Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT: Review, Features, And How-to Guide

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT, a flash that’s been making waves in the photography world. If you’re looking for a powerful, feature-packed speedlight that won’t break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. We'll explore everything from its impressive specifications to real-world performance, and even give you a step-by-step guide on how to get the most out of it. So, let’s jump right in and see what makes the YN-968EX-RT such a compelling option for photographers of all levels.

What is Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT?

The Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT is a high-performance speedlight designed for both Canon and Nikon cameras. It’s packed with features that rival top-tier flashes from the big brands, but at a fraction of the cost. This flash is known for its high guide number, which means it can deliver a lot of light, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. Whether you're shooting portraits, events, or even product photography, the YN-968EX-RT has the power you need. Plus, it supports Canon's RT (Radio Transmission) wireless flash system, allowing for advanced off-camera lighting setups. This makes it incredibly versatile for photographers who want to experiment with creative lighting techniques. But what truly sets this flash apart is its blend of affordability and functionality. It's a fantastic option for those who want professional-grade features without the hefty price tag. Let’s delve into the specifics and see what makes this flash tick.

Key features of Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT

The Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT is loaded with features that make it a versatile tool for any photographer. First off, the high guide number is a major plus, ensuring you have plenty of power to light your shots, even in challenging conditions. It boasts a guide number of 60 at ISO 100 and 200mm, which is quite impressive. This means you can achieve well-lit images even when your subject is quite far away or when you're shooting in environments with strong ambient light. Another standout feature is its built-in 2.4GHz radio transceiver, which allows it to act as both a master and a slave unit in Canon's RT wireless flash system. This makes setting up complex off-camera lighting arrangements a breeze. You can control multiple flashes remotely, adjusting power levels and settings without having to physically touch each unit. The YN-968EX-RT also supports TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering, which means it can automatically adjust the flash output for proper exposure. This is a huge time-saver, especially in fast-paced shooting situations where you don't have time to manually adjust settings. Additionally, it offers high-speed sync (HSS), allowing you to use faster shutter speeds than your camera's sync speed, which is perfect for freezing motion or shooting with a shallow depth of field in bright conditions. It also has a built-in LED video light, making it a handy tool for hybrid shooters who capture both stills and video. The flash also features a wide zoom range, from 20mm to 200mm, giving you flexibility in how you spread the light. These features combined make the YN-968EX-RT a powerful and versatile tool for any photographer.

Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT: Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT are surprisingly robust for its price point. The flash feels solid in hand, with a sturdy construction that gives you confidence it can withstand the rigors of professional use. The materials used might not be quite as premium as those found in higher-end flashes, but they are certainly durable enough for everyday use. The buttons and dials have a tactile feel, making it easy to adjust settings even in dimly lit environments. The rotating head moves smoothly and locks securely in place, allowing you to bounce the light off ceilings or walls for softer, more flattering illumination. The battery compartment is well-designed and easy to access, a small detail that makes a big difference when you need to swap batteries quickly on a shoot. One of the notable design features is the large, clear LCD screen on the back, which displays all the important settings and modes. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those who are new to using external flashes. Yongnuo has also included a metal hot shoe, which is a welcome addition, as it provides a more secure and reliable connection to your camera compared to plastic alternatives. While it might not have the weather sealing of some high-end flashes, the YN-968EX-RT is still built to last, making it a reliable companion for your photography adventures. In terms of aesthetics, it has a clean, professional look that blends well with most camera bodies. Overall, the YN-968EX-RT strikes a good balance between durability, functionality, and user-friendly design.

Performance and Functionality of Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT

When it comes to performance, the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT truly shines, offering a blend of power and versatility that rivals more expensive flashes. Its high guide number ensures that you have ample light output for a variety of shooting situations, whether you're filling shadows in bright sunlight or illuminating a large group indoors. The flash recycles quickly, meaning you can fire off multiple shots in rapid succession without missing a beat, which is crucial for event photography or capturing fast-moving subjects. In TTL mode, the YN-968EX-RT delivers accurate and consistent exposures, making it easy to get well-lit images without having to constantly adjust settings manually. The high-speed sync (HSS) capability is another major advantage, allowing you to use faster shutter speeds to freeze motion or create shallow depth-of-field effects in bright conditions. This is particularly useful for outdoor portraits where you want to overpower the ambient light. The built-in 2.4GHz radio transceiver works seamlessly with Canon's RT system, providing reliable wireless control over other flashes. You can easily set up complex lighting scenarios with multiple flashes, adjusting power levels and settings remotely. The flash also supports manual mode, giving you full control over the output, which is essential for more creative and precise lighting setups. Additionally, the YN-968EX-RT features a built-in LED video light, which is a handy bonus for hybrid shooters who need a continuous light source for video. The zoom range of 20-200mm provides flexibility in how you direct the light, allowing you to either focus it for longer distances or spread it out for wider coverage. Overall, the YN-968EX-RT's performance and functionality make it a reliable and versatile tool for photographers of all levels.

How to Use Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT

Using the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT is straightforward, but understanding its features and settings will help you get the most out of it. First things first, you'll need to insert four AA batteries into the battery compartment. Make sure to use fresh batteries for optimal performance. Once the batteries are in, attach the flash to your camera's hot shoe and turn it on using the power switch on the side. The large LCD screen will light up, displaying the current settings. Familiarize yourself with the main modes: TTL, Manual (M), and Multi (stroboscopic). TTL mode is great for automatic flash exposure, where the flash adjusts its output based on your camera's metering. To use TTL, simply select the TTL mode on the flash, set your camera to a compatible mode (like Aperture Priority or Program), and let the flash do its thing. Manual mode gives you full control over the flash output, allowing you to set the power level manually. This is ideal for situations where you want consistent lighting or need to fine-tune the flash output for creative effects. Multi mode is for stroboscopic flash, where the flash fires multiple times during a single exposure, creating motion trails. To use the wireless functions, you'll need to set the flash to either Master or Slave mode, depending on your setup. If you're using Canon's RT system, make sure the channels and groups are set correctly to communicate with other flashes. Experiment with bouncing the flash by rotating the head and aiming it at a ceiling or wall. This will create a softer, more natural-looking light. Don't forget to explore the zoom function to adjust the spread of the light. Start practicing with different settings and lighting scenarios, and you'll quickly become comfortable using the YN-968EX-RT to its full potential.

Pros and Cons of Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT

Like any piece of equipment, the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help you decide if it’s the right flash for your needs. Let's start with the pros. One of the biggest advantages is its price. It offers a fantastic set of features at a fraction of the cost of comparable flashes from Canon or Nikon. The high guide number provides plenty of power, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. The built-in 2.4GHz radio transceiver is a huge plus for off-camera flash work, allowing for reliable wireless control. The TTL and HSS capabilities make it easy to get well-exposed and creative shots. The inclusion of an LED video light is a nice bonus for hybrid shooters. The robust build quality and user-friendly interface are also strong points. However, there are some cons to consider. While the build quality is generally good, it might not be as rugged as higher-end flashes. Some users have reported that the recycle times can be a bit slow at full power, especially with older batteries. The menu system, while intuitive, isn't quite as polished as those found on branded flashes. Also, Yongnuo's quality control can be inconsistent, so there's a small chance you might receive a unit with minor issues. Despite these drawbacks, the YN-968EX-RT offers excellent value for money. Its combination of features, performance, and affordability make it a compelling option for photographers looking to expand their lighting capabilities without breaking the bank. It's a solid choice for both beginners and experienced shooters alike.

Conclusion: Is Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT Worth It?

So, the big question: is the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT worth it? In short, absolutely! This flash packs a serious punch for its price point, making it an excellent investment for photographers of all levels. If you're just starting out with off-camera flash, the YN-968EX-RT is a fantastic way to get into the game without spending a fortune. Its powerful output, TTL capabilities, and built-in radio transceiver make it a versatile tool for a wide range of shooting situations. For more experienced photographers, it serves as a reliable backup or a budget-friendly option for expanding your lighting kit. The inclusion of HSS and the LED video light further sweeten the deal. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end flashes, the YN-968EX-RT delivers solid performance and reliable results. The minor drawbacks, such as slightly slower recycle times at full power, are easily outweighed by its affordability and feature set. Ultimately, the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT strikes a perfect balance between price and performance. It's a flash that won't let you down, providing the power and versatility you need to capture stunning images. Whether you're shooting portraits, events, or anything in between, the YN-968EX-RT is a worthy addition to your photography arsenal. So, if you're looking for a high-quality flash that won't break the bank, this one should definitely be on your list. Go ahead and give it a try; you won't be disappointed!