Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT: Your Guide To Mastering This Flash
Hey there, photography enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT flash. This little beast is packed with features and can seriously up your photography game. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable and affordable flash, the YN-968EX-RT has a lot to offer. So, grab your cameras, and let's explore everything you need to know about this fantastic piece of gear. We'll cover everything from the basics to some more advanced techniques, so you can start creating stunning images right away. Get ready to illuminate your photos and take your skills to the next level!
Unboxing and Initial Setup of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT
Alright, guys, first things first: let's unbox this bad boy! When you get your Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT, you'll find the flash unit itself, a protective pouch, a mini stand, and a user manual (which, let's be honest, we all skim over at first!). The build quality feels pretty solid for the price, with a decent amount of plastic and metal. It's not top-of-the-line pro grade, but it's definitely durable enough for everyday use. Before you start shooting, you'll need to install the batteries. The YN-968EX-RT takes four AA batteries. You can use rechargeable Ni-MH batteries for the best performance and to save money in the long run. Once you've loaded up the batteries, it's time to attach the flash to your camera. The YN-968EX-RT has a standard hot shoe mount that fits most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Slide the flash onto the hot shoe and tighten the locking ring to secure it. Make sure it's snug, but don't overtighten it. Next, you'll want to turn on your flash and your camera. You should see the flash's LCD screen light up, displaying various settings and information. Now, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the buttons and controls. The YN-968EX-RT has a power button, a test button, a mode button, a zoom button, and some control dials for adjusting settings like flash power, zoom, and channel/group. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it looks. We'll go through all of these features in detail, so you'll be a flash master in no time.
Understanding the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT Features
Let's break down the key features of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT so you can get a better grip on what it offers. This flash boasts a guide number of 60 meters at ISO 100 and a 200mm zoom setting. This means it has a good amount of power for a flash of its size, allowing you to light up your subjects even at a distance. The YN-968EX-RT is fully compatible with Canon's E-TTL / E-TTL II system, meaning it can communicate with your Canon camera to automatically adjust the flash output for perfect exposures. It also supports manual mode, so you have full control over the flash power. One of the standout features is its built-in 2.4GHz radio transmission system. This allows you to use the flash off-camera with a compatible Canon RT transmitter, like the Yongnuo YN-E3-RT or Canon's own Speedlite transmitters. This feature is super useful for creating more dynamic and creative lighting setups. The flash head can swivel and tilt, giving you the flexibility to bounce the light off walls and ceilings to create softer, more flattering light. The YN-968EX-RT also includes a built-in LED video light, which can be helpful for video recording or for providing some extra light when focusing in low-light situations. The flash has a recycle time of around 3 seconds at full power with fresh batteries, which is pretty decent. It also offers high-speed sync (HSS), so you can use it with faster shutter speeds to freeze motion or to overpower the ambient light in bright conditions. The LCD screen on the back displays all the essential information, such as the flash mode, power settings, zoom, channel, and group. It's easy to read and navigate, even in bright sunlight.
Modes and Settings of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore the different modes and settings of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT. This is where the magic happens, and you start to harness the full potential of your flash. The YN-968EX-RT offers a range of modes to suit different shooting scenarios. First up, we have E-TTL / E-TTL II mode. In this mode, the flash communicates with your camera's metering system to automatically determine the correct flash output for your scene. It's great for quick shooting and situations where you don't have time to manually adjust the settings. Next, we have Manual mode (M). In manual mode, you have complete control over the flash power. You can set the power output from 1/1 to 1/128 in 1/3 stop increments. This mode is excellent for creative control and for achieving consistent exposures. The Multi mode is also available, often referred to as stroboscopic mode. This mode allows the flash to fire multiple times in a single exposure, creating a cool effect of motion trails. This mode is a little more advanced and requires some experimentation, but it can produce some amazing results. High-speed sync (HSS) is another important setting. It lets you use the flash with faster shutter speeds than your camera's sync speed. This is really handy when you want to freeze motion or when shooting in bright sunlight. You'll typically find the HSS setting in the camera's menu, and the flash will automatically sync with your camera when it's enabled. Remember to check your camera's user manual for the exact location of the HSS setting. Finally, there's the Zoom setting. The YN-968EX-RT has a zoom range that covers from 20mm to 200mm. The zoom setting affects the coverage area of the flash, allowing you to concentrate the light on your subject or spread it out wider. Make sure to match the zoom setting of the flash to the focal length of your lens for optimal results. All these settings give you the flexibility to adapt to a wide range of shooting conditions and unleash your creativity.
Mastering the Wireless Capabilities
One of the most exciting aspects of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT is its wireless capabilities. This feature opens up a whole new world of creative lighting possibilities, allowing you to position your flash off-camera and shape the light in ways you couldn't before. The YN-968EX-RT uses a 2.4GHz radio transmission system, making it compatible with Canon's RT (Radio Transmission) system. This means you can use it with a Canon RT transmitter or other compatible Yongnuo transmitters. To set up the wireless functionality, you'll need a transmitter, like the Yongnuo YN-E3-RT or a Canon Speedlite transmitter. You'll mount the transmitter on your camera's hot shoe and set it to transmit on the same channel and group as your YN-968EX-RT flash. On the flash, you'll need to set it to receive mode. This will allow the flash to be triggered remotely by the transmitter. The flash supports multiple groups, so you can control several flashes independently. Each group can have its own settings, such as power output and zoom. This is incredibly useful for creating complex lighting setups. To control the flash settings remotely, you can use the transmitter to adjust the flash power, zoom, and other settings. This gives you complete control over your lighting without having to walk over to the flash unit. Experiment with different light positions and angles to see how they affect your images. Try placing the flash to the side of your subject, behind your subject, or above your subject to create different effects. Remember to use light modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, or reflectors to further shape the light and create softer, more flattering results. Wireless flash photography takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be amazed at the creative possibilities it unlocks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best gear can sometimes run into issues, and the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT is no exception. Let's cover some common problems and how to troubleshoot them. If your flash isn't firing, the first thing to check is the batteries. Make sure they are fresh and properly installed. Low batteries can cause the flash to misfire or not fire at all. Next, check the hot shoe connection. Ensure the flash is securely mounted on your camera's hot shoe and that the locking ring is tight. A loose connection can also prevent the flash from firing. If you're using the flash wirelessly, make sure the transmitter and receiver are on the same channel and group. Also, check the batteries in the transmitter and make sure it's turned on. Sometimes, the flash might not be metering the scene correctly, leading to overexposed or underexposed images. If this happens, try switching to manual mode and adjusting the flash power yourself. Make sure you understand the basics of flash exposure compensation. Your camera has the ability to adjust the flash output to compensate for the scene's brightness. Also, ensure the flash head is zoomed correctly for the focal length of your lens. If you're getting uneven lighting, try adjusting the zoom setting or using a diffuser or reflector. Another issue could be the flash overheating, especially if you're shooting a lot of photos in rapid succession. The YN-968EX-RT has overheat protection, but it can still happen. If the flash overheats, it will shut down to cool off. Give it some time to cool down before using it again. Finally, if you're still having problems, consult the user manual or look online for troubleshooting guides. There are also many online forums and communities where you can get help from other users.
Maximizing Performance and Maintenance
To get the most out of your Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT and ensure it lasts for years to come, some care and maintenance are required. Proper battery choice and handling are super important for flash performance. Always use high-quality AA batteries or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. Avoid using alkaline batteries, as they can drain quickly and might damage the flash. When storing the flash, remove the batteries to prevent any potential corrosion. Regularly clean the flash contacts with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure a good connection between the flash and your camera. Avoid exposing the flash to extreme temperatures or humidity. Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Consider using a protective pouch or case to protect the flash from scratches and bumps. Be mindful of the flash head's tilt and swivel mechanisms. Avoid forcing the head beyond its range of motion, as this could damage the gears. Avoid pointing the flash directly at the sun, as this could damage the flash tube. Take advantage of firmware updates. Yongnuo releases firmware updates periodically to fix bugs and improve performance. Keep an eye on the Yongnuo website for the latest updates. Be cautious when using the flash with light modifiers. While light modifiers can improve your results, they can also put extra strain on the flash tube. Be mindful of the power output and the duration of your flashes, especially when using modifiers. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your YN-968EX-RT in top condition and ensure it delivers reliable performance for years to come. That is all guys!