Replacing a Nikon SB-600 with a Yongnuo YN-510EX or YN-565EX

Up until recently I’ve had two Nikon SB-600s in my lighting kit. In my home studio I used them in manual model with dumb radio remote triggers. And in the field I would often use them in TTL with the camera in commander mode.

Recently one of my SB-600s and my triggers were stolen (bastards!) so when I went to look at replacing them I discovered Yongnuo. I usually don’t keep up with camera tech until it’s time to actually buy something so I realize I am behind the learning curve.

Budget is a concern but at the very least I’d like to get my kit back to the capability that is was at before and possibility spending a bit extra if it’s worth the capabilities it adds. I’m also considering adding a 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] flash to my kit.

I’ve looked at the different products and read reviews and come up with a few options for what I need. I’d love to hear people opinions and experiences.

Right now I’m leaning towards just getting a Yongnuo YN-510EX and a set of Rf-603 triggers. Replacing the stolen SB-600 with the 510EX seems to still give me all the options I had before. The 510ex only does TTL off-camera via commander mode, but I figure if I want an on–camera speed light, I’m gunna use my remaining SB-600. Am I missing anything?

Another option is to spend $30 -$40 more for a YN-565EX. This gives me to option to use it on camera if I ever needed to and the options to upgrade to the YN-622N and 622N-TX trigger system if I ever wanted to. I don’t for see this ever being REALLY necessary, but man those things look like they would be fun. Ha ha. Are there any other advantages to the 565EX vs the 510EX that I’m not taking in to account?

As for the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] flash. It would probably a duplicate of which ever flash I decide to go with.



Any thoughts or experiences is greatly appreciated.

That seems an interesting choice.

Compared to the 565, it seems to omit the hot shoe foot (at least for TTL), and the external battery port, and the AF Assist light. The AF assist may be a plus, because the 565 flashes once a second in any slave mode. Turning it off does it on the hot shoe, but not as a slave.

I understand it offers the use of remote TTL with Commander, but if going to instead use Manual flash with the radio trigger, why not the YN560 instead? The 560 III has the 603 receiver built in (no extra batteries to worry with).

Does Manual flash mode work on the hot shoe? It says Multi mode does, but does not specifically say about Manual. You would assume so, but even if so, without the extra hot shoe CLS communication pins, then auto zoom, and reporting Ready to the camera viewfinder, and quench and such cannot work. Quench was for film TTL, and is probably don't care, but I think Nikon does still terminate the flash when the shutter closes. Guessing, but my guess is (except for Commnader), it cannot report presence to the camera either, so maximum shutter sync speed would not be honored (forced). None of which matters off camera.

I can see either the 565 or the 560, but this 510 seems harder to place.

Im a huge supporter of third party products. but after having a few yongnuo flashes, I can say that flashes, I would only buy nikon today. price is higher but their features and quality and build is a different level. I bought a used sb700 and man that little thing is just amazing. between the yongnuo, Id go with the 565. I dont think yongnuo are truthful with their power ratings. I think they are overrated. I will do a test soon with my lightmeter and check outputs compared to my other flashes.

rocketman122 said:

Im a huge supporter of third party products. but after having a few yongnuo flashes, I can say that flashes, I would only buy nikon today. price is higher but their features and quality and build is a different level. I bought a used sb700 and man that little thing is just amazing. between the yongnuo, Id go with the 565. I dont think yongnuo are truthful with their power ratings. I think they are overrated. I will do a test soon with my lightmeter and check outputs compared to my other flashes.

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Unfortunately Nikon speed lights are just not in the budget right now. But thank you very much for your input. I've actually heard good things about the quality of Yongnuo flashes, so it's good to hear a different opinion

yes, yongnuo flashes are good. but nikon flashes are better. from experience with both, its worth to pay an extra $100 and even get a used SB800. thats the only thing from 3rd party grips and lenses that I feel are worth the extra money. but money talks and BS walks. its what you have in the pocket that counts. I bought yongnuo cause my wallet was thin. it didnt serve me well truthfully and after buying the SB700 I realized with flashes they have their target market. I should have saved more and went nikon. yongnuo flashes are worth exactly what you pay. youre not geting an sb700 for $100. or even an SB600. just be aware. some people expect to get a nikon quality speedlight for half price and it simply isnt the case. they can sell cheap but the components inside cant be of high quality for profit reasons.

that being said, it will do everything you as a newbie needs though and thats the bottom line. good luck