Looking at the Yongnuo YN565EX Thoughts?

Hey everyone,

I'm currently looking at purchasing myself a flash, I Currently own a Canon 600D and my mate suggested the 580 EX II, He let me borrow it over the weekend so I could take some photo's of a friends birthday party 21st, the flash did a really good job!

I've looked on the interwebs and the going price for a 580 EX II is around $580~ though a Yongnuo flash is around $180 from an Australian seller.. I've heard they both do similar things though you can't use the Yonguno as a master flash for slaves but I don't need to so no problem there.. even if I was to use the whole master / slave setup I would definitely go for the 580 EX II and use the Yonguno as a slave so it isn't a waste of money.

I would be using the flash to take portrait shots / event photo's / weddings and pretty much everything in general when needed.

I'm looking at these guys http://www.fotogenic.com.au/Flash_Studio_Kit_with_Wireless_T…
as they offer a 1yr warranty on it, I'd rarther spend the extra $ as I've seen on youtube and google repair videos for this particular flash from time to time..

Comments

  • The YN565EX seems to get pretty good reviews. Seems a lot better built than the previous YN models too.

    Another option IMO would be the Nissin Di866 II. It's got some nifty features like an additional fill in flash when bouncing.

    TBH though, if you're looking into getting seriously into photography (i.e. weddings and event's like you said), you may as well just save up and get a 580EX II in the first place. 580EX II's are a bit cheaper now too, thanks to the 600EX-RT's availability now. Not to mention if you ever want to sell it, it won't lose as much % value as a Yongnuo flash. Better to have peace of mind and a reliable flash with better refresh rate and weather sealing if you're going to trust yourself with weddings IMHO.

    • Wow now that has got me thinking! hah, that other flash you linked to seems alright but it seems a little kiddy to me by having a nice and colourful lcd screen on the flash :P But that's just me!

      Yes you are more then likely correct in saying I should go with the 580 EX II, you are probably right.. Is it worth buying a second hand one? or just better off getting a brand new one straight up.. I do have the money for it I guess I should just invest to begin with. thanks for the feedback

      Photo of the 580 EX II Result http://www.flickr.com/photos/30327083@N06/6940884246/in/phot…

      Photo of the standard 600D Canon inbuilt flash http://www.flickr.com/photos/30327083@N06/7086952645/in/phot…

      • Well TBH it depends on how proficient you are with photography and how deep into it you want to get.

        If you're just going to be using cheap lenses and not intending to move to a higher spec camera or anything, then it's probably good to start off with a YN565EX to see how you go. On the other hand, if you're fully intending on learning about photography in depth and becoming a full time "pro", then it's probably better to start buying the expensive gear at the start.

        Definitely get an external flash though - bounce flash will make a huge difference to your photos (as you can see in the photos you lined) and allow you to be more creative. The built-in flash should only be used in emergencies or when you're feeling lazy IMO :P

        Second hand flashes can be a bit hit & miss. You can never know the full history of the flash eg. if it's been stressed a lot or has been overheated or even burnt before. I'd say go with brand new for peace of mind.

        Disclaimer: I'm an event photographer so my opinions may be biased. :P

  • +1

    Went with a 550 EX II for $445 delivered brand new :)

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