Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II Speedlite Review

These are my first impressions of the YN600EX-RT II flash system. These flashes are priced to sell, but do they deliver the goods? I go over the Pros and Cons of the lights, and show some sample images from my first few weddings using them.
I also go over how to turn off the sound and AF assist beam, which is a little tricky to figure out at first!
(sorry bout the camera focus noise...)
To check out our work visit our website: briandwesphotog...

[@paulelunico]

The first 2 cons, cant be true cons if you CAN turn the feature off. Agree?

[@nickfeather1970]

secret menu lol.... if you had of read the manual I'm sure you would have found how to turn off the beep ....

[@williegreenway5464]

I have a total of 6 Yongnuo SpeedLites. Two YN600EX-RT, Two YN600EX-RTii and Two YN5568 EX II, and two YN Radio Transmitters. They all work great!!!

[@angelisone]

Willie Greenway, try out the ATG's remote camera shutter/flash trigger since you have 2.4GHz transmitter and two 600EX-RT II. We've been using ATG and got 500 meters (line-of-site) with five ATG Sony DSC-RX10 IV and able to get 120fps of still photos! We have ATG Canon EOS-1DX Mark II and Canon EOS-1DX Marl II, but both do not have high frame rates (16fps vs 24 fps), so we did not use. Beside the weights are too great when compared to ATG DSC-RX10 IV. With the ATG, we got 24-600/2.8 lenses (one stop faster than Sony). The good thing about the Yongnuo 600EX-RT II (by ATG) over Canon and Nikon's is it can do wireless radio in dual Master/Slave ETTL and IR Slave for Nikon ITTL. As we all have known that Nikon SB-910 will not talk to Canon by IR.

[@briwesphotography779]

Question for you guys. Can you fire the off camera flash in high speed sync with a master on camera flash or do you have to have the remote transmitter thing that goes on the camera?

[@angelisone]

Yes & No. Wireless IR will work on some version. Not by wireless 2.4GHz. ATG disabled HSS on many version because of light lost is so great & prevent overheating. If you really need to use HSS, then get ATG or ATG's Orlit TTL strobe series for more power. Then place the YN600EX-RT II on the camera, set to 2.4GHz Master, Ch 1, ID 0911, Group A Set ATG or Orlit to same but in "C" (TTL of 2.4GHz) You now have two Groups with power beyond 1,000ws.

[@jenky1044]

@Bri & Wes Photography Great show. Thank you. Yes I switched a few years ago, but I have a question. What makes these "3rd party" lenses.? If Canon is the original, wouldn't that make these "2nd party lenses".? LoL. Just curious. Maybe it's like 3rd world countries 🤔 do we have 2nd world countries.? 😂

[@franciscogrimaldogalvan3844]

Thank you by the secret menu, i finally turn off the red lights that were affecting the video work, i couldn´t find that explanation in any review

[@wahapete]

Thanks, Showing us how to turn off sounds made by this flash was most useful!

[@briwesphotography779]

thanks Pete! glad i could help

[@YozanFigueroa]

Mine sometimes turns itself off. I've been having this problem since new.

[@jpglaspie]

Seeing this now and wondering if you are still using them? How are they with battery use??

[@beerborn]

Oh for god sakes, turning it ON you could barely hear the noise it makes only one time and your already annoyed with it? I have two YN600EX-RT II and the YN Radio Transmitter and they all work great. I have no cons with them.

[@angelisone]

So true. Just too many beginners complaining just about everything. Also for examples, * they want HSS but wonder why it eat battery & kill the flash * they want that lousy depth-of-field look but can't afford the lens * they want fast recycle but can't afford the ATG Gold or Quantum Turbo Battery Pack

[@krane15]

Quality control is one thing they tend to comprise on when you buy some 3rd party products. I've heard others say theirs make a loud whining noise.

[@VoiceDrew]

Just got this flash a few days ago along with the YN-E3-RT Transmitter. Had a heck of a time getting the two to link up. But once I did, the units worked pretty good. Just now getting into digital photography after walking away from photography waaay back when all one had was film. The learning curve for me is frustrating.

[@krane15]

Been there, done that. Just keep practicing. You'll get better.

[@jonathanvdk55]

Audio is TERRIBLE.

[@superbug1977]

The brief series of wedding photos you displayed had very pleasing light and color. But the thing about them that caught my attention was the action captured. What I mean is that they had the intimate freeze of a moment that reminds me of Norman Rockwell paintings. It can be quite masterly and you seem to have ability with this kind of look. Nice work....just my two cents.

[@briwesphotography779]

Wow thanks Superbug! 75 weddings under my belt helps. It's really great what you can get with simple cheap lights, practice, and a little luck!

[@ettore760]

Thanks for this review. Maybe next week I will buy one of them :)

[@uptownphotography]

I have one of these 600 series clones, but not the second (II) version. I only have it as a backup flash with my two Canon 600 series, so I can't really comment on how long it will last, but had it about 4 years now, and still works, but again I barely used it. NOTE: There is a way to turn that annoying red LEDs flashing on these flashes also in the hidden menu...I'll find it for you if you find it annoying too... Thanks. Phil NYC Area

[@DanielGrovePhoto]

I have the old YN560TX to control my 560IVs can I use that same controller to control these ex-rt iis? Or will I need to upgrade to the 560TX II or possibly the e3 rt ii?

[@angelisone]

Not compatible. You have choices because it's an ATG. * 1st, buy two YN600EX-RT II, then you'll 2.4GHz wireless in Group A & B * 2nd, YN600EX-RT II & YN-E3-RT II, retains ATG AF Assist Beam * 3rd, if you already have ATG/Canon/Yongnuo 2.4GHz TTL transmitter, buy flash The wonderful features in this YN600EX-RT II: - wireless IR ETTL II in Slave - wireless IR ITTL in Slave - wireless IR S1 - wireless IR S2 - Canon 600EX II-RT and Nikon SB-5000 can't do above.

[@Teddykhil]

Hi Buddy, I've been buying and using the Yougnuo stuff and have found it's great gear. As a "Learner" or "NewBee", with canon cameras and not being able to afford the way out price of Canon Speedlite's has helped me greatly. Also having an insider ways around the menu from you helps heeps. Thanks for your Vid's , Keep up the great work.

[@psfphotography]

I am a Nikon guy but am getting a 60D with a 18-135 to learn more about DSLR based video. After getting the camera I will be getting the grip for it, then I will be looking at the YN600EX-RE II or the model(s) above that for flash as the camera will be used for both stills & video clips. There is a model of these flashes that has a built in video light that I might consider.

[@pitushing93]

which one is better? Godox Ving V 860 II or YN 600EX-RTii?

[@saveriogatto3815]

Hi, can the YN600EX-RT II be synced on 2nd curtain?

[@amalmoore4119]

thanks for the video... nice for budget photographers

[@AllyTaylor1]

So can you use the flash in a softbox and shoot it from your camera? Or do you need a trigger?

[@krane15]

Its RF you need the transmitter. But you can put it in the next room if you wish.

[@lakecountyimaging-florida4707]

I just got the RT2 this week and used it all weekend shooting Bikefest here in Leesburg and it worked well with the Canon ST E3 trigger. Didn’t misfire once and exposures were as to be expected. I love the radio wireless and the ability to change everything so easily thru the cameras menu system, on the flash or thru the trigger on camera.

[@ScottVanManen]

were you using hss when the flash assist was visible in the shot?

[@AlexTenorioo]

Thanks

[@krane15]

You pretty much hit the nail on the head with the decision to choose Canon over the 3rd party accessories. Canon's product are designed and tested to be reliable and foolproof, but they charge you an arm and a leg for that. I have the Canon for my mainstay (but intend to buy additional Yongnuo speedlites) and the Yongnuo for backup. If I had a paying client, however, I would never put 3rd party peripheral in critical position so that I'd have to rely on them totally.

[@krane15]

FOLLOW UP: I purchased two of the Yongnue. I'll update if one fails or misbehaves.

[@woox200sx]

@@krane15 1 year later, have any of your Yongnuo flashes failed?

[@michelleocampo7414]

Can I use YN600EX-RTii to trigger Canon 600 EX RT? Trying to use them as a set of master slave .

[@briwesphotography779]

I believe so, although I don't own the Canon flash so I do not have first hand knowledge.

[@samlloyd5975]

Yes u can

[@StevePradhan]

my yongnuo 560-iii roughly takes about 40-50 shots with 4 aa batteries. Is that normal?

[@angelisone]

ATG recommends to use AA Energized Lithium Batteries. For longer shooting, use ATG or Quantum Turbo Battery Pack.

[@nicmart]

Yikes. Awful

[@necu90]

Can the lamp be triggered by a transmitter?

[@angelisone]

Yes, you can with ATG, Canon & Yougnuo TTL transmitters.

[@CallMeLexis]

Great vid!

[@moisesschini6620]

I still don't know what to do. :(

[@judehphotography]

Thanks for the informative video. Does this flash work with the 80D?

[@briwesphotography779]

I would certainly think so

[@davidecaravano2648]

Can you fire the flash across the room without firing the one on the hot shoe of your camera? If yes, how?

[@angelisone]

Yes, it can be done by turning off the Master (no flash light symbol). ATG suggests a quicker way if just turn the Master's head backward, up, left, right or lower the EV value from the Camera's flash menu.

[@briwesphotography779]

Good tip angelisone. It's super easy to turn off the flash in the hot shoe and still fire the one off camera. Make sure you are in Menu 1, then the button on the left will let you toggle the hot shoe flash on/off. The icons makes it pretty easy to see what's going on.

[@ScottyRealty]

Just do not drop them. I have two that have had 1 drop each and game over. Other than that great flash.

[@angelisone]

Silly reply. Like saying don't run your car into a wall. Your car will get hurt. My staff dropped the Canon EOS-1Dx Mark II under 1 meters and the repairs was not cheap.

[@krane15]

And therein lies the Achilles heel of many 3rd party devices: their less than reliable parts and/or lack of sturdiness. They have to cut corners somewhere.

[@krane15]

@@angelisone LOL, I think we all get his point though.

[@HEREONOUTBAILEY]

Will these fire with the YongNuo flash triggers?

[@angelisone]

Got three choices with ATG, Canon & Yongnuo transmitter that has TTL 2.4GHz.

[@krane15]

@@angelisone Yes, they can be mixed and matched, e.g. Canon trigger can fire the Yongnuo flash. Or the Yongnuo trigger can fire the Canon flash.

[@angelisone]

@@krane15 Did you know that ATG & Yongnuo transmitters are better than Canon's.

[@MichelleDiamondPhoto]

THANK YOU for showing how to turn off the sound !!!!!!! *Happy wedding*

[@scottvillalobos8453]

How is it a con if it con be disabled?

[@briwesphotography779]

?

[@krane15]

Because its an annoying extra step. Besides, its a review.

[@VoiceDrew]

Yong-New-Oh

[@briwesphotography779]

haha thanks

[@loonistrex]

Great review. Thanks a lot.

[@angelisone]

ATG suggestions, say if you have two ATG/Canon/Yongnuo 600 series flashes or one ATG/Yongnuo/Canon' s 2.4GHz transmitter on camera: You can now use one flash (ATG's world first radio camera remote shutter trigger-handhold) the camera that has either a flash or a transmitter on the camera.

[@Teddykhil]

I hate waiting to watch a review on these Speedlites, BUT, I HATE listening to guys thinking they are funny and trying to put that into their reviews, JUST do the bloody reviews on it man, your NOT even funny!!! Thanks for the upload anyways