| Author: | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: Russia,Moscow Posts: 377 | | Review Date: December 2, 2015 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | All written above | | Cons: | Terrible, horrible mounting on K5 + Battery Door | |
Well, a lot of said above except of two things.
I have both 560 III and IV.
1. Horrible mounting on Hot Shoe. It is ratlling, not fixed. It seems that does not g to the very end of HotShoe due to small plastic piece far in front. Additionally, when making photos, wheel for fixing on hotshoe keeps irritating eyebrow.
2. Battery door. Common problem, bag fell aside and on 560 III door needs replacement. Waiting spare to come from China.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2013 Posts: 306 | | Review Date: September 22, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $70.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Power,cheap,good,easy handling | | Cons: | No pttl | |
Very good flash with super value for money. Maybe there is better manual flashes but is it even needed to be better, this is so good really. If not use for while even its power on then first pic is so much underexposed but thats only con for this low price manual flash. New versions have even build in radiotrigger, no need tocarry extra recevers, anyway idonot have those new models cos i have triggers
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: December, 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Posts: 1,657 | | Review Date: February 8, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $48.99
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Powerful, solid build, decent recycle time, quick to adjust | | Cons: | ...well it's a manual flash... so I guess that's a con, maybe | |
I bought this new on Amazon for the above-listed price. The price tends to fluctuate regularly, especially now that version II of this flash is available. Note that version II isn't any more powerful, it just has an LCD display. I personally prefer the simpler display of this first version, since I can see what power level it's set to at a glance. I find that the LCD display of version II is impossible to view at any angles other than "straight on".
I also own a Metz 58 AF2 (Pentax PTTL version). Most of the time, I far prefer this manual flash over the fancy Metz. The only time I use the Metz is when I need a quick fill flash in PTTL mode for a scene. But when I'm lighting things creatively, PTTL is more of a hassle than anything else, and the Metz makes manual adjustments a huge pain in the rear with their retarded menu navigation structure. This YN 560 makes manual adjustments so fast and easy, it's like a dream come true.
I did a comparison between the Metz 58 AF2 and the YN 560, and it turns out the YN 560 is actually the slightest bit brighter than the Metz 58 AF2 at full power (by about half a stop). They both have the same zoom range, except the Metz's wide angle diffuser gives it a wider range at the widest end.
Oddly, the Metz in servo mode will NOT respond to flashes from the YN 560, but the YN 560 DOES respond to flashes from the Metz. Very confusing, that. But both flashes will happily respond to my K-5's pop-up flash, so creative lighting is very easy to setup without any fancy gadgets.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2010 Location: Hueytown, Alabama Posts: 1,508 | | Review Date: February 1, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $41.99
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Price,Build Quality,Power | | Cons: | Only one I can think of is the lock does not lock on my K-5 | |
Bought off Ebay used but never actually used and will be watching for good deals on others because it is exactly what it claims to be a great manual flash. One thing I was really impressed with is the build it makes my Pentax 360 feel like a toy Pentax should steal the battery door design from them because it is much better than what they use now. The second thing that impressed me was the power I now use it exclusively for my macro set up because I can use it at 1/2 power and 1 stop slower F stop than I can with AF360 plus it recycles much quicker.The only problem I have is for some reason the lock will not lock it down on my K-5 but that is no major issue. Would recommend to anyone that needs a good manual flash.
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2009 Location: United States Posts: 23
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $70.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Powerful, flexible, inexpensive | | Cons: | None | |
Lets makes something clear up front – this is NOT a PTTL, TTL or otherwise automated in any way strobe. It is 100% manual. If fires light when directed at the strength directed with the level of zoom directed. You direct it, manually, by pressing buttons. It is old old old school and not much different that how the vast majority of moonlights work. You can adjust using a dedicated light meter or by shoot-adjust-shoot method. Personally I do both – I use a light meter to get the rough settings and then adjust using the EV adjustments in camera.
I know others have questioned the strength of these but I will tell you they are strong. I use mine with a Fotodiox 32x48 in softbox and I can light subjects just fine at 50%. I have also used mine to shoot items in a light tent and the are more than adequate. Finally, I have used them outdoors to overpower the sun – again no problem. I own three, all bought at the same time, and have had no issues. As others have said the test buttons are tight – not a bad thing most of the time.
If you are looking for a PTTL strobe, don’t buy these. If you are uncomfortable with doing manual light adjustments, look else ware. But if you are looking for an extremely powerful and extremely flexible strobe that you can purchase for 1/3 what a comparable strength TTL will cost, you cant go wrong with the YN560 (or the 560 II).
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2009 Location: Southeast USA Posts: 390
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 19, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $45.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Inexpensive, powerful, features, | | Cons: | interface | |
EDIT June 2013:
I have downgraded my rating from 10 to 9 because the screw lock mechanism doesn't seem to work very well. Sometimes this flash fails to go off because the mechanism doesn't tighten the flash down tight enough. If you accidentally bump the flash, it apparently looses connection and you have to fiddle a bit to get it seated properly. I have noticed this problem using the YN-560 both on-camera and with my Cactus V5s. Still a great flash for the value, although I see that prices are now back to $70. [/edit]
I am very pleased with these. I divested myself of my Metz 48 and used the funds to purchase off-camera lighting equipment, including two YN 560s. I was slightly concerned about the quality control of Yongnuo, as I'd read about many item failures.
So far, so good. I've had them for a couple of weeks and they have been reliable. I've used manual and slave 1 mode the most (can't use slave 2 so can't comment on that) and they have been great. It never fails to fire on optical slave so really you only need one trigger/receiver combo for most applications.
I really like the power cycle tone, although I can see how that could get annoying. Luckily I believe you can turn it off easily. Other things I like, but aren't worth many words: metal shoe mount; flash stand included; tilt/swivel
Cons:
- I don't mind the LED power indicator too much, but it would've been nice if zoom settings were indicated clearly, but as it is, you have to press one of the zoom +/- buttons to see your zoom level. But a dedicated LED row for zoom probably would've cost more, so this is a very small con.
- I'm not too fond of having to hold down the power button to turn on/off but perhaps they did this to prevent accidental on/offs. Again, very small con.
Summary: these are GREAT manual flashes! If you are looking to get into off-camera lighting, or have mostly/all manual lenses, get this flash. It's a great use of $45.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: October, 2010 Posts: 1,229 | | Review Date: April 21, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $105.00
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | Price, power, simple controls, intuitive | | Cons: | none | |
I'm very impressed with this flash - in fact, so much that I now turn to my Metz 58 AF-II and wonder why that flash costs that much more. Sure it more functions, but the build quality (of YN560) in particular feels superb in comparison.
The YN560 literally feels like it could take some beating and still hold while my Metz feels more fragile. Even the stand is better.
Power output is great and pretty much on par (seemingly) with my Metz.
I'm very satisfied and can highly recommend this flash.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: November, 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 188
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 4, 2012 | Not Recommended | Price: $70.00
| Rating: 1 |
| Pros: | Power | | Cons: | Died after a couple of months of moderate use | |
I have purchased this one from Tomtop thru their Fleebay store.
The flash worked fine for a few months, then it died, completely - no sign of life whatsoever. I wrote to Tomtop a few times asking for a replacement. When they finally answered, they said that I have to send the broken unit back to them at my cost. I have send it with a note attached. I didn't hear back for several months. After few more emails they ancknowledged that they have received my unit. They said they would send me the replacement flash and email me with the package tracking number. That was SIX MONTH AGO. Since then they do not reply to my emails (I have sent a few).
Unless you are willing to consider it a short term, disposable item, DO NOT BUY THIS FLASH.
If you decide to buy it, pick the reputable seller and get extended warranty if available!
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: December, 2010 Location: Manila Posts: 2,185 | | Review Date: January 10, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $75.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | power, swivel, wireless modes, recycle time | | Cons: | no AF assist beam, interface initially confusing | |
For a manual flash, this cheapo takes the cake. Lots of power control for lighting makes it one of the best portable flashguns out there for make-do inexpensive studio kits. One of the best reasons to say that price and performance can go hand in hand.
I haven't tried syncing with cord yet but as far as hotshoe and wireless goes this flash has done its job beautifully well for me and continues to do so. The manual zooming head is useful as I sometimes use it also as a weak snoot. Recycle time with eneloops is very fast, I've fired as far as 4fps on my K-x with all first 4 shots firing at half power successfully.
As for build, I can't say much but it does seem a bit flimsy (though a bit sturdier than my Sigma EF430ST). It's ok as long as it can sit on the hotshoe without loosening up. The head locks nicely at good angles for bounce flash and easy to turn also but not easy enough to not feel it locking at all.
It's actually done better than my EF430ST and I use it more often, almost all the time. The overheat protection feature is also good (as it saved me and the flash itself from almost getting fried a couple of times).
Only major negative point I see with it is that it can't assist you in focusing in the dark. 
here's a sample shot :  | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: May, 2009 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Posts: 827 | | Review Date: January 3, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $65.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Price, simple controls, 2 optical slave modes | | Cons: | Test button is very hard to press | |
There's not much to say that hasn't been said above.
I have only used these as off-camera optical slaves in both modes. The first mode flashes on the first flash, the second ignores the PTTL preflash and flashes with the main. Both modes work great.
The build quality is good, and I've had no issues with these rolling around in my lighting kit bag.
The controls are simple and intuitive. The only complaint I could make is the button for testing the flash is very hard to press, but it works.
I wouldn't be happy with this as a main flash, but for the price and for what I use it for, it is nearly perfect.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: June, 2009 Location: British Columbia Posts: 146 | | Review Date: December 5, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $52.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Solid build, great manual adjustment range, price | | Cons: | Only -90 swivel, movement to soft between -7 and 30 degree bounce | |
I purchased this from a shop in Hong Kong 8 months ago, and it has been a faithful companion ever since. The build quality is a major plus because it is anything but fragile. The manual power settings make getting the exposure set quick and easy. The nice loud beep when the flash is charged between shots is so handy. If it wasn't for the PTTL on my Sigma 530 ST, I would have pitched it and bought another YN560. The only complaint I have is when I have an accessory attached to the head it isn't damped enough to hold itself up between positive stops on the bounce angles.
Definitely not a flagship model with bells and whistles, but a steady performer with a fast recharge and great output. No issues recommending this flash.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: April, 2009 Location: port townsend, wa Posts: 968
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 1, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $64.50
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Good build quality, adjustable output and zoom, inexpensive | | Cons: | Some quality control issues | |
Forget the reviews that complain that this flash doesn't do PTTL. It is advertised as a manual flash. Anybody who doesn't know what that means doesn't understand flash photography. Manual means that all settings are user dependent and not controlled through the camera's exposure system. There are advantages to both systems, though manual flashes require a bit more knowledge from the photographer. There's even a group of flash photography adherents, Strobists, that prefer manual flashes. I don't understand problems with this and the K-5. Mine works great on both my K-5 and K20D, both with the hot shoe and as an optical slave. Rant over.
Pros: Build quality is surprisingly good, especially considering the price of this flash. It comes with a flash stand and a nice cloth bag. It has wide ranging control of flash output and adjustment for width of the thrown light. There's a built in diffuser and bounce card. It works with Pentax remote flash system (non-PTTL). Since it's built to the same external specs as the Canon 580, it's easy to get a good fitting diffuser box for the flash. It tilts and swivels. Refresh rate is pretty good with NiMH batteries, less so with alkaline ones. Controls are reasonably intuitive and straightforward to use. Light output appears to be consistent. The flash has a metal hot shoe mount, and a good mount lock to keep the flash in its shoe. It offers the best bang for the buck of any flash I know of.
Cons: The unit will shut down from overheating after 6-8 full power flashes shot at the fastest refresh rate. The unit won't fire again for up to a minute as it cools. I understand that there have been quality control issues with this flash, especially the early production models. Fortunately, my copy works well. I would recommend buying from a vendor that you know accepts returns, though that's true for any product.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2009 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 507 | | Review Date: July 19, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $80.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | powerful, swivel head, fast refresh rate, | | Cons: | no lcd on back, settings are a bit confusing, non-PTTL | |
For the price these are going for this is a very powerful flash unit. The head has full swivel capabilities and the flash comes with a handy stand and a swanky velvet storage bag. The controls on the back can be a bit confusing at times without an LCD screen and the instruction manual is a bit vague as well. Once you get everything figured out this flash is top notch for the price. If they would have figured out TTL, I would have gave this a 10.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Canberra Posts: 739 | | Review Date: July 18, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $65.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Powerful and Cheap | | Cons: | Some QC Concerns | |
Fantastic Manual flash for the price. About to order my 3rd!
There have been some commented issues re QC - But I've personally not experienced any failures
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: April, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 528
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 7, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $65.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | affordable, zoom, swivel, 1/8 ev increments down to 1/128th | | Cons: | stiff pilot button, squeeky tilt, reliability | |
This flash gives a lot of power (38 meters GN at ISO 100 & 35mm) for little money. It has some nice features, besides swivel, like: zoom, full manual control down to 1/128th power in 1/8 ev increments, built in bounce card and wide angle thingy.
I paid $65 including shipping for this flash, fulfilled and shipped from Amazon; This is nice because if I have problems with this flash during the first 30 days, I get a full refund from Amazon and free shipping to return it. This is important because a HUGE percentage of these flashes are defective when you receive them or fail after a few days. The first YN-560 I got from Amazon, was in fact mechanically defective. I returned that to Amazon, no questions asked, and I got a refund--then proceeded to order a new one. (I have had it for a week now and hasn't given me any problems besides the slight squeekiness in the tilt and of course the stiff pilot button--but you can't get around this unless there is a mod for it.)
I'd recommend this item if you can't afford a better, more reliable flash; or if you are patient enough to keep returning defective ones until you get one you THINK might last.
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