Using the YN685 Speedlight with YN622C-TX Triggers

How to sync the YN685 with the YN622C-TX flash trigger. The YN-622C-TX controller also works with the Canon 580EX II speedlight as well as the 430EX II Speedlight. Visit my site at frankwhitephoto...
Correction: Time mark : 00:50 says you may use it as an Optical Slave. You can use it as a Radio Slave only.
Opening Music - Ketsa
Closing Music - Jesse Spillane

[@rickmiller1840]

Every time I forget how to use my Yongnuo flash I watch your video. EVERY TIME!! Thank you!

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Awesome! Glad to be of help.

[@arthurwomack843]

Frank - you saved my sanity! The UPS man showed up with my new YN 685 and YN 622 TX yesterday and I nearly went crazy trying to sync them. I found your video and within 3 minutes I was on my way. Thank you!

[@sunejonker1111]

The same!! Thank you soooo much Frank!

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

3 years later, how is it going with your photography?

[@jazzmanjuyod1]

Thanks Frank. Excellent explanation.

[@girlrunner531]

This was AWESOME - I wish I would have found it 5 hours ago!

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Glad it was useful. Thanks.

[@yousinglikmanchester]

Hi Frank! I'm planning to buy this big boy, d'you know if that would work off camera on my nikon d800 with a 622N-TX transmitter ? Amazon's description doesn't show up my camera between the compatibilities. Please heeelp!

[@b991228]

Your video is very helpful because it doesn’t take long to realize that the Yongnuo technicians who wrote the product manual could use some additional work on their second language.

[@ProjectSax]

Getting better man!

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Thanks!

[@shadyninja1]

Can this do HSS on Nikon d500

[@karlfajardogarcia4422]

I REALLY need some help, when i push the MODE button, it doesn´t recognize de YN622 TX slave. I don´t see it. What else can i do to fix it? Any ideas, please?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

I hope you've gotten the help you need with your YN622. Apologies for the 6 month delay in replying.

[@karlfajardogarcia4422]

@@VirtualAviationAviator No worries, I managed it by myself, thanks for asking!

[@cynziao1]

Thanks! Finally a tutorial that tells me how to sync! Do you have a tutorial on using the other features of the speed light such as controlling the amount of light?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Thanks Cindy, I'm glad you for the video useful. If you are using the speedlight with a Canon, ETTL should dial in the correct exposure settings for you. I have more lighting tutorials on the todo list, so they will be coming soon.

[@ministories52]

Frank White Hi Frank. How do I set the yn685 on optical slave? Thanks.

[@lizelleoberholzer1402]

Thanks for the video Frank. I also heard Frank speak about an optical slave, but dont think the yn685 feature an optical slave? I would so like to be wrong.

[@robertblackadar7246]

ministories there is no optical slave on the YN685

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Robert is correct. The speedlight doesn't support optical slave. I've annotated the video to correct that piece of misinformation. Thanks to all that chimed in and corrected that information in the comments.

[@nordrichinds7775]

So I need this other device besides the trigger to get it to work with my flash? What a drag.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

You need the trigger only if you want to use the flash off-camera. No trigger is needed if the flash is mounted on the camera.

[@GuidoLikesPigs]

Thanks! This was extremely helpful!!

[@MorrLee]

Thanks for this video. The sync was so simple. Happy New Year's

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Glad it was helpful.

[@GeorgeTorres]

I finally got 4 of these. I set the group and now i set them all to group A. Testing buttons switches them to the last used group. How do I reset them?

[@MorrLee]

Hi Frank, how do you increase the power of the speedlight?

[@wintersthrall]

Thank you so much for this video! I own a YN685, but was unsure if purchasing just one unit and attaching it to my camera (Nikon d610) would work. Now I know it will. I also won’t need to read the manual before my first shoot - I can just watch you! Off-body flash is the way to go to give people at events who wear glasses photos they’re as happy with as everyone else.

[@elvisoscar4167]

Hi Frank, thanks for the tutorial. I have tried using my YN622C-TX along with the YN622C RX on my Canon 7D camera with Neewer NW985C speedlite. It works badly. It doesn't fire well. The flash output is very low across the entire range from 1/1 power down to 1/128 power. When I shot at anything from f/3.5 to f/16 for better DOF the whole image is dark. I don't use sync cords. I connect via the device hotshoe. However, when I place the flash on my Canon 7D camera to shoot via the hotshoe, the flash fires normally. What could be the problem? Is it syncing issue? Please, I need help.

[@raemarshmusic]

Thanks for making this video I was worried I wouldn't find my specific equipment together so thanks again

[@nathaliewoodruff1496]

Do you have a video on the transceiver 622c II transceiver?

[@SamFerlauto]

Just letting people know that you can UPDATE the YN685N via the YN622N-TX controller. I did it with no issues I also believe this is the same procedure for the Canon version Download the files you need from www.hkyongnuo.com/e-detaily.php?ID=377 (Nikon Version) Then unzip all the files (Installer & Firmware) , Install the updater and run. I updated using my YN622N-TX unit ( V1.08) *******NOTE: you may need to upgrade your controller to the latest version to put it in YN685 upgrade mode • Turn off YN622N-TX. • Connect the N-TX to your Windows PC via a USB Micro-B cable (not supplied) • Hold down [GROUP] and turn the N-TX on again. ------->>>>>>The N-TX displays ------>>>>>> yn | 685 | up. • Device information should change from "Disconnect" to "Connect"in the Updater window, e.g. * ON THE YN685 Flash • Press [Mode] on the YN685 and at the same time turn it ON to enter wireless upgrade mode. •On the Installer software Click "Browse..." to navigate to the required “.dfu” version, and open. Mine was 1.2.F and have updated to Version 1.3.3 • Check that the firmware version is as expected, then click [Start]. ***** NOTE: The blue link led will start to flash and also change colour at times until the process has finished (took about 15 seconds) • When completed, the Updater will show e.g. “* updated successfully”. -------->>>> The flash will re-start automatically, using the new version. • Turn off the N-TX and disconnect USB cable. • Close updater window and your done Hope this helps you guys

[@lizelleoberholzer1402]

Why do one have to upgrade please? Any advantages?

[@allieterrill3198]

Oh my gosh THANK YOU SO MUCH. This was extremely helpful. .

[@HarunRashid-fo3jx]

do any radio trigger available in market that support yn685 Nikon mount. (like yne3rt for yn600exrt canon mount). I am looking for Speed light for my Nikon d810 with lightweight radio trigger. in future I will buy one more 685 viewing a radio trigger which can trigger both 685 off camera.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Yongnuo usually release speedlights and triggers for both Canon and Nikon. Here is a Nikon version of the YN 685 www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1247484-REG/yongnuo_yn685_n_yn685_wireless_ttl_speedlite.html Hope this helps!

[@allentay]

I use a Nikon d5300. Please I need your help. I have just bought a YN685 speed light, a YN622N transreciever and YN622N-TX. I want to use the YN685 speed light as my on camera flash and my Nikon SB 700 as my off camera flash using the Y622N and YN622-TN. Please what are the necessary steps to set this up.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Hi allentay, If you put your YN685 in the mode shown in the video, mount your SB700 on the YN622N, you should be able to control both lights with the YN622N-TX mounted on your camera.

[@allentay]

Thanks for ur response. it works fine if i hv the YN622-TX on the camera and the YN685 and SB700 on YN622N off camera . However what i want is the YN685 speedlight on my Nikon D5300 and my SB 700 on YN622N off camera. which for unknown reasons they r not communicating with each other when i press the camera trigger. Even though they r in the came channel and group and the YN685 is set to reciever trigger mode.

[@eusouwaldyrsantos]

Excelente Vídeo..! Parabéns..! (São Paulo/Brasil)

[@malehr6]

Thank you ! I will buy the trigger right now! I already have that flash ! Thanks!

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Awesome. Thanks for commenting.

[@devendraviashnav]

Sir I purchased both after watching your video. You have provided every necessary information in very digestable manner. Thank you for preparing such in informative video. Can we use yn685 as slave? If yes, how?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Thank you for commenting. I'm delighted you found the video useful.

[@devendraviashnav]

@@VirtualAviationAviator Thank yoh for your prompt reply. How i use yn685 in slavemode?

[@luchomaron]

I saw 10 videos and nobody show how to pair it. You did in two seconds, thank you so much.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Glad to be of help.

[@1992Jie]

Thanks for the video. I have 2 questions concerning Yn622tx and Yn685flash . Q1If I get a YN685, and a YN622 TX. I put my YN622TX on my camera, my YN685 flash on a stand. Attach 2 RF603 on 2 strobe lights, can I fire them all at the same time when I take a picture? And does my YN685 has to be on manual mode? Q2: For taking selfies with YN685, can I just hold a YN622TX and take pictures or do I have to leave YN622TX on the camera's hot shoe and get a camera remote??

[@HarunRashid-fo3jx]

do any radio trigger available in market that support yn685 Nikon mount. (like yne3rt for yn600exrt canon mount). I am looking for Speed light for my Nikon d810 with lightweight radio trigger. in future I will buy one more 685 viewing a radio trigger which can trigger both 685 off camera.

[@floex831]

I recently purchased this set up and 2 YN622Ns, and have shot 2 weddings with it. I put one on the YongNuo YN685 and one on my Nikon SB-900, and they are VERY reliable. The only thing is that I felt that the batteries depleted on the 685 more quickly than the Nikon SB-900. But it may have been the batteries. Other than that, I love the YongNuo, they feel very solidly built. In particular the YN685 speed-light feels a little tougher than my Nikon SB-900, that's just my opinion. In a year's time, I hope to know whether I will continue to purchase YongNuo speed-lights or stick with the first party. I've had my SB-900 for some time and it's been reliable through and through. But for the amount that I bought the SB-900, I could have purchased 6 YongNuos, and if they last as long as my SB-900 has, then I will no longer purchase first party branded speed-lights.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

I agree. The YN system is reliable in my experience. I dropped one of my YN speedlights one too many times and broke the pull out diffuser. It's a shame I could find no one to fix such a small issue; I couldn't, I tried. The replacement YN speedlight I bought was defective but I didn't realize it till after the store return period. I'm going to buy another to replace the 2 speedlights just mentioned and I'll still would not have spent the money I would have spent for one comparable Canon speedlight.

[@markharris5771]

floex831 I use the Godox pb960 and the Godox pb820 with mine and they last all day. I know it's another £175 investment for the two, but the 960 can run two speedlights on its own or the pb820 was about £80. I know this is a lot more money to lay out but they do take way a lot of worry and I found I got about a full stop more light. If you are using them every weekend it could be worth the money in the long run.

[@oyiephotography6572]

can it be youngnuo 685 s1 s2 mode without triggers?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Not sure of your question. Thanks.

[@danielsosperrey]

Es posible dos camaras cada una con disparador 622tx sincronizados a un solo flash????

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Sí. Puede tener un control de disparo de hasta cuatro flashes. Perdona mi español. Estoy usando Gtranslate.

[@Kasper_UK]

Thank you for the great information :) Should i buy the YN568 or the YN685? I cant find any conclusion on which one is best. Also, does the batteries deplete fast on the YN685? I am just an amateur/hobby photographer, and maybe I dont need as many shots per set of charged batteries as pros does, however I would just like to know if it is useless. Plan to use the IKEA LADDA 2400ma batteries (Should be comparable to the Eneloop Pros) Thank you for your time!

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Hi Kasper. Both are great speedlights. If you plan to use the speedlight to trigger other speedlights in optical mode, then you'll need to lean toward the 568ex II. However, you'll need to use transceivers with the 568 (transceivers - transmit and receive radio signals). The YN685 has a built in receiver so you'll only need a transmitter or transceiver. When I broke my YN568, I opted for the 685 rather than replacing it with another 568 (even though at the time I thought it supported the optical master/slave functions). I don't regret getting the 685 one bit. Thanks for your compliment.

[@GeorgeTorres]

Do you have any photo example of people you have photographed with these? I been looking everywhere and I don't know how they come out.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

I've used flash in most of my photography, even when shooting outside. see frankwhitephotography.com

[@GeorgeTorres]

@@VirtualAviationAviator I don’t think it odds iPhone friendly. When I get a chance I’ll look on a computer

[@sebaciclon20]

hii! very usefull information, i have a question, how works without trigger, only with the built in flash of the camera to shot to distance? thanks!!

[@AnitaAML]

THANKS Frank. That was a great help.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Very welcome

[@ericabernethy9494]

Thank you Frank, you got me started.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Glad to have been helpful. Keep shooting no matter what.

[@petelarson5105]

Great video Frank. Can you share with us what camera and lens you used to shoot this video? It has a very pleasing background blur. Thanks.

[@tusharpatel4483]

what about highs speed sync?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

I'm glad you asked that question. I have plans to do a high speed sync video on my to do list. I'll move it up closer to the top of the list. In the meantime, the YN685 fully supports HSS.

[@ssvman100]

The 685 is not an optical slave. The 600 ex- rt is though.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

You're right. I didn't realize it wasn't an optical slave until I tried setting up optical after I posted the video. Thanks for clearing that up.

[@ssvman100]

I just purchased a nikon and was hoping to use it in commander mode. I ended up buying the radio transmitter for the 685. It will still fire my 600 ex-rts as they work in optical mode so all is not lost:)

[@ebrahemmh]

2 questions please. First I need a flash that measure the distance from the subject to get the proper exposure. Just like the sb900. Second which one of these flashes do you recommend 660 "not ettl" / 685 / or 600 Thanks.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Hi Dr. Habibeh, TTL, which means Through the lens., automatically meters and set the flash power exposure for you. The principle is the same for both Nikon and Canon versions of the YN685 speedlight. The answer to your 2nd question is a more difficult. Since I shoot Canon equipment I want from my Yongnuo speedlights similar capabilities I get from the Canon branded speedlights. I'm quite happy with the YN 685 since it serves my purpose, hence I would have no problem recommending it. However, if you intend to shoot with manual speedlights (in manual mode only) the YN 685 might be a little "overkill".

[@44swiss]

Thanks for the syncing info.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

I'm delighted the information was useful. Thank you for commenting.

[@ΣπύροςΧατζησταυράκης]

i have the YN685...im very happy with it but i have a question...its my first ttl flash and i dont have other experience...when for example i shoot at night and the object is in the center the ttl works perfect but when the focused object(person) is on side (center of image is dark), object is over exposed by the flash...i understand the ttl flash metering the center of the image..it is not happen with the popup flash..is there any solution? i have d3300, thanks!

[@wintersthrall]

Σπύρος Χατζησταυράκης I’m guessing this has to do with the autofocus on the d3300 (I have one, which I began learning dslr photography with too). Probably setting AF to single point with the point moved to the center of interest for the shot will adjust the flash’s power correctly automatically in i-TTL mode. A quick fix is to reduce the YN685’s power manually by -1 to -3 though. Keep going!

[@wintersthrall]

You can also adjust the area the camera’s light metering pulls from, from center-maybe there’s the problem-to central third, to whole area.

[@ele4853]

Goo job sir! do you know how to use the RF 603 to sync with this flash?

[@nigeljordan5560]

Hello I'm having a problem with my yn 685 flash i can't get the af assist beam to turn on when flash is on camera, i also have the yn622c-tx wireless flash controller when the flash is on the controller the af assist beam works on the controller. I have the af assist beam enabled on camera and flash, it's on solo shot and center weighted. I bought the 685 and returned it i have a new flash and still the same problem.

[@TheCohibaguy]

nigel jordan I have this system for nikon and on mine the camera's built in af assist needs to be off and the focusing mode on single not continuous. sorry if this doesn't help but I noticed you had asked this a month ago with no replies as yet so thought any advice would be better than none.

[@tusharpatel4483]

Thanks for reply, i was planning to buy this kit to perform wireless hss with 622c controller so is it possible with only controller, or you need reciver also?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Yes. You will need a transmitter to transmit the radio signal to the flash. The receiver is built in so you won't need to buy or mount a second device. I've learned that the YN685 does not support the optical (infrared) signals. In short, all you'll need is the controller which can be the 622c. FYI - the 622c is a transceiver - it's both a transmitter and a receiver.

[@bernhardtsen74]

bought the 560iv last month and found out that the 685 actually can high speed sync off camera which is pretty nice for the price!I got a 600 watts wireless flash but it weighs 5 kilos and almost kills the stand its on every time I use it!

[@bernhardtsen74]

just ordered this setup showed in this episode!cant wait to try it out!

[@JohnFooteClayton]

OK Frank, I bought two based on your recommendation.

[@trilly56]

Thanks Frank! the information was very helpful. couldn't understand the instructions that came with them

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Glad you found the information useful. Hope you'll (you've) subscribe(d). Thanks for commenting.

[@dhirajshetty483]

well done Frank ! i m in the process of buying a YN685 ... if i have any doubts i ll surely look you up !

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Thank you Dhiraj. Your feedback is appreciated.

[@antoniopetrovski7642]

Awesome video mr, thanks for taking your time and uploading. Quick question I have. Can I use this yn685 and the trigger on my d750 for off camera flash? Or I would need another trigger mounted on the camera?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Antonio Petrovski. I do not think the speed light for Canon is compatible with Nikon Cameras. Thanks.

[@antoniopetrovski7642]

Frank White I believe they have the YN 685 for Nikon as well. Just I’m not sure if the YN 685 with the wireless YN 622 can be used for HSS off camera flash? Or I would need additional triggers

[@MrDools123]

youre the man FRANK

[@maxc5454]

hi frank i just got the canon 80d will the yn-685 work with ttl what do you recommend ttl or manual mod i plan to start on the camera first then try your video thank you robert

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Congratulations Max. The 80d is a great camera. You'll get years of great photos with it. Since you're just starting TTL might be the best way to start. If the camera/flash system gets the exposure wrong you can switch to manual to make exposure adjustments. When flash exposure values become clearer you can try switching to manual. Hope you'll join this community.

[@maxc5454]

thank you in manual mode on the yn685 is there starting point power out put to start thank you

[@stvnspncr]

Thanks Frank for sharing!

[@craigbreedlove18]

Thanks, Frank

[@paulchristiancarbo1792]

Is the YN622C-TX Trigger compatible with the Nikon D3100?

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

No. You'll need the YN622N-TX.

[@paulchristiancarbo1792]

thank you

[@kitangalaherman6861]

thanks for sharing

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

My pleasure. Thank for commenting.

[@Rajbhoot1]

you explain it simple and easy, Awesome.

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Thank you Furqan for the feedback.

[@emmanuelowusu-prempeh2151]

Please is this speedlite and trigger compatible with canon 80d pls

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Yes, it's fully compatible with your 80d.

[@emmanuelowusu-prempeh2151]

thank you and God bless

[@michaelgruich4704]

Thanks Frank!

[@skyrocker71]

thank u , awesome info

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

Thank you Leo, for commenting. As long as I get eyeballs on my work, I'll keep the videos coming.