Confused with the different features available in Yongnuo Speedlite flashes? Yongnuo has 15 different models and many of these have been released in different versions. So, it can get a little overwhelming to figure out what is best for your flash photography needs.
We’ve created a Yongnuo comparison guide to make your selection easier. Yongnuo’s Speedlites are grouped below into three different categories with key features of each model – the manual flashes, those with TTL capabilities and those with Canon RT wireless compatibility.
Yongnuo Speedlite Manual Flashes – YN560, YN660, YN720, and YN860
Yongnuo’s entry-level manual flashes are those in the YN560 range. The latest model, the YN560 IV, was preceded by the YN560EX (and the earlier versions YN560 I, II and III). As manual flashes only, these models have no TTL capability. Both the YN560EX and YN560 IV are compatible with RF-602, RF-603, and RF-605. The YN560 models are guide number (GN) 58. The YN560 IV introduces a new internal receiver system, which makes it compatible with Yongnuo’s RF-603 / RF-605 triggers and the YN560-TX controller. This inbuilt receiver system means that with the YN560 there is no need for a separate receiver underneath the flash. The YN560 range is all powered by AA batteries and are compatible with most camera brands that feature metal hot shoes.
The YN660 Speedlight manual flashes are another universal option that is compatible with most cameras as well as the RF-602, RF-603, RF-605 and the YN560-TX Controller. The YN660 models have a higher guide number rating of GN60 and are also operated by AA batteries.
YN720 and YN860 are both similar models in terms of controls and features. The main difference is their battery type and size. Both of these models are operated by a lithium-ion battery, which means you will get more flashes and a faster recycle time. Of the two, the YN720 has the larger sized battery. From the YN860 you will get 700 full powered flashes before needing a recharge. From the YN720 you will get 750 full power flashes, with a 1.5 second recycle time. The YN720 also has a larger LCD screen.
Yongnuo Speedlight TTL Flashes – YN565, YN568 and YN685
Yongnuo’s TTL flashes have both slave and master capabilities and modes to select from. In the YN565 models, the range includes both Nikon and Canon versions with three different models for each brand (I, II and II). This model is for slave TTLs only, so you will need a master flash such as the YN568 or similar from Canon or Nikon to use in TTL mode. YN565s are GN 58 and operated by AA batteries.
The YN568 EX is a full power master TTL flash and has been released in three versions (I, II and III). The YN568 TTL flashes are compatible with the YN622 system, Canon and Nikon cameras, and are very similar to flashes released by these named brands. YN568 are GN58 and operated by AA batteries.
The YN685 models offer both manual and TTL trigger compatibility. This larger TTL model is also compatible with both Canon and Nikon cameras. It features a built-in YN622 receiver with selectable groups and channels. YN685 are GN60 and operated by AA batteries.
Yongnuo Speedlight Wireless – YN600, YN686 and YN968
The YN600EX-RT (I and II) is compatible with Canon RT wireless systems and the YN-E3-RT controller. This means you can shoot them off camera without needing a receiver underneath. This model has been released in two versions – the YN600 EX-RT I and the YN600 EX-RT II. Version II introduced the Canon optical wireless master mode feature. Both models are GN60 with high-speed sync up to 1/8000s. They are powered by AA batteries with a recycle time of around two seconds.
The next step up is the YN686EX-RT. This flash also has high-speed sync up to 1/8000s, GN60 and can be operated in TTL mode. The main difference with this model is that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. This gives you an improved recycle time of 1.5 seconds and 600 full power flashes.
The latest model is the YN968EX-RT. The features in this model are similar to the YN686EX-RT, however, the unit is powered by AA batteries. An additional component is an LED light at the front of the flash which can be utilized as a modelling light, to assist autofocus or as continuous light in low light situations.
If you’re still unsure, we’ve compiled all the technical specifications of each Speedlite in these handy Yongnuo flash comparison tables.
|
YONGNUO - MANUAL |
YN560EX |
YN560III |
YN560IV |
YN860Li |
YN720 |
|
Guide Number |
58 |
58 |
58 |
60 |
60 |
|
TTL |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Variable Power |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
|
Coverage |
14 – 105mm |
18 – 105mm |
18 – 105mm |
24 – 200mm |
14-200mm |
|
Zoom |
24 – 105mm |
24 – 200mm |
20 – 200mm |
20 – 200mm |
20-200mm |
|
Recycle |
3 secs |
3 secs |
3 secs |
1.5 secs |
1.5 secs |
|
Duration |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 secs |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
|
Groups/Channels |
3/4 |
n/a |
3 / 16 |
6 / 16 |
6/16 |
|
Battery |
4x AA |
4x AA |
4x AA |
1x Lithium Ion |
1 x Lithium Ion |
|
Weight |
320g |
350g |
350g |
404g |
417g |
|
YONGNUO - NIKON |
YN565EX |
YN568EX |
YN685 |
YN968N |
|
Guide Number |
58 |
58 |
60 |
60 |
|
TTL |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Variable Power |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
|
Coverage |
– |
– |
20 – 200mm |
14 – 105mm |
|
Zoom |
24 – 105mm |
24 – 105mm |
20 – 200mm |
20 – 105mm |
|
Recycle |
3 secs |
3 secs |
3 secs |
3 secs |
|
Duration |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
|
Groups/Channels |
3/4 |
3/4 |
6 / 7 |
6 / 16 |
|
Battery |
4x AA |
4x AA |
4x AA |
4x AA |
|
Weight |
380g |
350g |
426g |
435g |
|
YONGNUO - CANON |
YN565EX II |
YN568EX II |
YN600EX RT II |
YN685 |
YN968EX RT |
YN686EX RT |
|
Guide Number |
58 |
58 |
60 |
60 |
60 |
60 |
|
TTL |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Variable Power |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
1/1 – 1/128 |
|
Coverage |
– |
– |
14 – 200mm |
20 – 200mm |
14 – 104mm |
14 – 200mm |
|
Zoom |
24 – 105mm |
24 – 105mm |
20 – 200mm |
20 – 200mm |
20 – 105mm |
20 – 200mm |
|
Recycle |
3 secs |
3 secs |
3 secs |
3 secs |
3 secs |
1.5 secs |
|
Duration |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
1/200 – 1/20,000 |
|
Groups/Channels |
3 / 4 |
3 / 4 |
5 / 15 |
6 / 7 |
5 / 15 |
3 / 5 |
|
Battery |
4x AA |
4x AA |
4x AA |
4x AA |
4x AA |
1x Lithium Ion |
|
Weight |
380g |
350g |
430g |
426g |
435g |
436g |
View our full range of Yongnuo Speedlight flashes here.
