Yongnuo flashes can also produce a substantial amount of light, making them a good choice for those searching for an inexpensive alternative to the Canon external flashes that are typically quite pricey. This is the reason why we are providing solutions for various shooting demands as well as advice on how to select the most appropriate Yongnuo flash for Canon cameras.
What is Yongnuo?
Yongnuo is a well-established brand that specializes in producing professional lighting equipment for photographers. They have gained popularity for their affordable yet high-performing flash units. Yongnuo offers a wide range of flash models compatible with Canon cameras, catering to both amateur and professional photographers.
Why choose Yongnuo Flash for Canon?
Yongnuo flashes for Canon provide an excellent alternative to the more expensive original Canon Speedlite units. These third-party flash units offer comparable performance at a fraction of the cost, making them a popular choice among budget-conscious photographers. Yongnuo flashes also often come with additional features and wireless capabilities, providing versatility in various shooting scenarios.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Yongnuo Flash for Canon
When selecting the best Yongnuo flash for your Canon camera, several key factors should be taken into account. Let’s explore these factors in detail:
Compatibility with Canon Cameras
It is crucial to ensure that the Yongnuo flash you choose is fully compatible with your specific Canon camera model. Different flash models may have varying compatibility, so it is essential to check the specifications and ensure that the flash is designed to work seamlessly with your Canon camera.
Flash Power and Recycle Time
The power output and recycle time of a flash unit are crucial considerations. Higher flash power allows for better illumination, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, a faster recycle time means that the flash can fire more frequently, reducing the waiting time between shots.
Flash Modes and Features
Yongnuo flashes offer various flash modes and features to enhance your creative possibilities. Look for features like TTL (Through The Lens) metering, high-speed sync, stroboscopic flash, and rear-curtain sync, among others, depending on your shooting requirements.
Wireless Capability
Wireless flash capability allows you to use your Yongnuo flash off-camera, enabling more creative lighting setups. Look for flashes with built-in wireless receivers or those that are compatible with Yongnuo’s wireless trigger systems.
Price and Value for Money
Yongnuo flashes provide excellent value for money compared to the original Canon Speedlite units. Consider your budget and choose a flash that offers a good balance between features, performance, and affordability.
In the next section, we will explore the top picks for the best Yongnuo flash for Canon cameras, taking into account the factors discussed above.
Best Yongnuo Flash for Canon
There are a few different Yongnuo flashes on the market; however, our research has shown that the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Speedlite is the best Yongnuo flash for Canon because of its quick recharge time and high light output.
We also recommend various Yongnuo flash that may be better suited to other lighting approaches and can be used for a variety of photographic specialties, including real estate photography.
1. Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash
The Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Speedlite offers a compelling solution for photographers using Canon cameras who require a powerful flash. With its impressive features and straightforward operation, it competes well with Canon’s in-house lights, making it a great option to consider.
Product Specifications:
- Flash Output: Boasting a powerful flash output of 60 meters, the YN600EX-RT II delivers excellent lighting for various photographic applications.
- Recharge Rate: While the YN600EX-RT II’s recharge rate is 0.5 seconds slower than the YN968N II, it still remains quick enough for tasks such as real estate and landscape photography.
- Compatibility: The flash seamlessly attaches to Canon 70D cameras, ensuring a hassle-free setup and reducing time spent on adjusting settings.
- Navigation Panel: The product’s navigation panel offers intuitive and straightforward operation, further enhancing user convenience.
- Versatility: The YN600EX-RT II comes with a range of capabilities that rival Canon’s built-in flash, making it suitable for a wide range of photography needs.
Who Should Buy It and Why? Photographers who use Canon equipment, such as the Canon 70D, can benefit from the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash. It is a capable alternative to Canon’s in-house lights, providing excellent image quality, contrast, and focus. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast, this flash offers versatility and convenience for capturing exceptional shots.
Pros:
- Impressive Flash Output: With a powerful flash output of 60 meters, the YN600EX-RT II ensures excellent lighting for a variety of photography scenarios.
- Easy to Use: The straightforward operation of the navigation panel simplifies the flash’s attachment and reduces time spent on adjusting settings.
Cons:
- Slightly Slower Recharge Rate: Compared to the YN968N II, the YN600EX-RT II has a 0.5-second slower recharge rate, which may affect rapid-fire photography in some situations.
- Limited Compatibility: While specifically designed for Canon cameras like the 70D, this flash may not be compatible with other camera brands.
Final Verdict: The Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash offers a reliable and powerful lighting solution for Canon camera users. With its competitive features and ease of use, it proves to be a valuable addition to a photographer’s gear. Although it has a slightly slower recharge rate and limited compatibility, its overall performance and versatility make it a worthy investment for capturing stunning photographs.
2. Yongnuo YN968N II Wireless Camera Speedlite
The Yongnuo YN968N II Speedlite is a strong contender for the title of the best Yongnuo flash for Canon. It offers variable flash settings, an easy-to-use interface, and an affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for photographers.
Product Specifications:
- Recycling Time: The YN968N II boasts the quickest recycling time among its competitors, recharging in just two seconds. This allows for rapid and continuous shooting, ensuring you never miss a moment.
- Flash Output: With a powerful flash output that can reach up to 60 meters, this speedlite provides ample lighting for various shooting scenarios. It offers multiple settings to enhance the amount of light produced, whether you prefer wireless or manual mode.
- Battery Performance: When fully charged, the flash can be fired up to 1500 times, ensuring long-lasting performance during extended shooting sessions.
- Compatibility: Designed specifically for Canon cameras, the YN968N II Speedlite offers seamless integration and compatibility with Canon’s camera systems.
- User-Friendly Interface: The flash features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate through different settings and modes, even for beginners.
Why and which type of people should buy it?
The Yongnuo YN968N II Speedlite is ideal for photographers who value versatility, affordability, and performance. Whether you are a professional photographer looking for a reliable and powerful flash or an enthusiast seeking to enhance your photography skills, this speedlite is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Quick recycling time for uninterrupted shooting.
- Powerful flash output for ample lighting in various scenarios.
- Affordable price point compared to other flash options in the market.
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with Canon cameras only.
- May lack some advanced features found in higher-end flash models.
Final Verdict:
With its variable flash settings, fast recycling time, and affordable price, the Yongnuo YN968N II Speedlite is an excellent choice for Canon photographers. It offers reliable performance, easy-to-use interface, and compatibility with Canon cameras. While it may not have all the advanced features of high-end flashes, it delivers great value for its price, making it a worthwhile investment for photographers of all levels.
3. Yongnuo YN-560 IV Speedlite
The Yongnuo YN-560 IV Speedlite offers an affordable alternative for Canon camera users looking to enhance their photography lighting. While it has a slower recharge time compared to other Yongnuo models, its versatile zoom range and flash output make it a worthy option to consider.
Product Specifications:
- Flash Output: The YN-560 IV delivers a powerful flash output, reaching up to 58 meters while maintaining ISO 100 on Canon cameras.
- Recharge Time: With a recharge time of four to five seconds, it may be slower compared to its Yongnuo counterparts.
- Zoom Range: The flash provides a zoom range of 24-105mm, expandable up to 18mm when a diffuser is added.
- Flash Output Settings: Canon camera users can choose from up to 8 different flash output settings, allowing for flexibility in various shooting scenarios.
- Compatibility: The Yongnuo YN-560 IV is compatible with Canon cameras, including full-frame, crop-sensor, and mirrorless models.
Why & Which Type of People Buy It?
The Yongnuo YN-560 IV Speedlite is an ideal choice for photographers who are looking for a budget-friendly flash solution to complement their Canon cameras. It suits both wireless and manual shooting styles and offers a variety of flash output settings to support different shooting conditions.
Pros:
- Affordable alternative to expensive Canon speedlites.
- Versatile zoom range and expandable with a diffuser.
- Compatible with various Canon camera models.
Cons:
- Slower recharge time compared to other Yongnuo models.
- May not offer the same advanced features as higher-end Canon speedlites.
Final Verdict:
Despite its slower recharge time, the Yongnuo YN-560 IV Speedlite is a cost-effective lighting solution for Canon camera owners. With its impressive flash output, zoom range, and compatibility with different Canon camera models, it provides excellent value for photographers seeking an affordable flash option.
4. Yongnuo YN-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash
If you’re focused on macro or product photography and prefer direct lighting over bouncing light, the Yongnuo YN-14EX Ring Lite Flash is an excellent choice for Canon cameras. With its ability to provide direct light, this flash is designed to meet the needs of photographers in these specific fields.
Product Specifications:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Lower, but sufficient (guide number of 14m) |
| Flash Speed | One second faster than YN-560 IV |
| Lighting Technique | Direct lighting, ideal for macro and product photography |
| Subject Coverage | Provides even lighting for close-up shots |
| Compatibility | Designed for Canon cameras |
Why & Who Should Buy It?
The Yongnuo YN-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash is recommended for photographers specializing in macro or product photography who prefer the use of direct lighting. If your photography style involves capturing close-ups of smaller subjects, this ring flash offers an ideal solution to eliminate shadows and provide even lighting.
Pros:
- Direct Lighting: Provides direct light for macro and product photography.
- Quick Flash Speed: One-second faster compared to the YN-560 IV.
Cons:
- Sensor Positioning: Close proximity to the subject requires positioning the camera sensor in contact with the photographer’s shadow.
- Lower Power Output: Offers a lower power output compared to other flashes.
Final Verdict:
The Yongnuo YN-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash is an excellent choice for photographers who specialize in macro or product photography and prefer direct lighting. While it may have a lower power output and requires careful positioning of the camera sensor, its ability to provide even lighting and eliminate shadows makes it a valuable tool for capturing stunning close-up shots.
5. Yongnuo YN-568EX TTL Flash
The Yongnuo YN-568EX TTL Flash is a feature-rich flash designed exclusively for Canon cameras. Its automatic exposure adjustment capability allows it to seamlessly sync with the camera settings, making it highly effective for shooting in diverse lighting conditions, such as real estate or street photography.
Product Specifications:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Comparable to YN-560 IV with a faster 1-second recharge rate |
| TTL Capabilities | Ideal for shooting in various sequences simultaneously with multiple triggers |
| High-Speed Sync | Enables significantly faster shutter speeds |
Why & which type of people buy it?
The Yongnuo YN-568EX TTL Flash is an excellent choice for photographers who require precise lighting control in challenging shooting environments. Its TTL capabilities, along with the ability to activate multiple triggers, make it suitable for professionals and enthusiasts alike. It is particularly valuable for those who engage in real estate or street photography, where multiple light sources are present.
Pros:
- Precise TTL exposure adjustment
- High-speed sync for faster shutter speeds
- Ample time for flash head repositioning or angle adjustments
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with Canon cameras only
- May require additional triggers for advanced multi-flash setups
Final Verdict:
The Yongnuo YN-568EX TTL Flash stands out as a powerful and versatile lighting solution specifically designed for Canon cameras. Its automatic exposure adjustment, high-speed sync, and multiple trigger capabilities make it an indispensable tool for photographers working in dynamic lighting scenarios. While its limited compatibility and potential need for additional triggers may be minor drawbacks, the overall performance and functionality of this flash make it a highly recommended choice for Canon users.
