Yongnuo advice

jen_storm

Senior Member
Hi

i am after a reasonable priced flash and wireless trigger to go with it.

My my friend has recommended I get the

yonguo yn-560 III and the yonguo CTR-301p

what are your opinions?

I'm wondering wether I should get the Yongnuo YN565EX instead and would the wireless trigger my friend recommended go with it or should I stick with the two he has recommended?

thanks
 

PapaST

Senior Member
Do you have a budget in mind for triggers and speedlights? How much do you foresee yourself growing with these? I ask these two questions because IMO Yongnuo equipment is relatively inexpensive. So moving up doesn't really break the bank and can give you more versatily with different modes, different channels, different sync speeds, possibly more power etc. If you will shoot in manual only then I'm thinking the 560 is your cheapest option.

I use a couple of 565 and I have one 568 with YN622 triggers. I've been pleased with their performance. All the different modes were pretty simple to learn. I typically just shoot in manual.
 

rocketman122

Senior Member
most newbies are very scared of flash and say "oh I hate flashed pictures" or "im a natural light photographer". so to that I say, no you arent. its just that u suck at using flash. plain and simple. there is no pro on earth who doesnt know how to use a flash well. if he uses, and how is a different story. so I encourage you to put a lot of effort in understanding flash. once you do, then youll understand light, and understanding light is what photography is (mostly) about. composition and an artistic eye also helps. only when youll know and understand light and how to interpret that in your images will your images take the next step. till then, most are only stuck at the same level of no flash. and you can shoot images that are flashed and dont look flashed if you know how to blend light. ambient and synthetic.

dont want to blow your head with TMI, but, The 560III is a manual only flash. it will work on the camera but you adjust how much light, each and every image. there is no "auto" ttl feature built in. mostly they are used as a off camera flash. I used 3 in weddings set on light stands. I use them for the dance floor, the ceremony, and family formals I use with umbrellas. very fast and very powerful. the 560III also has a radio transmitter slave built in. its compatible with the 602 603 or the new 605

dont know that specific model CTR-301p he mentioned. I use the 622n slaves. I wont recommend a slave till I know what you want it for.what you plan on shooting and what environment.

the 565 is a good flash. doesnt seem to behave well with the 622n as in recent weddings it wouldnt fire at times and have spoken to veteran pros who confirmed it. the 568 (flagship) had a huge price drop after SHANNY (newcomer) came into the scene with what looks to be KILLER flashes.
SHANNY – Flash & Trigger Models | FLASH HAVOC

for nikon we have the SN600SN and SN600N.

for you, a decent TTL flash is what youll want.

I buy from asian sellers on ebay because I get backed by paypal, but be aware shipping from asia can take between 3-6 weeks.
 

jen_storm

Senior Member
Hi sorry my reply didn't send earlier.

I am a complete novice so I have the standard D5100 with an additional lens and I am looking for an additional flash and trigger. I plan to learn how to use it all as part of a new years resolution.

My budget is around £100 mark really at this time.

I am looking for something that will be easy to use.

My goal is to hopefully take portrait photos or get into baby photography.

Thank you for advice given x
 

Theraphosa

Senior Member
From the point of view or sheer reliability, I think you'll be satisfied with the performance of the Yongnuos. I have three for my macrophotography. However, I usually use slave mode to trigger the flashes which are not on a hotshoe. I rarely use the wireless unless it's a big outing with lots of people firing off flashes.
For the money, I think you'll find that they are at a good price point for a beginning photographer. At least, they were for me. If your business prospers, you may find that you want the TTL mode of the more expensive flashes.
 

Denero

New member
@rocketman122 Please i need help setting up a D3200 and Yongnuo Speedlite YN560-III. The flash wouldn't flash at all however it makes the sort of hissing sound when i click but no light flash. Please help.
 

Theraphosa

Senior Member
@rocketman122 Please i need help setting up a D3200 and Yongnuo Speedlite YN560-III. The flash wouldn't flash at all however it makes the sort of hissing sound when i click but no light flash. Please help.
I'd first replace the batteries, just to rule out the obvious. Then take it off the hotshoe, clean all the contacts (on both the camera and the flash) and then replace the flash.
If those don't work, could you let us know more about the settings of the camera and the situation you are shooting in?
 

mrpbnm

Senior Member
@rocketman

Do you do weddings: dance floor and family formals with TTL or Manual flash? I just booked my first wedding. It's in June. I'm thinking that I want to be able to control 2 or 3 speed lights from on top of my camera vs. walking to the manual flashes I have now. Would you recommend going TTL or sticking with manual. Either way, I have to buy flashes and triggers that will allow remote control.

Thanks,
Phil
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
If a good set of triggers can change the power on manuals, then that could be another route + solid wireless solution as well. TTL tends to be reliable until that one piss-poor environment where its all manual or bust unless you have sb-910s.
 

mrpbnm

Senior Member
If a good set of triggers can change the power on manuals, then that could be another route + solid wireless solution as well. TTL tends to be reliable until that one piss-poor environment where its all manual or bust unless you have sb-910s.

I have YN 560 and YN 560 II and Vivitar 383. I don't think there are any triggers that can change power on them. I believe I can use them for lighting background but need new speed lights for remote power control.

Please explain the sb-910 part.
 
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SkvLTD

Senior Member
I have YN 560 and YN 560 II and Vivitar 383. I don't think there are any triggers that can change power on them. I believe I can use them for lighting background but need new speed lights for remote power control.

Please explain the sb-910 part.

Have you shot flash in a demanding, fast-paced environment?

I shot an art/fashion show on Saturday and the venue had very poor light reflectance. Moreso than that, my new YN568EX just couldn't keep up with the recycle rate nor getting the power right via TTL. Model walks almost to her posing spot, turns one way, turns around, walks away. This was 1-2 second shots apart. SB-910 took care of both flawlessly.

Top of the line flash that was built to perform no matter what. Off-brands can come at a lower price per almost the pallet of features, but not with the same exact level of performance. If you'll be doing a wedding dancefloor, I'd invest money into proper lighting equipment that will help you rather than weigh you down or do nothing at all.
 

mrpbnm

Senior Member
Have you shot flash in a demanding, fast-paced environment?

I shot an art/fashion show on Saturday and the venue had very poor light reflectance. Moreso than that, my new YN568EX just couldn't keep up with the recycle rate nor getting the power right via TTL. Model walks almost to her posing spot, turns one way, turns around, walks away. This was 1-2 second shots apart. SB-910 took care of both flawlessly.

Top of the line flash that was built to perform no matter what. Off-brands can come at a lower price per almost the pallet of features, but not with the same exact level of performance. If you'll be doing a wedding dancefloor, I'd invest money into proper lighting equipment that will help you rather than weigh you down or do nothing at all.

No, I've never shot flash in a demanding, fast paced environment. I do internal communications for a large corporation for my day job. I sometimes use sb-910 and/or sb-700 for fairly slow paced coverage of corporate events and the occasional head shot, in studio with strobes. I'm trying to build a photography business on the side and have a lot to learn. A couple of sb-10's and battery packs plus the Phottix Odin trigger set will be roughly $1600.00. If that is truly what I need, I'll buy it today...I just don't want to waste money on capability I may not need.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
I want to be able to control 2 or 3 speed lights from on top of my camera vs. walking to the manual flashes I have now. Would you recommend going TTL or sticking with manual. Either way, I have to buy flashes and triggers that will allow remote control.

Thanks,
Phil


I have 2 YN560 III's and one YN560-TX that controls each flash independently from the camera. I don't think the YN560-TX will control your YN560 or YN560 II.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
No, I've never shot flash in a demanding, fast paced environment. I do internal communications for a large corporation for my day job. I sometimes use sb-910 and/or sb-700 for fairly slow paced coverage of corporate events and the occasional head shot, in studio with strobes. I'm trying to build a photography business on the side and have a lot to learn. A couple of sb-10's and battery packs plus the Phottix Odin trigger set will be roughly $1600.00. If that is truly what I need, I'll buy it today...I just don't want to waste money on capability I may not need.

Then best I can conclude is - rent a couple of '10s and if you can a good trigger set for a day before/day of the wedding and set everything up in tandem on separate triggers. Try yours first and if they start lagging, swap commander triggers on your cam and let the '10s do their magic.

If you'll be able to save $1600, awesome! If not, I'm sure the 2-4k weddings are worth at least 1600 of an investment.
 

mrpbnm

Senior Member
Then best I can conclude is - rent a couple of '10s and if you can a good trigger set for a day before/day of the wedding and set everything up in tandem on separate triggers. Try yours first and if they start lagging, swap commander triggers on your cam and let the '10s do their magic.

If you'll be able to save $1600, awesome! If not, I'm sure the 2-4k weddings are worth at least 1600 of an investment.

Thanks skvLTD. I don't own anything that I can test against the sb-910s. So no need to rent them. The wedding isn't until June. So no rush to buy anything. Unless someone chimes in with a reason not to buy them in the next week or so, I'll just get the sh-910s and be done. I can't say that they seem all that magical at work. But I never pushed them hard either...
 
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SkvLTD

Senior Member
Thanks skvLTD. I don't own anything that I can test against the sb-910s. So no need to rent them. The wedding isn't until June. So no rush to buy anything. Unless someone chimes in with a reason not to buy them in the next week or so, I'll just get the sh-910s and be done. I can't say that they seem all that magical at work. But I never pushed them hard either...

I only say this because better safe than sorry. Maybe 800s can do the trick as well, but if you're using a 60$ flash to back up 3-4k of camera it just doesn't make too much sense.
 

rocketman122

Senior Member
Thanks skvLTD. I don't own anything that I can test against the sb-910s. So no need to rent them. The wedding isn't until June. So no rush to buy anything. Unless someone chimes in with a reason not to buy them in the next week or so, I'll just get the sh-910s and be done. I can't say that they seem all that magical at work. But I never pushed them hard either...

will reply to you soon. yes, I shoot weddings. btw, next time when you write @rocketman122 to mention someone write his whole name. I came here by accident. had I seen the mention before I would have jumped in earlier. Ill reply soon. have to go do errands. cheers.

just a little before.
1-you dont need any gear that will do remote power adjustments because no situation will need it. weddings have times and everything is according to a schedule. you will have time to adjust everything before hand. ceremony, dancing, whatever.
no photographer who shoots weddings (I know or worked with) has gear to adjust power from the camera. I own tons of flashes and 6-622n slaves. it does allow remote power adjustment but I never had a situation that needed it. screw ttl for off camera flash(OCF) it sucks azz and isnt accurate. manual power all the way. consistent and it works. yongnuo flashes are EXTREMELy reliable. they sell like crazy for a reason.

Ill write later.
 
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