

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    2. Regarding your last point, Mic, Yongnuo has announced they are developing a new 560TX radio transmitter that will enable remote adjustment of output via the 560III's built-in receiver.

      Delete
  22. Thank you for all your share information I have not been able to get any information on the Yongnuo YN-560EX flashes until I ran across your site.
    I just received my Yongnuo YN-560EX, I was under the impression that this flash had a PC port like on my camera Nikon D300S. It did not come with any type of PC cord or have the capabilities of using an external battery. I was wanting to use this with a quantum radio slave 4i and wanting to know if that would work in TTL off-camera? Also what is the equivalent flash that would allow me to work with an external battery pack? Are any of the Yongnuo flash units compatible with a quantum Turbo battery?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alan.

      PC Port: the 560EX doesn't have one but it has a 2.5mm sync port.
      External battery: the 560EX doesn't have an external battery port. As far as I can tell you can't connect it to a Quantum Turbo. I believe the YN-565EX has an external battery port, but I don't know what external battery packs are compatible with it.
      Quantum radio slave 4i: I'm not familiar with Quantum's radio products. The only way to control the 560EX wirelessly is through Canon or Nikon's wireless infrared system. If the 4i can emulate those then it will be able to control the 560EX wirelessly, but otherwise it won't be able to.

      I hope this helps!

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  23. Thank you Mic for your help very informative, there seems to be some confusion that I'm trying to clarify with this PC port I believe on all the other Yongnuo Speedlight Flash that had the PC port I believe they were all different than this one? Is this the right pc cord or are there other additional information that would be needed to find the right one for this flash?

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-12-inch-2-5mm-Plug-to-Male-Flash-PC-Sync-Cord-Cable-/190509979715?pt=Camera_Cables_Cords&hash=item2c5b479843

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/96923-REG/Quantum_Instruments_505RIA_Radio_Slave_4i_Remote.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alan. In theory, the 2.5mm to pc sync cable should work, but I've never tried it and have no experience with the Quantum Radio Slave 4i.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  24. Mic if I were using the same cord with a pocket Wizard do you know if that would work or if I use the cord plugged into my camera's PC sync port with the flash off the hot shoe?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alan. I've never used a pocket wizard, so I couldn't be sure. However, I do have an Aokatec radio trigger which has a sync port, so I can test with that when I get home.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  25. Mic,

    I have a nikon D7000 and SB910 and am looking to add to add two more flashes. I'm not a pro. How should I make
    Would appreciate if you could please guide me.

    1) Is my understanding correct that if I go with two YN560III , then I will have to run all the three flashes in manual
    mode and trigger them with the RF603 kind of triggers ? Am I right that with this set-up I won't be able to leverage the iTTL
    capability of SB910 , without the help of transceivers ?
    2) With the SB910 + two YN560III , is it possible that the SB 910 be triggered from CLS and the two YN560III
    are triggered by SB910 without any transceiver ? In other words , does CLS and radio triggers work together without the YN622 transceivers ?
    3) If I go with two iTTL enabled YN560EX, I won't need any remote trigger, unless I use the YN560EX in manual mode, Correct ?
    Does YN560EX have an inbuilt receiver like 560III has, so that when I use it in manual mode, I wont need the extra triggers ?

    My question would have revealed that I know little about this subject. Please help me understand that for a three flash setup,
    when I already have a SB91O what is the best way to move forward with minimal investment and yet using the CLS facility of SB910.

    Thanks so much in advance for your guidance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vardhan. How do you do? Don't worry about your knowledge - we all have to start somewhere.

      1. If you use YN560III as slaves then you can only use them in manual mode. They are not TTL capable, regardless of the kind of trigger you use. It might be possible to use the SB910 in TTL -- you'll have to trigger the YN560III optically in S2 mode. The YN560III would be manual but the SB910 would be TTL.

      If you want to trigger the YN560III by radio you'll probably need to use the SB910 in manual mode as well (triggered by a radio receiver that is compatible with the YN560III). If you want to use radio and at the same time use the SB910 in TTL then you'll need a transmitter that has a TTL pass through, then the SB910 will be mounted on the transmitter. The problem is that it can be tricky to find one that actually works as advertised.

      2. You can use the popup flash to control the SB910 remotely via CLS and at the same time you can trigger the YN560III optically. I don't have experience with the 560III but I was able to do this with the YN560, although with limits. If you want to use CLS to control the SB910 and at the same use radio triggers but without YN622 transceivers, then I don't know how the SB910 will trigger the YN560III via radio. Can you clarify?

      3. You can use the popup commander via CLS to control the SB910 and the YN560EX. In that configuration, the SB910 and YN560EX can be used in TTL mode or manual mode, or any combination thereof. If you're using the popup to control via CLS you don't need transceivers, but just FYI it's optical, so it might not be totally reliable e.g. in bright conditions. An alternative is to use the Aokatec AK-TTL which converts the CLS signal to radio. http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2012/09/cheap-wireless-ttl-aokatec-ak-ttl-review.html

      If you have any follow up questions feel free to email me at info AT betterfamilyphotos.com .

      Best regards,
      Mic

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    2. Mic,

      Thank you ! Thank You once more ! Thank you so much !!!!

      Regards
      Vardhan

      Delete
    3. Anytime, buddy!

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete
  26. Just thought I would add to your excellent review and throw in the Debao SU-800 as a commander for controlling the YN-560EX flash. I currently use a Debao SU-800 with a YN-560EX and it works a treat, full TTL and manual control. Here's an example I shot recently.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosscampbell/11471349814/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow I had not heard about that product. Glad it works great for you! Thanks for sharing the info on behalf of other readers looking for an [inexpensive] commander.

      Best regards,
      Mic

      Delete

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