Yongnuo YN560-II with Canon 5D Mark III can’t view camera Flash menu

<p>I bought the <strong>Yongnuo Speedlite YN560-II</strong> recently as my first ever external speedlite. Due to being inexperienced and not doing my research properly, I find that my <strong>Canon 5D Mark III</strong> doesn’t register this speedlite in the way I expected (my mistake). It is manual only, non-TTL. The flash fires and I can control the output level on the external unit itself – wonderful – but I can’t use my camera’s own menus to change settings (such as the one I really want to use, rear curtain sync). On accessing any of the Flash menus, the error message reads, ‘This menu cannot be displayed. Incompatible flash or flash’s power is turned off.’.</p>

<p><br /> At least I can use the flash, even though it’s manual, you might be thinking.</p>

<p>However, my situation is that I am training to be a pro photographer and I think it’s necessary to understand all the functions on both my camera menu and the speedlite itself. I don’t know who I might be working for in the future, and if I don’t know how to use the camera’s speedlite menus and settings, that is not going to look very good. I’d rather familiarise myself with everything I can, even though the manual Yongnuo is perfectly usable to get experience doing portraits etc.</p>

<p><br /> I’ve heard of Pixel King Pro E-TTL Wireless Flash Triggers or Phottix Odin but I don’t know if it’s worth the hassle or would even work, or which product to buy. I have also heard that this solution isn’t as robust or reliable. I was wondering if anyone knows a workaround to be able to access this speedlite through my 5D Mark III, or whether, given my aims, I’m just going to have to bite the bullet, sell this one and buy a Canon flash (which one is good enough but won’t break the bank?) plus wireless controller too. I would love a solution that will enable me to build my business and experience sooner rather than later because the delay is holding me back and I need all the practice I can get. Thank you all for reading.</p>

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<p>" It is manual only, non-TTL. The flash fires and I can control the output level on the external unit itself – wonderful – but I can’t use my camera’s own menus to change settings"</p>

</blockquote>

<p>No you can't control the flash from the camera menu - in any way whatsoever. It's a purely manual flash with no ability to be remotely controlled. There is no add-on trigger or controller that will allow the camera to communicate with the flash nor vice versa. That's what's meant by being a "manual" flash. You have to physically walk over to the flash and use its control panel to change power output when used off-camera. In short, no automation whatsoever.</p>

<p>In order for you to be able to control flash from the camera menu you need a flash that's E-TTL or E-TTL II compatible in the hotshoe. That's the Canon nnnEX series speedlites or 3rd party flashes that declare themselves to be E-TTL/E-TTL II compatible. To control off-camera flash it needs to be another E-TTL flash as slave, or you need an E-TTL radio trigger controller + dedicated receiver on the off-camera slave flash.</p>

<p>All this is explained in the downloadable manuals for Canon's EX series speedlites, and in the form of online instructions from Canon, YouTube, etc.</p>

<p>In my opinion you're wasting your time learning the specifics of one particular camera model's menu. Much better to learn the general principles of photography and the basics (like what the word "manual" means in connection with a flash!). What if your employer uses the Nikon system? Then your knowledge of a 5D III's flash menu will be near useless.</p>

<p>PS. In my experience the Godox V860 C flash provides good compatibility, power output and fast recycling. It's a fraction of the cost of an overpriced Canon speedlite and perfectly good enough to learn with. YongNuo also make Canon E-TTL compatible flashes. I think the YN568EX is one such flash.<br /> Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1108674-REG/yongnuo_yn_568exiic_ttl_speedlite_flash_with.html</p>

<p>It pays to do a bit of reading, research and asking forum questions <em>before</em> buying new gear.</p>