Yongnuo YN968EX-RT Flash: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there, photography enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT flash, a popular speedlight known for its features and affordability. If you're looking to upgrade your photography game, understand your existing flash, or just curious about this particular model, you've come to the right place. This guide is designed to be a comprehensive overview, covering everything from the basics to advanced features, helping you make the most of this versatile flash unit. Get ready to illuminate your photography journey! This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT, from its key features and functionalities to its pros and cons. We will also explore how it stacks up against other flashes in the market and offer tips on how to maximize its potential in your photography. Ready to take your photography skills to the next level? Let's get started!

Understanding the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT: Key Features and Specifications

First things first, let's get acquainted with the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT. This flash is packed with features that make it a favorite among photographers of various skill levels. Understanding these features is the foundation for mastering the flash. At its core, the YN968EX-RT is a powerful speedlight designed for use with Canon cameras, offering a high guide number, which means it can deliver a lot of light, essential for overcoming shadows or shooting in low-light conditions. One of the standout features is its built-in radio transmitter, which allows it to act as both a master and a slave flash, communicating wirelessly with other compatible Yongnuo flashes and Canon speedlights. This radio transmission capability is a game-changer, eliminating the need for line-of-sight communication common with optical slaves, and it significantly increases your creative freedom, allowing you to position your flashes anywhere within range. Another advantage of the YN968EX-RT is its LED video light, which provides a continuous light source, making it useful for video recording or for providing fill light when shooting stills. The flash also features a zoom head, allowing you to adjust the light spread from 20mm to 200mm, enabling you to tailor the light to suit your specific shooting needs. Furthermore, the YN968EX-RT supports High-Speed Sync (HSS), enabling you to shoot with fast shutter speeds, which is perfect for freezing action or shooting with wide apertures in bright light. The flash also includes various modes like E-TTL (for Canon), manual mode, and multi-mode for strobe effects. These options provide a wide array of creative possibilities, and all of these features come in a package that is much more affordable than the high-end flashes from Canon or Nikon.

Specifications at a Glance:

• Guide Number: GN60 at 200mm, ISO 100
• Modes: E-TTL / Manual / Multi
• Zoom Range: 20-200mm
• Radio System: 2.4GHz, Master and Slave
• LED Light: Yes
• HSS: Yes
• Recycle Time: Approximately 3 seconds (with fresh batteries)
• Power Source: 4 x AA batteries
• Compatibility: Canon cameras (check compatibility with your specific model)

Getting Started: Setting Up and Using Your YN968EX-RT

So, you’ve got your shiny new Yongnuo YN968EX-RT – awesome! Now, let’s get it up and running. Setting up the flash is pretty straightforward, but knowing the steps is important. First, you'll need to insert four AA batteries into the battery compartment. Be sure to use rechargeable batteries for cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Once the batteries are in place, attach the flash to your camera's hot shoe. Make sure it clicks securely. The flash will power on, and you’ll see the LCD screen light up. The screen displays all the important information you need to know, such as the flash mode, power settings, zoom level, and battery level. Now, let's configure the settings. If you’re using the flash in E-TTL mode (automatic mode), your camera and the flash will communicate to determine the appropriate flash output. You can adjust the flash exposure compensation on your camera if you need to fine-tune the brightness. For manual mode, you'll have complete control over the flash power. You can adjust the power output from full power down to a very low power, giving you precise control over your lighting. When using the flash as a master unit, you can control other compatible flashes wirelessly. If you're using it as a slave unit, it needs to be set to a specific channel and group to communicate with the master unit. Be sure to consult the user manual for detailed instructions on how to navigate the menu and configure the settings. Practice with the flash in different settings. Begin indoors with stationary objects and then move to outdoor situations. Experimenting with different power settings, zoom levels, and flash modes is crucial. Take test shots and analyze your results. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and learn through trial and error. This will help you master the flash and understand how it interacts with the light in various situations.

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Insert batteries.
2. Attach to camera's hot shoe.
3. Power on the flash.
4. Set the flash mode (E-TTL, Manual, Multi).
5. Adjust power settings (if using manual mode).
6. Set up radio transmission settings (if using as a master or slave).

Mastering the Modes: E-TTL, Manual, and Multi-Mode

The Yongnuo YN968EX-RT offers several modes, each designed for different shooting scenarios. Understanding these modes is important for maximizing the flash's potential. E-TTL (Evaluative Through-The-Lens) is the automatic mode. In this mode, the flash and your camera work together to determine the correct flash output for a well-exposed image. E-TTL is convenient because it simplifies the flash photography, but it might not always produce the desired result. You can often adjust the flash exposure compensation to fine-tune the brightness. Manual mode gives you full control. In manual mode, you set the flash power manually. This mode is excellent for controlling the light precisely. You can adjust the flash power in small increments, allowing for accurate light control. This is the mode to use when consistency is important, or when you are using multiple flashes. Multi-mode, also known as strobe mode, allows you to create a multiple-exposure effect in a single shot. In this mode, the flash fires multiple times during a single exposure, useful for capturing motion. However, it requires careful planning and precise power settings to get the desired result. Each mode has its strengths, and the best choice depends on the specific situation. For beginners, E-TTL is a great starting point, while manual mode allows for greater creative control. Multi-mode is for when you want to get creative. Experimenting with each mode will help you learn which one is best for different situations.

Detailed Look at Each Mode:

• E-TTL: Automatic mode; flash output is determined by the camera. Great for beginners.
• Manual: You control the flash power. Provides the most creative control.
• Multi: Strobe mode for multiple flashes in a single exposure; useful for special effects.

Advanced Techniques: Unleashing the Full Potential of Your YN968EX-RT

Once you're comfortable with the basics, it's time to explore some advanced techniques to really make your Yongnuo YN968EX-RT shine. One of the most important concepts is off-camera flash (OCF). Using the flash off-camera allows you to separate the light source from your camera, allowing you to manipulate the light more creatively. This can be achieved by using the built-in radio transmitter to trigger other flashes or by using a dedicated trigger. Experiment with different light positions, angles, and distances to create different effects. Another technique is to use light modifiers. Softboxes, umbrellas, and diffusers will soften the light, reducing harsh shadows. These modifiers can significantly improve the quality of your images. Adding color gels can add color to your shots. Experiment with different colors to create unique and creative effects. If you are shooting outdoors, High-Speed Sync (HSS) will become your best friend. HSS allows you to use fast shutter speeds, even when using flash, allowing you to freeze fast-moving subjects or use wider apertures in bright light. However, be aware that HSS can reduce the flash's power. One more thing to try is the focus assist beam. The YN968EX-RT has a focus assist beam, which helps the camera focus in low light. This is particularly useful when the environment is dark. By utilizing these advanced techniques, you can overcome many lighting challenges and create stunning images. The key is to experiment and practice. Remember that the best way to master these techniques is to practice with them. Taking photos with each technique will enable you to develop skills and become more creative.

Advanced Techniques to Try:

• Off-Camera Flash (OCF)
• Using Light Modifiers (softboxes, umbrellas, diffusers)
• Using Color Gels
• High-Speed Sync (HSS)
• Utilizing the Focus Assist Beam

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the YN968EX-RT

Even the best gear can encounter issues. Here are some common problems you might face with the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT and how to resolve them. One common issue is that the flash doesn't fire. If your flash doesn't fire, first ensure the batteries are fresh and properly inserted. Also, make sure the flash is securely attached to your camera's hot shoe. Check the flash mode to make sure it is not set to off. Next, check your camera's settings to ensure the flash is enabled. If you are using the flash wirelessly, ensure the flash and transmitter are set to the same channel and group. Another issue might be inconsistent flash output. This may occur when you are using old batteries. Also, ensure the flash head is clean and free of any obstructions. If you are using E-TTL mode, consider using flash exposure compensation to adjust the brightness. Lastly, it is important to understand the radio transmission issues. In some cases, the radio transmission might be affected by obstacles or interference. Make sure the flashes are within the recommended range. Try changing the radio channel to avoid interference. If the problem persists, try to troubleshoot each component independently. If you can, test the flash with another camera or trigger to rule out any compatibility issues. Finally, the overheating of the flash might be caused by continuous shooting at full power. Allow the flash to cool down between shots. These troubleshooting tips can help you resolve common issues and keep your flash running smoothly.

Troubleshooting Guide:

• Flash doesn't fire: Check batteries, hot shoe connection, flash mode, and camera settings.
• Inconsistent output: Check batteries, clean the flash head, and use flash exposure compensation.
• Radio transmission issues: Check range, change channels, and ensure no obstructions.
• Overheating: Allow the flash to cool down.

Comparing the YN968EX-RT to Other Flashes

How does the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT stack up against its competitors? Let’s compare it to some popular flash models. When comparing the YN968EX-RT to the Canon Speedlite series, like the 600EX II-RT, the Canon flash generally offers superior build quality and performance, but comes at a significantly higher price. Canon flashes have more advanced features and are better integrated with the Canon ecosystem. However, the YN968EX-RT provides an excellent value, packing a lot of features into a more affordable package. If you’re considering Godox, a brand known for its versatile and feature-rich flashes, the YN968EX-RT and the Godox flashes offer similar capabilities, including built-in radio transmission and HSS. Godox often has more advanced features, such as compatibility with various camera systems. The key difference is the user experience and the level of integration with the camera ecosystem. If you are a Canon user, the YN968EX-RT will integrate seamlessly. For those on a tight budget, the YN968EX-RT is an excellent choice. It provides most of the features of higher-end flashes at a fraction of the price. The main trade-off is often build quality and reliability. However, for most photographers, the YN968EX-RT is a powerful and versatile flash, suitable for a variety of shooting situations. Considering your needs, budget, and brand preference is important when making a decision. The YN968EX-RT is an excellent choice. Always keep in mind the features you need and the value that each flash provides.

Comparison Table:

Conclusion: Is the YN968EX-RT Right for You?

So, is the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT the right flash for you? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a feature-packed, affordable speedlight for your Canon camera, the YN968EX-RT is an excellent choice. It offers the key features that both beginners and experienced photographers need. Its built-in radio transmitter, HSS, and LED video light make it versatile for various shooting scenarios. However, if you're a professional photographer or require the highest build quality and reliability, you might want to consider the higher-end options, such as those from Canon. Also, if you need a flash for multiple camera systems, consider Godox. Ultimately, the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT offers great value. It delivers impressive performance for the price. If you’re just getting started with flash photography or looking for an affordable upgrade, the YN968EX-RT is definitely worth considering. Now that you're armed with the knowledge of how to use this flash, go out there and start shooting. Experiment, practice, and have fun. Happy shooting, and don’t forget to experiment with your new skills. The journey of photography is an ongoing one, with always more to learn and discover, so stay curious, keep practicing, and enjoy the process.