Yongnuo 968EX-RT Flash: Review, Features, And Setup Guide

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Yongnuo 968EX-RT Flash: Review, Features, and Setup Guide

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Yongnuo 968EX-RT flash, a powerful and versatile speedlight that’s become a favorite among photographers looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the big-name brands. If you're in the market for a new flash or just curious about what this one has to offer, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything from its key features to setting it up for your specific needs. So, let's jump right in!

What is the Yongnuo 968EX-RT?

The Yongnuo 968EX-RT is a high-performance flash speedlight designed for Canon cameras, fully compatible with Canon's E-TTL / E-TTL II auto flash system and 2.4GHz radio transmission. This means it can communicate seamlessly with your camera for automatic flash exposure and can also act as either a master or slave unit in a wireless flash setup. One of the key selling points of the Yongnuo 968EX-RT is its robust build quality and impressive feature set, often rivaling flashes that cost significantly more.

Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of speedlights – it's got a little bit of everything you might need. It's designed to play nicely with Canon's wireless flash system, which means you can use it off-camera with other Canon flashes or triggers. This is super handy for creating more dramatic and professional-looking lighting in your photos. The Yongnuo 968EX-RT isn’t just a flash; it's a creative tool that opens up a world of possibilities for your photography. Whether you're shooting portraits, events, or anything in between, this flash can help you achieve the lighting you've always envisioned.

The flash also boasts a high guide number, which basically tells you how powerful it is. The higher the guide number, the more light the flash can output. This is crucial when you're shooting in situations where you need a lot of light, like large group shots or dimly lit indoor spaces. With its impressive power output, the Yongnuo 968EX-RT ensures that you can confidently light your subjects, no matter the circumstances. Moreover, the flash features a wide zoom range, allowing you to control the spread of light and tailor it to your specific needs. Whether you need a narrow beam for a focused spotlight effect or a wide beam to cover a larger area, the Yongnuo 968EX-RT gives you the flexibility to adjust the light as needed. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for photographers who shoot in various environments and situations.

Key Features of the Yongnuo 968EX-RT

Let's get into the nitty-gritty and talk about the features that make the Yongnuo 968EX-RT a standout flash. This is where the flash really shines, offering a blend of functionality and affordability that’s hard to beat. We're going to cover everything from its wireless capabilities to its recycling time, so you'll have a solid understanding of what this flash can do.

  • E-TTL / E-TTL II Compatibility: This means the flash can communicate directly with your Canon camera to automatically adjust the flash power for optimal exposure. It takes the guesswork out of flash photography, making it easier to get perfectly lit shots. With E-TTL, you can focus on composition and capturing the moment, knowing that the flash will handle the technical aspects of exposure. This is particularly useful in fast-paced shooting situations where you don't have time to manually adjust flash settings.
  • 2.4GHz Radio Transmission: One of the most significant advantages of the 968EX-RT is its built-in radio transceiver. This allows it to act as both a master and a slave unit in a wireless flash setup, giving you the freedom to position your flashes off-camera for creative lighting effects. Radio transmission is far more reliable than traditional optical triggering, as it's not affected by line-of-sight obstructions or bright sunlight. This means you can set up your flashes in different rooms or even outdoors, and they'll still fire reliably. The 2.4GHz frequency provides a stable connection and a longer range, allowing you to control your flashes from a distance.
  • High Guide Number: With a guide number of 60 (at ISO 100, 200mm), the 968EX-RT packs a serious punch in terms of light output. This makes it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from portraits to events, where you need ample light to illuminate your subjects. A high guide number also means you can use the flash at lower power settings in closer distances, which helps reduce recycle times and extend battery life. The powerful output of the 968EX-RT ensures that you can always get the light you need, even in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Zoom Range: The flash head can zoom from 20mm to 200mm, allowing you to control the spread of light. Zooming the flash head narrows the beam of light, increasing its intensity and range. This is useful for highlighting specific subjects or creating dramatic lighting effects. Conversely, zooming out widens the beam, which is ideal for covering larger areas or softening the light. The zoom range of the 968EX-RT gives you precise control over the light, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.
  • Recycle Time: The Yongnuo 968EX-RT has a recycle time of approximately 3 seconds at full power, which is pretty decent for a flash in this price range. This means you won't have to wait too long between shots, even when using the flash at its maximum output. Recycle time is a critical factor, especially when shooting events or action scenes where you need to capture multiple shots in quick succession. The relatively fast recycle time of the 968EX-RT ensures that you can keep up with the pace of the action without missing crucial moments.

Setting Up the Yongnuo 968EX-RT

Okay, so you've got your Yongnuo 968EX-RT in hand. Awesome! Now, let's talk about how to set it up. Don't worry, it's not rocket science, but getting it right will make your life a whole lot easier. We'll cover everything from attaching it to your camera to configuring it for wireless use. By the end of this section, you'll be ready to start blasting away with perfectly lit photos.

Mounting the Flash

The first thing you'll want to do is mount the flash onto your camera's hot shoe. This is the slot on top of your camera where you attach external flashes. Slide the flash's foot into the hot shoe until it clicks into place. Make sure it's securely attached so it doesn't wobble or fall off. Once it's in place, tighten the locking ring to secure it further. A properly mounted flash ensures a reliable connection between the flash and the camera, preventing misfires and ensuring consistent performance. Take a moment to double-check that the flash is firmly attached before you start shooting, as a loose connection can lead to frustrating results.

Basic On-Camera Settings

Once the flash is mounted, turn it on using the power switch. The LCD screen will light up, displaying the flash's current settings. Now, let's dive into some basic on-camera settings. The Yongnuo 968EX-RT supports several flash modes, including E-TTL, Manual, and Multi (stroboscopic). For most situations, E-TTL mode is your best bet. It allows the camera and flash to communicate and automatically adjust the flash power for optimal exposure. To select E-TTL mode, press the Mode button until “E-TTL” appears on the LCD screen. In E-TTL mode, the flash will analyze the scene and fire a pre-flash to determine the correct amount of light needed. This ensures that your subjects are properly illuminated without being overexposed or underexposed. It’s a fantastic mode for beginners and professionals alike, as it simplifies the process of flash photography and delivers consistent results.

Wireless Flash Setup

This is where the Yongnuo 968EX-RT really shines. Setting up the flash for wireless use opens up a world of creative possibilities. You can position the flash off-camera to create dramatic lighting effects, add depth to your photos, and separate your subjects from the background. To use the 968EX-RT as a master unit, press the RT button to enter radio transmission mode. Then, select the Master mode in the menu. On your remote flashes (other 968EX-RT units or compatible Canon flashes), set them to Slave mode. Make sure all flashes are on the same channel and group. The Yongnuo 968EX-RT supports multiple channels and groups, allowing you to control multiple flashes independently. This is especially useful for complex lighting setups where you need to adjust the power of each flash individually. Radio transmission provides a reliable connection, even when the flashes are not in direct line of sight, making it a superior choice over traditional optical triggering. Once everything is set up, you can trigger the remote flashes wirelessly using the master unit on your camera. This gives you complete control over the lighting in your scene, allowing you to create stunning and professional-looking photos.

Pros and Cons of the Yongnuo 968EX-RT

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the Yongnuo 968EX-RT. No piece of gear is perfect, and it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. This will give you a clear picture of what the flash is capable of and whether it's the right fit for your needs. So, let’s dive into the good and the not-so-good aspects of this popular speedlight.

Pros

  • Affordable Price: One of the biggest draws of the Yongnuo 968EX-RT is its price. It offers a ton of features at a fraction of the cost of comparable flashes from Canon or Nikon. This makes it an excellent option for photographers on a budget or those who are just starting out and don't want to invest in expensive gear. The affordability of the 968EX-RT means you can get professional-level performance without breaking the bank, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious photographers.
  • Full E-TTL Compatibility: The Yongnuo 968EX-RT works seamlessly with Canon's E-TTL / E-TTL II auto flash system. This means you get accurate and consistent exposures without having to fiddle with manual settings. E-TTL compatibility simplifies flash photography, allowing you to focus on capturing the moment rather than worrying about technical details. The flash communicates directly with your camera, analyzing the scene and adjusting the flash power accordingly, ensuring that your subjects are always properly lit.
  • Built-In Radio Trigger: The integrated 2.4GHz radio transceiver is a game-changer. It allows for reliable off-camera flash triggering, even in challenging conditions. Radio triggering is far more dependable than optical triggering, as it's not affected by line-of-sight obstructions or bright sunlight. This means you can position your flashes anywhere you need them, knowing they'll fire consistently. The built-in radio trigger eliminates the need for external triggers, saving you money and simplifying your setup.
  • High Power Output: With a guide number of 60, the 968EX-RT has plenty of power for most shooting situations. Whether you're shooting portraits, events, or even weddings, this flash can deliver the light you need. The high power output ensures that your subjects are well-illuminated, even in dimly lit environments. This is particularly important when shooting large groups or in situations where you need to overpower ambient light. The Yongnuo 968EX-RT’s powerful flash output gives you the flexibility to tackle a wide range of photographic challenges.

Cons

  • Build Quality: While the 968EX-RT is generally well-built, it doesn't quite match the robustness of higher-end flashes from Canon or Nikon. The plastic construction may not be as durable in harsh conditions. However, for the price, the build quality is more than acceptable. It’s important to handle the flash with care, especially when using it in demanding environments. While the build quality may not be the absolute best, it’s still sturdy enough for most photographers and provides excellent value for the money.
  • Recycle Time: The recycle time of around 3 seconds at full power can be a bit slow compared to more expensive flashes. This might be an issue if you're shooting fast-paced action and need to fire the flash repeatedly in quick succession. However, reducing the flash power can significantly improve recycle times. If you're not shooting at full power, the recycle time is generally quite reasonable. It’s worth considering the types of shooting situations you typically encounter and whether a slightly slower recycle time will be a significant hindrance.

Final Verdict: Is the Yongnuo 968EX-RT Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the Yongnuo 968EX-RT worth it? For most photographers, the answer is a resounding yes. This flash offers an incredible value proposition, packing a ton of features into an affordable package. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your lighting capabilities or a seasoned pro needing a reliable backup flash, the 968EX-RT is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

The affordability of the Yongnuo 968EX-RT is a major selling point. It allows you to get into off-camera flash photography without spending a fortune. The built-in radio trigger is a huge plus, making it easy to set up wireless flash setups. The E-TTL compatibility ensures accurate exposures, and the high power output means you'll have plenty of light for most situations. While the build quality may not be as robust as higher-end flashes, it’s still more than adequate for most users. The slightly slower recycle time can be a minor inconvenience, but it’s a trade-off that many photographers are willing to make for the price.

Ultimately, the Yongnuo 968EX-RT is a fantastic flash for the money. It offers a blend of performance, features, and affordability that's hard to beat. If you're looking for a versatile and capable flash that won't break the bank, the 968EX-RT is definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and give it a shot – you might just be surprised at how much this flash can elevate your photography!