Been looking for an external flash since I sold the Sunpak PZ42X quite some time ago. Considering my extremely low budget, the Canon 580EX II, 430 EX II are definitely out of the question for consideration. Even a Nissin and Sunpak are considered expensive for my liking. Roughly a year ago (can't be entirely sure), a Chinese company came out with the Yong Nuo 560 which met my extremely low budget condition. Granted the flash isn't TTL capable which explains it's low low price. I saved about 5 months for this baby (yes, like I said extremely low budget and I didn't really like buying things with installment). If you can't afford something now, always always saved up for it. Interested with how the duct tape is created ? follow the tutorial here.
The box does a good job of providing the product description. If you want to know the full specs of this thing, just google it. Lazy to repeat it here. One thing to take note of, the GN 56 rating is only true if you zoom out the flash at it's maximum. Under wide angle, it doesn't hit GN 56 more like GN 38 ? maybe. No light meter to test it out though. I read about it somewhere in flickr some weeks ago.
Depending on seller, some might include a diffuser. Standard item in the box include the flash itself, a bag, user manual, warranty card and a flash stand (good job on that one). Batteries are not included. It is recommend to use a nimh rechargeable battery for a longer and faster recycling period.
If your looking for a diffuser, a compatible sized would be the 580 EX type.
No fancy LCD reading at the back. But a plethora of buttons is great. The dedicated zoom button is very handy.
The head itself can be tilt and swivel too. To what extend ? I'm not sure. Just don't put too much excessive force on it.
The build quality is good. Not great but good. Price ratio is excellent.
Quiet zoom head, I like.
The built in optical trigger is good, no infra red focus assist though. At this kind of price, can't complaint much already.
The wide angle flip down diffuser and bounce card is extremely difficult to get out for a non finger nail people like me. Must keep a toothpick in the camera bag handy.
Manual mode. For on camera use and also for off camera use. To trigger using a radio trigger, we must set it to manual mode. The recycling is quite fast and you can shoot 8 fps at a 1/8 power. The recycling sound is very handy (can be turned off if you find it annoying) especially when you put the flash off camera.
S1 mode for off camera use. It will fire when your commander flash fires. Assume pre-flash as an indicator to fire also.
S2 mode basically same like S1 expect it ignores pre-flash from your commander flash. I use this a lot.
For some reason, the test flash button is a bit difficult to press.
A pc sync cord and an external flash connector for battery pack. Compatible with YN own battery pack and also 580EX (i think).
All newer version of the YN560 comes with a metal mount.
Below are some sample on how the flash perform without the aid of TTL.
First time fire, underexposed obviously. Time to fiddle the camera setting more. When using a manual flash, your camera must always be in manual mode.
Over exposed, need to lower the ISO or increase the aperture.
Learn how to control the light, then the understanding of photography become apparently easy.
Not a lot is put into the testing of this flash. I'm just testing it based on my own usage only. :) Will report back when I got time to use it more often.
The free stand is very welcome inclusion. The Sunpak I bought previously didn't have that. A bit shame as that TTL flash is quite easy to use.
If your looking for a diffuser, a compatible sized would be the 580 EX type.
No fancy LCD reading at the back. But a plethora of buttons is great. The dedicated zoom button is very handy.
The head itself can be tilt and swivel too. To what extend ? I'm not sure. Just don't put too much excessive force on it.
The build quality is good. Not great but good. Price ratio is excellent.
Quiet zoom head, I like.
The built in optical trigger is good, no infra red focus assist though. At this kind of price, can't complaint much already.
The wide angle flip down diffuser and bounce card is extremely difficult to get out for a non finger nail people like me. Must keep a toothpick in the camera bag handy.
Manual mode. For on camera use and also for off camera use. To trigger using a radio trigger, we must set it to manual mode. The recycling is quite fast and you can shoot 8 fps at a 1/8 power. The recycling sound is very handy (can be turned off if you find it annoying) especially when you put the flash off camera.
S1 mode for off camera use. It will fire when your commander flash fires. Assume pre-flash as an indicator to fire also.
S2 mode basically same like S1 expect it ignores pre-flash from your commander flash. I use this a lot.
For some reason, the test flash button is a bit difficult to press.
A pc sync cord and an external flash connector for battery pack. Compatible with YN own battery pack and also 580EX (i think).
All newer version of the YN560 comes with a metal mount.
Below are some sample on how the flash perform without the aid of TTL.
First time fire, underexposed obviously. Time to fiddle the camera setting more. When using a manual flash, your camera must always be in manual mode.
Over exposed, need to lower the ISO or increase the aperture.
Learn how to control the light, then the understanding of photography become apparently easy.
Not a lot is put into the testing of this flash. I'm just testing it based on my own usage only. :) Will report back when I got time to use it more often.
