Yongnuo YN968EX-RT Flash: A Deep Dive

Hey there, photography enthusiasts! Today, we're going to dive headfirst into the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT flash. This little beast is packed with features and offers some serious bang for your buck, making it a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers. We'll explore its capabilities, understand its strengths and weaknesses, and hopefully help you decide if it's the right flash for your photography needs. So, grab your cameras, and let's get started!

What Makes the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT Special?

So, what's all the hype about the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT? Well, first off, it's a speedlight flash, meaning it's designed to attach to your camera's hot shoe. But it's not just any flash; it's a powerhouse that boasts some pretty impressive features. One of the main reasons people love this flash is its compatibility with the Canon RT radio flash system. This means it can be triggered remotely by other Canon RT flashes or the Canon ST-E3-RT transmitter. This is a game-changer for off-camera flash photography, giving you the flexibility to place your flash units wherever you need them to get the perfect lighting. Besides the RT system compatibility, the YN968EX-RT also offers a built-in LED light. This LED light is great for video recording or for providing a continuous light source for your photos. Plus, with the ability to zoom the flash head from 20mm to 105mm, you can easily control the spread of the light, allowing you to tailor your lighting to different shooting situations. The Yongnuo YN968EX-RT doesn’t just offer great functionality; it also includes a high guide number (GN60 at ISO 100 and 105mm zoom), which means it's powerful enough to light up subjects even in challenging lighting conditions. The flash supports high-speed sync (HSS), so you can use it with faster shutter speeds to freeze motion or use wider apertures in bright light, which is excellent for portraits. Also, it has a fast recycle time (around 2 seconds at full power) and supports various flash modes, including ETTL/i-TTL, manual, and multi-flash modes, which gives you a wide range of creative control over your lighting. The LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the flash settings, and the buttons are pretty easy to understand. So, the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT flash combines power, versatility, and ease of use, making it a great option for photographers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros who are looking for a reliable and affordable flash system. The combination of all these features makes the YN968EX-RT a very capable flash unit for various photographic tasks. Whether you're shooting portraits, events, or even product photography, this flash provides a solid foundation to work with. If you need some extra power and control over your lighting, this flash is definitely worth considering.

Exploring the Key Features and Specifications of the YN968EX-RT

Let’s get a bit more technical and explore the nuts and bolts of the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT. Understanding these specifications will help you decide if this flash fits your specific needs. As we already touched on, one of the key selling points is its Canon RT (Radio Transmission) System compatibility. This means it can be used with other Canon RT-compatible flashes and transmitters, like the Canon ST-E3-RT. This enables wireless triggering and control over a considerable distance. The guide number of 60 at ISO 100 and 105mm zoom is a big deal, because it tells you how powerful the flash is. A higher guide number means the flash can throw light further, making it effective for a variety of shooting scenarios, like lighting up large rooms or shooting subjects at a distance. Then there is the built-in LED light. It offers adjustable brightness, making it suitable for both video and photography. It’s perfect for situations where you need continuous lighting, or to act as a modeling light to see the lighting setup. The flash head zooms from 20mm to 105mm, which allows you to adjust the beam spread. This can give you very wide coverage or a more focused beam. This feature is particularly useful when you need to control the spread of light, whether you want to illuminate a wider area or focus on a specific subject. High-speed sync (HSS) is another key feature. This enables you to use fast shutter speeds, even in bright conditions. This is fantastic when shooting with a wide aperture to blur the background, or freezing fast-moving subjects. The recycle time is about 2 seconds at full power, which is quite fast and allows you to capture a series of shots without long delays. The flash supports ETTL/i-TTL, manual, and multi-flash modes, which offers flexibility. ETTL/i-TTL gives you automatic exposure control, while manual mode lets you dial in the exact power you need. Multi-flash mode is great for creative effects like stroboscopic photography. Then there is the LCD screen. It displays all the settings, making it easy to see and adjust the flash parameters. The buttons and controls are logically laid out, so even beginners can easily adjust settings on the fly. Finally, the YN968EX-RT also offers a range of features designed to enhance its utility and durability. It supports firmware updates, allowing you to add new features or fix bugs. It has overheating protection, which is essential for extended shooting sessions. It also comes with a diffuser and a protective case, which are important for both light modification and storage. All these features come together to create a robust and versatile flash unit suitable for various photography styles. So, if you want a flash that's packed with features, affordable, and easy to use, the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT is a good choice. You can control your lighting setup with ease.

How the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT Compares to Other Flashes

Alright, let's see how the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT stacks up against its competition. When you're in the market for a flash, it's essential to compare it to other options to ensure you're getting the best value for your needs. Its main competitor is the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT. The 600EX II-RT is the flash that the Yongnuo is often compared with, and for good reason: it’s the flash it was designed to emulate. One of the main differences is the price. The Canon version is typically much more expensive. The Yongnuo YN968EX-RT is a fraction of the cost. The Canon 600EX II-RT, on the other hand, is a more premium product, with better build quality and weather sealing. The recycle times are pretty similar. Both flashes support high-speed sync and have a similar guide number. The Canon often has a slightly more accurate ETTL performance. For the price, the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT holds its own pretty well. It’s a great option for photographers who are just starting out or for those who need multiple flashes but don't want to break the bank. Another competitor is the Godox Ving V860II-C/N/S. Godox is another popular brand. The V860II offers a similar feature set to the YN968EX-RT, including high-speed sync and TTL support, but it also has a few unique advantages. The V860II uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which gives it a much longer battery life and faster recycle times compared to the AA batteries used in the YN968EX-RT. Godox also has a well-established wireless radio system, which can be compatible with a broad range of Godox products. In terms of performance, both flashes are pretty even. The Godox V860II typically has a slightly faster recycle time due to its battery system. Build quality is comparable. The Yongnuo YN968EX-RT can be an excellent choice if you're already invested in the Canon RT system. It fits seamlessly into your existing setup and is a cost-effective way to add more flash power. If you are starting from scratch and prioritize battery life and the convenience of a built-in battery system, the Godox V860II is a very strong competitor. Always consider what features you prioritize. Think about factors like budget, compatibility, and the specific requirements of your photography work. Both of these flashes are capable and offer excellent value, but the best one for you will depend on your individual needs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues With the YN968EX-RT

Even though the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT is a reliable flash, you might occasionally run into some issues. Don't worry, many problems are easily solved with a bit of troubleshooting. Let’s look at some common issues and how to resolve them. One of the common problems is the flash not firing. First, make sure the flash is properly attached to your camera's hot shoe. Check that the locking mechanism is securely fastened. Also, ensure that the flash is turned on and that the camera is set to a shooting mode that allows flash photography. It is important to check the batteries. Make sure they're fresh and inserted correctly. Also, make sure that the flash is set to the correct mode for triggering. If you are using it off-camera, make sure that the transmitter and receiver are on the same channel and that they're paired. If the flash is firing, but the photos are underexposed or overexposed, check the flash settings. Make sure that the flash mode (ETTL, manual, etc.) is appropriate for your shooting situation. In ETTL mode, check the flash exposure compensation (FEC) to adjust the flash output. Also, ensure the ISO and aperture settings are appropriate. If your images have inconsistent color or a color cast, this could be because of the white balance setting on your camera or the flash. Check that your white balance is set correctly. Try using the flash's color temperature setting if it has one. If the flash seems slow to recycle, check the battery level. Low batteries will significantly slow down the recycle time. Use high-quality, fully charged batteries. The recycle time also depends on the flash power setting. If you're using full power, it will take longer to recycle than at lower power settings. Another issue that can occur is the flash not working with high-speed sync. First, verify that your camera supports high-speed sync. Ensure the flash is set to HSS mode. The camera's shutter speed must be faster than the flash's sync speed. Review the camera manual if you are unsure about the sync speed. If you are using the flash off-camera, make sure the transmitter and receiver support HSS. Remember that a bit of patience and a systematic approach to troubleshooting can often resolve these issues, getting you back to shooting in no time! Also, you may want to check online forums and user groups for your flash. Here, you can find helpful advice from other users who have encountered similar issues. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to refer to the flash's manual, or contact Yongnuo's customer support for more assistance.

Final Thoughts: Is the YN968EX-RT Right for You?

Alright, we've covered a lot of ground today! Let's wrap things up and decide if the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT flash is the right tool for you. To recap, the YN968EX-RT is a versatile and affordable speedlight flash that is compatible with the Canon RT radio flash system. It offers a wide range of features, including ETTL/i-TTL, manual, and multi-flash modes, high-speed sync, and a built-in LED light. It also has a high guide number and fast recycle times. But is it right for you? If you’re a photographer on a budget who wants a powerful and feature-rich flash, the YN968EX-RT is an excellent choice. It gives you a lot of functionality for a fraction of the price of the Canon equivalent. If you already use the Canon RT system, this flash integrates seamlessly into your existing setup, making it easy to expand your lighting options. If you're new to flash photography, the YN968EX-RT is easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls. It's a great way to learn about flash photography without making a big investment. However, consider its drawbacks. The build quality may not be as robust as some of the more expensive flashes on the market. Also, if you need the absolute best in terms of color accuracy or ETTL performance, you might want to consider a flash from a higher-end brand. Think about your specific photography needs. If you regularly shoot in demanding environments, where weather sealing or rugged build quality is essential, then consider a different option. You also need to consider the competition. There are other options in the same price range, like the Godox Ving series, that offer unique advantages, such as longer battery life and built-in radio systems. Before making a final decision, take time to weigh the pros and cons. Check out reviews and comparisons, and see if it fits your particular workflow. If you value features, versatility, and affordability, the Yongnuo YN968EX-RT is a smart choice. It allows you to create great photos without breaking the bank. Happy shooting!