Off camera flash with Yongnuo YN685 speedlite & YN622N-TX

#Strobist #Yongnuo #YN685 #Speedlite #YN622
My first baby steps in terms of learning how to control light with flashes. My thoughts on the Yongnuo YN685 and YN622N-TX, the storbists and what you need of flash gear to get started.
If you want to read a great blog regarding flash photography, it is right here:
strobist.blogs...
PS: The YN685 with Lithium-ion powered batteries is named YN686.
Notice:
YN622N-TX is for Nikon.
YN622C-TX is for Canon.

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Another great video 👍 I took up photography at the beginning of 2018 and realised after watching many you tube videos that I needed to add lighting to my arsenal, so in July I decided to buy my first speed light and a trigger. Like you I shoot Nikon and opted for neewer from Amazon and paid about £75 for both flash and trigger, this system works from godox and is a branded version. I went for the lithium version and the battery lasts an eternity, so far have never had a problem with either. I have since added a second speed light, this time a purchased a godox and this works with my neewer trigger and flash. I couldn’t be happier.

[@frederikboving]

Thanks Garry! Sounds like you found a good way forward; I still have parts of that journey in front of me :-D Sounds like we have been through the same study-other-youtube-videos process and reached the same conclusion: lighting needs to be part of the arsenal if you want to grow as photographer! Good to know I am not alone in this - thank you for your constructive feedback :-)

[@b991228]

One of the advantages of working with a flash is that if you are taking a photo of a subject in front of a window with a background of outside environment you can set the ambient exposure of the window outside and use the flash to correctly expose the subject inside. Only in extremely rare instances where indoor and outdoor exposure are identical you would not be able to capture a decent image without a flash. As for people’s complaining about the Yongnuo it might be because this model is often the user’s first model. It takes a while for the beginner to learn the ins and outs of mastering flash photography. For the price point it is good quality.

[@frederikboving]

I have moved to Godox. I find the functionality much better and at an only slightly higher price point.

[@williamhirsh9625]

I thought you were gonna talk about stting up the YN685 to mesh with. YN 622 c TX

[@frederikboving]

Sorry, this is a very basic video.

[@ipadista]

I there, good luck with getting into flash photography! I borrowed a YN685 from a friend a year ago or so, and as far as I can remember, this flash is somewhat unique in the sense that it doesn't support the typical S1 & S2 slave modes, so if I am remembering that correctly, then you would not be able to trigger that flash with the popup flash on the camera. But it was a long time ago, so I might remember it incorrectly, and as a general hint it is definitely valid. So far I don't think I have ever seen any other reasonably modern flashes that doesn't support slave mode triggered by other flashes.

[@frederikboving]

Hi Jaclu, I have since I made the video switched to Godox flashes, and they support slave mode (V860II) and they also have a camera independent protocol so if you buy a trigger per camera brand you got, then all of your flashes can be used off camera irrespective of the camera triggering them. Very neat IMO.

[@ipadista]

@@frederikboving Good direction! I also went over to Godox, using a couple of AD200s and a V860II, and a couple of triggers after my first strobist years of using 4 Yongnuo YN560 III flashes, and a YN560 controller. But I still use S1 S2 slave modes when adding non-brand flashes into the mix. Still have never found any other modern Speedlight without S1 S2 triggering, except for the YN685. Good luck on your photo journey!

[@frederikboving]

@@ipadista Thank you! Likewise! :-D

[@SidBonkers51]

Ive used Yongnuo Flashes and triggers for years, great value and never let me down.

[@frederikboving]

Thanks for sharing Sid!

[@Wildtapirx]

Hi Frederik. Thx for the video. One question. You say that most people should go for the cheaper model without ttl. But then you dont have the automatic adjustment of the flash power that you need for a properly exposed picture. Do I miss something? Thx in advance for your explanation.

[@frederikboving]

Yes, agreed - if you like to shoot with TTL, then you will need to go for some of the more advanced models to get this feature. I have done so much shooting with flashed that I prefer to set the power manually - it is not that difficult. Also because I use several flashes sometimes and manually set the power between flashes 'till I get it right. With a few test shots and a look at the histogram and you can quickly get it right. Of course, if you shoot under conditions where the ambient light changes a lot, then the comfort of TTL can be a blessing. I would imagine many event photographers would prioritise TTL. For me, where I use flash for portraits and product photography, the TTL is less critical. And if I get it a bit wrong, the RAW file usually gives me some headroom for fixing my mistakes in post.

[@4toconvert389]

You are right. This thing eats batteries like crazy. I had issues with them at a wedding and I thought that there was something wrong with my batteries. Now , I know now. Thanks for that.

[@frederikboving]

Good the video was helpful - thank you for your comment! All the best!

[@marcelvanlierop]

Hi Frederik. Thanks for your video! I just blew off some dust from my own YN685 and YN622 unit, and you managed to fill in some blank spots regarding the setup after not having used it for a long time. So...great! :)

[@frederikboving]

🙏🏻

[@b991228]

An important point you should be aware of is if your battery life seems to be unusually limited is to make sure that you only us high speed sync when you absolutely need it. It’s usually a setting around 1/180 to 1/200th of a second. Go online and check what the maximum sync speed is for your model of camera. As often as possible adjust ISO and f/stop so you can stay below that shutter speed and be able to turn off high speed sync. HSS is a nice feature to have but just be selective in using it.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you 🙏🏻 for sharing Jim - much appreciated! 👌

[@legary2007]

Been using YongNuo trigger and receiver for about 4 years now with my Nikon D600 and Nikon speedlights...absolutely NO problems. I love YN gear!!! Now I need to find out how to get to the controls for the 685...HSS and built-in receiver will be awesome! Thanks for your help. I just now found you and it's April 6, 2021!

[@frederikboving]

Hi Patti! Thank you! I have since I made the video moved on to using Godox more, as I shoot with both Fuji, Nikon and Sony and Godox supports cross platform better as I see it. All the best with your Youngnuo work! Take care!

[@EmadDesign]

Thank you very much you are so detailed , its very fair review, Thaaaanks

[@aaronstorer6797]

Thankyou so much. I was about to through my TX in a fit of rage then I found your video. The tip about seating the hot shoe to deep saved me.

[@frederikboving]

🤗 - good to learn the video was useful 🙏🏻

[@willtheelectrician8184]

Your voice sounds a lot like Ole Dammagard. A lot!

[@frederikboving]

Uh! I was hoping you would say Clint Eastwood! I need to work on my wisper :-D

[@bernhardtsen74]

I am getting the exact same set up later this year! I have 2 yn 560iv with the 622 recievers!the 685 is a monster like Nikons sb5000! I gave the tx and a 685 to my little brothers D800!so fun to dial in the speedlite from the transmitter!

[@bernhardtsen74]

have u seen a video where the TX dials in the SB5000 just like the YN 685?

[@frederikboving]

Great! Hope you will join me into the land of flash photography!

[@bernhardtsen74]

its not that hard with D750 and the tx trigger!just choosing either the yn 560 iv or 685!

[@timhumphrey3185]

I am trying to find the latest Yongnuo that uses lithium batteries and is compatible with the TN622N-TX and also a comparison check between the 685 and the 720. Could you help please; google searches just throw up junk:(

[@frederikboving]

Hi Tim, tough question! This bad boy is claimed to have the 622 protocol integrated (with some limitations) and also has a Li battery, but not sure it is what you are looking for? flashhavoc.com/yongnuo-yn200-speedlite-released/

[@billg6166]

I finally lost my battery door latch. Now I need to find something to carry to pick it open.

[@frederikboving]

😂

[@Ali.lensman]

Great setup, I have both same flash and transceiver, had lots of difficulties communicating, but I found out I needed to updated the TX firmware, downloaded from yongnuo website and installed it via USB cable to the TX, now working so fine. BTW what lens mounted on your cam? Tamron 70-300?

[@frederikboving]

Thanks for the info! I am not sure if it is the Tamron AF SP 70-300 4-5.6 DI vc or the Sigma art 18-35mm f/1.8 Dc hsm, but it is one of the two :-D

[@Ali.lensman]

@@frederikboving it would be nice if you do a comparison or review about budget telephoto lenses for FX

[@frederikboving]

@@Ali.lensman Unfortunately I don't have any telephoto lenses at all for FX. I switch to DX when going tele. Then the crop fractor helps me get the reach I am after without breaking the bank. However, my understanding is that this lens is a good attempt by Nikon to make a budget friendly good long lens: photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr

[@Ali.lensman]

@@frederikboving Nikon 200-500 is indeed a good lens, also Tamron and Sigma offering 150-600 reasonable price and very good lens. at the moment I'll do the same as u do, put my zoom telephoto on DX body and maybe buy teleconverter for extra reach.

[@markysphoto6452]

hello sir greatday.. if you don't mind sir, can i ask what model of your camera that you use here in this video?

[@frederikboving]

Mark Aguirre Hi Mark, it is a Nikon d5600 with a Tamron 70-300mm lens mounted.

[@markysphoto6452]

wow.. sir if you dont mind, can i have a look to your photo sample? using 1 flash with D5600? actually i have same brand of flash and trigger with D5500+18-55mm kit.. im still practicing how to work with it..

[@frederikboving]

@@markysphoto6452 Hi Mark, I don't shoot that much with the D5600 and flash anymore. It is more the D750 I use with a flash. The D5600 I now primarily use for bird photography (with a long lens). You are of course more than welcome to view my photos - I give you a link here to a picture shot with the D750 with flash - hope it is useful: www.clickasnap.com/i/wwulxqz5cxe3fmje

[@markysphoto6452]

@@frederikboving oh.. thank you sir :) have a nice day