11Sep Yongnuo YN568EX II quick flash test and updates
I’ve been comparing the Yongnuo YN568EX II to the Canon 580EX II in a few somewhat unscientific tests. In this case (above) I used the Yongnuo YN-622C Wireless flash trigger to fire both the 580EX II and YN568EX II. Both flash heads have the same guide number (58) and are set up identically. After taking a few test shots, it seemed to me like the 580EX II is slightly brighter than the YN568EX II. The difference isn’t enough to be a problem, but I did find that the YN568EX II needed +1/3 compensation to properly match the 580EX II.
This adjustment was made after I took a few shots of both units firing and looked over the results. Take a look at the shot above and let me know what you think. I don’t do a lot of flash testing and I usually set up compensation based on what looks good to my eye. If you have any other methods you would like me to use in order to compare these two units let me know.
So far the Yongnuo YN568EX II has done a great job. Recycle times are only slightly slower than the 580EX II, flash output is fairly similar, and HSS seems to respond well on both the 5d mark III and 6d body. It really pairs well with the Canon bodies I’ve tested and at $175 the Yongnuo YN568EX II seems to offer a lot of bang for the buck. I know it’s missing a few of the things people love about the 580EX II like the power adapter and slide to lock system, but for the price I think many would be more than happy to change out batteries and put up with a twist down latch. I’ll continue to mess around with it and keep you posted on my impressions as I spend more time with the Yongnuo YN568EX II.
September 11th, 2013 at 3:14 pm
Nice. What’s the brand of the diffusers you have on your flashes?
September 11th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
Those are actually the free fotodiox diffusers that showed up with my amazon order. They’re a little big for on camera use but they seem to work well enough.
September 15th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Hey DeeJay,
I heard the YongNuo’s color temperature was off compared to the Canon flashes; particularly the YN-500 EX compared to the Canon EX-580 mark I, supposedly the YongNuo needed some CTO to match. Have you seen this as well with any of their flashes?
Thanks!
September 20th, 2013 at 2:29 am
Thanks for this post Deejay!!! I ve honestly been considering selling both of my 580EXII in exchange for the 3 Yongnuo’s!!!
September 29th, 2013 at 9:23 am
Hi, I’ve read that pictures taken with the YN568 Ex II are about 2 stops under exposed when bouncing the flash. Have you noticed this issue? Thank you for your review. Also, would 580EX diffuser got the yn568?
September 30th, 2013 at 9:57 am
The unit i’ve been testing is pretty close to the same output as the 580ex. The diffuser for the 580ex is a little loose on the yn568 but it does fit. You’ll probably need a peace of velcro to keep things together.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
I think Rigoberto may be referring to reports which I’ve also seen which say the flash underexposes in ETTL mode when bouncing *and* when the flash is on-camera. Aiming the flash straight at the subject when the flash is on the camera results in good exposure with ETTL, as does bouncing the flash when it’s off-camera. Do you get good exposure with ETTL when the flash is on camera and bounced?
December 18th, 2013 at 6:32 am
Today was arrived my yn 568ex for nikon and i have the same problem in ittl mode is underexposed 2-3 stops . I was compared with yn 565ex and the 565ex is more much better … no underexposing problems not any problems …. i regret the moment when i ordered the yn 568ex … 🙁
December 27th, 2013 at 3:07 am
Same problem here with Nikon D90 and YN568EX. Looking for solution… But no luck so far 🙁
December 27th, 2013 at 8:20 am
I returned my yn-568ex and bought a different flash. But if that’s not an option for you, it seems the best way to deal with the problem is to switch from “evaluative” to “average” metering in the Canon menu under “external speedlight control” > “E-TLL II meter.” The “average” metering mode works when bouncing with the flash on the camera.