Yongnuo YN968EX-RT Flash: A Comprehensive Guide

by Admin 48 views
Yongnuo YN968EX-RT Flash: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey photography enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of speedlights, specifically the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT flash. This little powerhouse is a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers, and for good reason! It packs a punch with features, offering a lot of bang for your buck. Whether you're shooting portraits, events, or anything in between, understanding the capabilities of the YN968EX-RT can seriously elevate your photography game. Let's break down everything you need to know about this fantastic flash.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Right out of the box, the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT gives off a good first impression. It feels well-built, with a solid construction that inspires confidence. You get the flash unit itself, a protective pouch, a mini-stand (super handy!), and a basic user manual. The flash head swivels and tilts, giving you plenty of flexibility to bounce the light and create soft, flattering illumination. The LCD screen is clear and easy to read, making it simple to adjust your settings, even in challenging lighting conditions. The buttons are logically laid out, so you won't have to spend hours fumbling around to change a setting. The inclusion of a built-in radio receiver is a massive advantage, allowing you to use it as a master or slave flash with other compatible Yongnuo speedlights or triggers. This is a game-changer for those who want to create more complex lighting setups. The YN968EX-RT boasts a guide number of 60 meters at ISO 100 and 200mm, which means it has plenty of power for most shooting situations. This is important to note, the higher the guide number, the more powerful the flash is! Overall, the first impression is positive – it feels like a professional-grade tool at a budget-friendly price point. The build quality, ease of use, and feature set make it an attractive option for photographers looking to expand their lighting capabilities without breaking the bank. The inclusion of a mini-stand is also a great addition, as it allows you to easily position the flash off-camera for more creative lighting effects.

Key Features and Specifications

Okay, guys, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT tick. Here are some of the key features and specs that you should know about: First up, the YN968EX-RT features a built-in radio receiver and transmitter compatible with Canon's RT (Radio Transmission) system. This means you can use it as a master flash to control other compatible speedlights remotely, or use it as a slave flash triggered by a Canon RT transmitter. This is super convenient and allows for wireless flash photography without any extra accessories. The flash offers a high-speed sync (HSS) mode, allowing you to use faster shutter speeds than your camera's normal sync speed. This is crucial for shooting in bright sunlight or for freezing motion. The YN968EX-RT has a zoom head that covers a focal length range of 20-200mm, which can be extended to 14mm with the built-in diffuser. This gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of light coverage, whether you're shooting wide-angle or telephoto shots. It supports both E-TTL (for Canon) and i-TTL (for Nikon) automatic flash metering, allowing the flash to automatically adjust its power output based on the camera's settings. Manual mode is also available, giving you complete control over the flash power from 1/1 to 1/128 in 1/3-stop increments. The flash recycles quickly, taking approximately 3 seconds to recycle at full power. It runs on four AA batteries, which are readily available and relatively affordable. Additionally, the flash has a color temperature of 5600K, which is the standard for daylight. It also includes features like a PC sync port for connecting to other triggers or studio strobes, a custom function setting to personalize the flash's behavior, and an overheating protection feature to prevent damage from excessive use. The YN968EX-RT is also known for its energy efficiency, which means you'll get more shots out of a set of batteries compared to some other speedlights. Overall, the feature set is impressive for its price point, offering professional-grade functionality in a compact and user-friendly package.

Setting Up and Using the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT

Alright, let's get down to the practical stuff: how to actually set up and use this flash. First, you'll need to install four AA batteries. Make sure you use fresh batteries for optimal performance. Once the batteries are in, turn on the flash. You'll then be greeted by the LCD screen, which displays all the relevant information. Now, if you are using it on the camera, mount the flash on the hot shoe of your camera and make sure it is locked into place. You can then start shooting in TTL mode. In TTL (Through The Lens) mode, the flash automatically adjusts its power output based on your camera's metering. This is great for quick and easy shooting, especially in changing lighting conditions. If you want more control, switch to manual mode. Here, you can manually set the flash power from 1/1 to 1/128, allowing for precise control over your lighting. When using the YN968EX-RT off-camera, you have several options. If you want to use the radio transmission feature, you need to set up the master and slave flashes. Set the flash to the desired channel, and then set the master flash to control the slave flash. This enables wireless triggering. You can then mount the flash on a light stand using the mini-stand or a bracket. Using the included mini-stand is super useful, especially for beginners. The YN968EX-RT supports High-Speed Sync (HSS). To use HSS, make sure your camera is set to HSS mode. Then, you can use shutter speeds faster than your camera's sync speed. However, keep in mind that HSS can reduce the flash's power output. Another important aspect of the setup is the zoom head. You can adjust the zoom head to match the focal length of your lens. This helps to ensure that the light is properly distributed across the frame. When using the flash, remember to experiment with different angles and modifiers. Bouncing the light off walls or ceilings can create softer, more flattering light. You can also use softboxes, umbrellas, and other modifiers to further shape the light. Finally, always read the user manual! It's full of helpful information and tips specific to the YN968EX-RT. Understanding the settings and modes will help you to get the most out of your flash.

Performance and Image Quality

So, does the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT deliver in terms of performance and image quality? The answer is a resounding yes! The flash provides consistent and reliable light output, especially in TTL mode. The light is well-balanced, and the flash does a great job of metering the scene and adjusting its power accordingly. The color accuracy of the flash is also impressive, producing natural-looking skin tones and accurate colors. In manual mode, you have even more control over the light output, allowing you to fine-tune your lighting setup to match your creative vision. The flash recycles quickly, so you won't miss any shots due to slow recycle times. The YN968EX-RT is capable of handling rapid-fire shooting, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced events or action shots. The high-speed sync mode works well, allowing you to freeze motion and shoot at fast shutter speeds. While the light quality of a speedlight will never be the same as a studio strobe, the YN968EX-RT does a fantastic job of replicating that look by being able to use light modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas and more. The flash is a great option for portrait photography, event photography, and any situation where you need to add some extra light to your scene. Overall, the YN968EX-RT delivers excellent performance and image quality, making it a valuable tool for any photographer. It provides consistent and reliable light output, accurate color reproduction, and a wide range of features that make it easy to use and adaptable to different shooting scenarios.

Pros and Cons

Like any piece of equipment, the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right flash for you:

Pros:

  • Affordable: One of the most significant advantages of the YN968EX-RT is its affordability. It offers a lot of features for its price, making it accessible to a wide range of photographers. This is great for beginners looking to experiment with off-camera flash without making a huge investment.
  • Built-in Radio Receiver/Transmitter: The built-in radio receiver and transmitter are a major convenience. You can use it as a master or slave flash, eliminating the need for external triggers. This streamlines your workflow and makes it easier to set up complex lighting setups.
  • High-Speed Sync (HSS): HSS allows you to use fast shutter speeds, which is essential for shooting in bright sunlight or for freezing motion. This expands your creative possibilities and allows you to capture a wider range of shots.
  • TTL and Manual Modes: The flash supports both TTL and manual modes, giving you flexibility and control. TTL mode is great for quick and easy shooting, while manual mode allows for precise control over the light output.
  • Zoom Head: The zoom head allows you to adjust the light coverage to match the focal length of your lens. This ensures that the light is properly distributed across the frame.
  • Clear LCD Screen: The LCD screen is easy to read, making it simple to adjust your settings, even in challenging lighting conditions. The screen displays all the relevant information, so you can quickly see the flash's current settings.
  • Fast Recycle Time: The flash recycles quickly, so you won't miss any shots due to slow recycle times. This is especially important for shooting events or capturing fast-paced action.
  • Well-Built: The YN968EX-RT feels solid and durable, inspiring confidence in its build quality. It can withstand the rigors of regular use.

Cons:

  • Build Quality: While the flash feels well-built, it may not be as durable as some of the more expensive professional speedlights. However, for the price, the build quality is more than adequate.
  • User Manual: The user manual can be a bit confusing, especially for beginners. However, there are plenty of online resources and tutorials that can help you learn how to use the flash.
  • Battery Life: The battery life of the flash can vary depending on the usage. Make sure to bring extra batteries when shooting to avoid running out of power. Using rechargeable batteries is always a good idea!
  • No Modeling Light: This is not a deal-breaker, but it would be a nice addition for more accurate light control.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT

Alright, here are some helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your Yongnuo YN968EX-RT: Start by experimenting with different lighting setups. Try bouncing the light off walls or ceilings to create soft, flattering light. Use light modifiers such as softboxes, umbrellas, or diffusers to soften the light and control the shadows. Experiment with the flash in both TTL and manual modes to understand how they work and how they affect the final image. Make sure to adjust the zoom head to match the focal length of your lens for optimal light coverage. When shooting in TTL mode, be aware of the flash's power limitations. If you're shooting in bright sunlight, you may need to increase the flash's power compensation. In manual mode, start with a low power setting and increase it gradually until you achieve the desired exposure. Use a flash meter to measure the light output and ensure accurate exposures. Practice is key! The more you use the flash, the better you'll become at understanding its capabilities and limitations. Use high-quality AA batteries. Invest in rechargeable batteries to save money and reduce waste. Keep an extra set of batteries in your bag, so you never run out of power. Explore online resources, such as YouTube tutorials and photography forums, to learn more tips and tricks. By understanding these settings and modes you will be able to maximize its potential!

Conclusion: Is the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT Right for You?

So, is the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT the right flash for you? If you're looking for a feature-packed, affordable speedlight with great performance and ease of use, then absolutely, YES! It's a fantastic option for both beginner and experienced photographers. It’s perfect for those who are: On a budget but want professional-level features; Need a flash with built-in radio triggering; Want the flexibility of TTL and manual modes; Interested in off-camera flash photography. However, if you're a professional photographer who needs the absolute best build quality and performance, you might consider spending more on a high-end speedlight. But for most photographers, the YN968EX-RT offers an exceptional value. It's a versatile, reliable, and powerful flash that will help you take your photography to the next level. So go out there, experiment, and have fun! Happy shooting, everyone!