Yongnuo 968EX RT Flash: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of photography and taking a close look at the Yongnuo 968EX RT flash. This is a popular piece of kit for photographers of all levels, and for good reason! It packs a punch with features, offering great value for the price. We'll be covering everything from its core features and performance to some common troubleshooting tips and how to get the most out of this flash unit. Whether you're a beginner just getting started with off-camera flash or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable backup, this guide is for you. So, grab your cameras, and let's get started!

Unveiling the Yongnuo 968EX RT: Key Features and Specifications

Alright, let's kick things off by taking a closer look at what makes the Yongnuo 968EX RT tick. This flash is packed with features that make it a versatile tool for various shooting scenarios. Knowing these specifications will help you understand its capabilities and how it can enhance your photography. The Yongnuo 968EX RT is a speedlight flash, meaning it's designed to be compact, portable, and easily mounted on your camera's hot shoe. It's an excellent choice for photographers who need a portable flash solution for events, portraits, and general photography. One of the standout features of this flash is its Radio Transmission (RT) system. This is where it gets really interesting! The RT system allows the flash to communicate wirelessly with other Yongnuo RT-compatible flashes and triggers, creating a much more sophisticated lighting setup without any wires. You can control multiple flashes from a single master unit, adjusting power settings, zoom levels, and more, all from your camera. This opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to create complex and dynamic lighting setups. The 968EX RT also boasts a high guide number (GN), indicating its power output. A higher guide number means the flash can illuminate subjects further away or when shooting in challenging lighting conditions. This makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor photography. The flash head itself is zoomable, meaning you can adjust the flash coverage to match the focal length of your lens. This helps to ensure that the light is evenly distributed across your scene. It typically covers a zoom range from 20mm to 105mm, but it can go wider with the built-in diffuser. In addition to the features mentioned, the Yongnuo 968EX RT also includes TTL (Through-The-Lens) support. TTL measures the amount of light reflected back from your subject to the camera and automatically adjusts the flash power accordingly. This is a huge time-saver, especially for beginners who are still learning the ropes of flash photography. Other notable features include a fast recycle time, which is how quickly the flash is ready to fire again after a shot. This ensures you won't miss any critical moments, especially during fast-paced events. It has a stroboscopic mode that allows for multiple flashes in a single exposure and a color temperature of 5600K, which is the standard for daylight. The Yongnuo 968EX RT includes a built-in focus assist light to help with focusing in low-light conditions. Overall, the Yongnuo 968EX RT is a feature-packed flash that provides an excellent balance of performance and value. Its versatility, combined with its ease of use, makes it a great choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

Setting Up and Using Your Yongnuo 968EX RT: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you've got your new Yongnuo 968EX RT, and you're ready to start shooting. Awesome! Let's walk through the setup process and learn how to use it effectively. Firstly, you will need to install the flash on the camera. Place the flash on your camera's hot shoe. Make sure it's securely attached. Next, ensure the flash is turned on. Once the flash is on, you will need to set the flash mode. You can select TTL, manual, or multi mode depending on your needs. For TTL mode, the camera will automatically measure the amount of light needed. For manual mode, you'll need to set the power yourself. And for multi mode, you can create a strobe effect. Next, you can set the zoom. This setting matches the zoom of your lens. Most flashes have a zoom range from 20mm to 105mm. The Yongnuo 968EX RT includes a built-in diffuser. The flash has a rotating and tilting head, so you can bounce the light off the ceiling or walls to create soft, flattering light. This is one of the easiest ways to create professional-looking images! If you're using the flash off-camera, you'll need a trigger. The Yongnuo 968EX RT is compatible with the Yongnuo RT system. Once the flash and trigger are set up, you can adjust the flash power remotely. You can also adjust the zoom and other settings. You can test your settings. Once you're happy with your settings, you can start shooting! Now, let's explore the settings and controls you'll find on the flash unit itself. The main controls are typically found on the back of the flash. There will be buttons and a display screen. The display screen will show you the flash settings, such as mode, power, zoom, and channel. You'll find buttons to select the flash mode (TTL, manual, multi), adjust the power output, set the zoom, and choose the channel and group settings for the wireless RT system. The channel and group settings are essential if you're using multiple flashes. They allow you to group your flashes and control them independently. For example, you might set one flash to group A and another to group B. Then, you can adjust the power settings for each group separately. Before you start shooting, it's always a good idea to test your flash settings. Take a few test shots and review them on your camera's LCD screen. Make adjustments as needed until you achieve the desired lighting effect. Experiment with different settings, angles, and modifiers to see what works best for your style. Once you’re comfortable with the settings, you’re ready to take on any type of shoot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Yongnuo 968EX RT

Even the best gear can sometimes run into issues, and the Yongnuo 968EX RT is no exception. Don't worry, most problems are easily resolved. So, what do you do when things go south? Let’s address some of the more common issues. First off, a very common issue is the flash not firing. This can be caused by a number of things. Make sure the flash is turned on, the batteries are charged, and that the flash is securely attached to your camera's hot shoe. Check that the flash mode is set correctly, and that the camera is set to a compatible flash mode. If you’re using an off-camera setup, ensure the flash trigger is properly connected and functioning. Check the batteries in the trigger as well. Another potential problem is inconsistent flash output. This can lead to images that are overexposed or underexposed. Make sure the flash power settings are appropriate for your shooting distance and the ambient light conditions. If you're using TTL mode, consider switching to manual mode for more consistent results. If the flash seems slow to recycle, meaning it takes a long time between shots, make sure you're using fresh, high-quality batteries. Another common issue is that the flash is not communicating wirelessly. If you're using the RT system, double-check that the flash and trigger are on the same channel and group. Also, make sure that there are no obstructions between the flash and the trigger. If you're encountering strange light patterns or banding in your photos, this could be due to a sync speed issue. Check your camera's sync speed settings and ensure they're compatible with your flash. The sync speed is the fastest shutter speed at which your camera can use the flash. You can also try updating the flash firmware. Yongnuo often releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Visit the Yongnuo website to download the latest firmware. If you're having trouble with the flash’s controls or settings, refer to the user manual. The manual contains detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips. The manual is also usually available online. If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and the flash is still not working, it may be time to seek professional repair services.

Maximizing Your Photography with the Yongnuo 968EX RT: Tips and Tricks

Alright, let’s dig into some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Yongnuo 968EX RT and elevate your photography game. The built-in radio transmission (RT) system opens up a world of creative possibilities. First, consider using the flash off-camera. This will allow you to create more dynamic and dramatic lighting setups. You can use a flash trigger to control the flash remotely. A great starting point is to experiment with bounce flash. Bouncing the light off a wall or ceiling will soften the light and create more flattering results. For portrait photography, you can use the flash as a key light, fill light, or even a hair light. Experiment with different light modifiers. Softboxes, umbrellas, and diffusers can help soften the light and create a more professional look. When shooting outdoors, consider using your flash to fill in shadows and balance the exposure. You can also use it to freeze motion and create stunning images. For event photography, the Yongnuo 968EX RT is a great tool for capturing those fast-paced moments. The fast recycle time and TTL support will make it easier to get the shots you want. Be creative with your light placement. Try positioning the flash at different angles to create different effects. For example, placing the flash to the side of your subject can create dramatic shadows and add depth to your images. Don't be afraid to experiment! Flash photography is all about experimenting and finding what works best for your style. Finally, keep practicing! The more you use your Yongnuo 968EX RT, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. And don't forget to have fun! By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to taking stunning photos with the Yongnuo 968EX RT flash.

Conclusion: Is the Yongnuo 968EX RT Right for You?

So, after exploring all the features, setup tips, and troubleshooting advice, is the Yongnuo 968EX RT the right flash for you? The answer largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a versatile, feature-rich flash that offers excellent value for the price, then the Yongnuo 968EX RT is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. With its TTL support, radio transmission system, and high guide number, it offers a wide range of capabilities. However, if you're looking for a flash with a more advanced feature set, or if you need a flash with a very high guide number, you might want to consider other options. The Yongnuo 968EX RT is an excellent choice for photographers looking to step up their game. It offers a great balance of features, performance, and value. With a bit of practice and experimentation, you can create stunning images with this versatile flash unit. Overall, the Yongnuo 968EX RT is a solid investment for any photographer looking to improve their lighting skills and expand their creative possibilities. So go out there, experiment, and have fun capturing those moments!