Integration of Nikon and Yongnuo flashes

[Robocheme]

I have a two flash system and I'd like to add another just for flexibility.

I have a D5100 camera and I use a SB700 as a flash commander connected to the camera via a SC-28 cord. The other flash is a SB600, which I've managed to fire wirelessly by the SB700.

I'd like to add a third flash, but I don't feel like spending $330 for another SB700 so I was looking at the Yongnuo 560 and 565 models.

My questions are:

1. How could I fire those flashes wirelessly with the equipment I have?
2. Would there be any point in buying the 565 with its TTL capability over the non-TTL 560?
3. If these Yongnuo flashes aren't compatible, are there other alternatives (like cheaper Nikon flashes) that would work?

Thanks for your help,

Cliff

 

[WayneF]

I have a two flash system and I'd like to add another just for flexibility.

I have a D5100 camera and I use a SB700 as a flash commander connected to the camera via a SC-28 cord. The other flash is a SB600, which I've managed to fire wirelessly by the SB700.

I'd like to add a third flash, but I don't feel like spending $330 for another SB700 so I was looking at the Yongnuo 560 and 565 models.

My questions are:

1. Would there be any point in buying the 565 with its TTL capability over the non-TTL 560?
2. How could I fire those flashes wirelessly with the equipment I have?
3. If these Yongnuo flashes aren't compatible, are there other alternatives (like cheaper Nikon flashes) that would work?

Thanks for your help,

Cliff

The YN560 is NOT TTL, and is also NOT compatible with the Nikon Commander. It is a manual flash. Cannot use the Commander with it, in any mode. You could use it in a manual flash system, with all flashes set to manual mode, and no Commander.

The Yongnuo YN565EX (price varies substantially, about $108 to $160) is TTL, and it includes the same remote wireless mode (for use with Nikon Commander) as the SB-700 and SB-600 have. See Review of the Yongnuo YN565EX Speedlight

So if using a Commander, yes, any of these three flashes (SB-600, SB-700, YN565EX) can be set to be Group A, B, or C for use with Nikon Commander. But not the 560.

However, the SB-700 commander can only individually control two remote groups A and B (which on SB-700 commander, must be same mode). You can put two flashes into the same group (like A), but then you cannot control them individually... they both get the same signals.

Normally for two remote TTL flashes with Commander, we put each into a different group (one A, and one B), so the camera can meter and control them individually. Commander will then set them equal at the subject, and we use the compensation to adjust ratio, etc.

BUT ---- if the SB-700 is the Commander connected to the camera, its own flash is another group (built-in flash), leaving groups A and B available for two remote flashes. Since all SB-700 groups have to have the same mode (and I don't have one to be certain), when using two remote flashes, I don't know if it is possible to disable the built-in group like on other commanders?

For manual flash use, the Yongnuo flashes have a S1 slave mode for MANUAL flash, like the SB-700 SU-4 mode.
So manual flash would be no issue, but we really need a flash meter to set multiple manual flashes.

 

[Robocheme]

Thank you for the informative reply. Based on another thread, I was under the impression that the Nikon system communicates using IR, while the Yongnuo uses radio frequency.

From the article it appears that the Yongnuo can understand the signal that a Nikon Commander sends out.

Thanks again,

 

[WayneF]

There are a few types of wireless triggers.... optical slaves, radio triggers, and Nikon Commander - all incompatible with each other.

The Yongnuo YN-560 III (only the III) has radio trigger receiver built in, for manual flash with their own radio transmitter.

It also has an optical slave trigger in it, for manual flash, triggered by any manual flash (but NOT the Commander).

Neither of these modes are compatible with the Nikon Commander. The YN-560 (any version) cannot do TTL or Nikon Commander.


The Yongnuo YN-565EX (another low priced flash) has TTL, and it is compatible with a Nikon Commander. It also has an optical slave in it for manual flash. If you are seeking Commander TTL, this is a low priced candidate.


Descriptions of the Yongnuo features are here:
1.Flash-YONGNUO, photographic equipment, camera accessories, flash light, camera remote control, speedlite, photo equipment, LED photo light, flash trigger, camera wireless remote control, TTL cord

 

[Robocheme]

Thanks, again.

It's strange, but the Canon version of the 565 is ~115$ on Amazon, while the Nikon version is $160. On Ebay, both are about $115.

From that article, it sounds like there's only one model and that you can switch it between n and c.

 

[WayneF]

Thanks, again.

It's strange, but the Canon version of the 565 is ~115$ on Amazon, while the Nikon version is $160. On Ebay, both are about $115.

From that article, it sounds like there's only one model and that you can switch it between n and c.

No, there definitely are two versions, for Nikon or Canon. The hot shoe pins are different, and any TTL flash will absolutely require the right version.

But.... on either Yongnuo version, the sensor menu for the remote wireless can be either Nikon or Canon, or even both.

Said again, it can work as remote wireless either way, but on the hot shoe, it must be the correct version. The manual is on line.


I paid $107 at Amazon in January for the YN565EX (Nikon), from a vendor named xcsource, shipped by Amazon (free via Prime). I don't understand why, but that price was varying a few times a day, from $102 to around $114. Now the vendor has changed, with vendor shipping, and a higher price, and the price is still varying some at times. Also, if you click the "8 New" link there, you see other vendors and prices. Yongnuo has no presence in the US.

The lower price is available on Ebay (shipped from China, probably takes a couple of weeks).

 

[Robocheme]

I see. Thanks

 

[SamRothstein]

I just bought the 565EX for Nikon from Amazon for $110, fulfilled/shipped by amazon. It's now $121 shipped from China. Wonder why the price jumped, and amazon isn't stocking it.

Anyway, I've not used the unit as a slave, but have used it on camera and off with a knock-off SC-28 cord on my D5100 and haven't had any issues.

 

[jodhrv]

I took this with my Nikon D3000 set in TTL using one Younguno 560 and two 560II and a radio trigger one flash is Manual and two set in slave