Yongnuo 565EX mini review.

I hope this doesn't turn into sounding like an advert, but I just picked up one of these dual Nikon iTTL/Canon ETTL Yongnuo flashes and am well impressed.

I spotted it in a buy'n'sell chain store window, at £28 UK (about $35US?). But it looked brand new when I got my hands on it - complete with protective film on the LCD screen and smelling like new. And at that price it would be rude to turn it down!

"Get on with it" - OK, enough preamble.

First the few minus points:

• Only works as an i-TTL/ETTL slave - no commander ability.
  
• Has nowhere near the claimed GN (measured at ~30 @ 2.5m and 100 ISO) - but has this in common with almost every other flash ever sold.
  
• The pullout diffuser is very tight to pull out.
  
• Lock is a slow screw-down type, not instant lever.
  
• Recycle time could be a tad faster - but it's adequate.
  
• Sound feedback far too loud and annoying - needs muting in menu.
  
• No AA mode.
  
• Setup menu not intuitive, nor properly documented in manual.
  
• HSS not supported.
  

Plus points:

• Works exactly as it should - delivering nicely exposed TTL shots, even when bounced.
  
• Reliable 'wireless' slaving up to several metres from commander flash.
  
• Also supports S1 and S2 optical slaving.
  
• Flash coverage up to 105mm setting.
  
• Manual power setting down to 1/128th.
  
• P.C. Socket and external HV power-pack socket.
  
• Clear LCD display with back-light.
  
• Small support stand included.
  
• Reasonable weight and build quality.
  
• Can be switched between Nikon or Canon wireless slaving, or both.
  

To sum up: Nikon users get the same facilities as an SB700, but with one stop more 'power' and at a fraction of the price. Canon users likewise, but I don't know what the Canon equivalent speedlite model is.

Recommended as a backup or budget option - or both!

P. S. Now replaced with improved Mkiii version. So maybe NOS of the Mki and Mkii versions is available at a bargain price.

Joe,

As you found out that most flashes have their GN below their specs. That makes me wondering if they have an different standard on determining the GN? I though I read some where where a Metz document that they use a 50% reflectance surface and measure it in reflected mode. That would be more than a stop under.

I read some where where a Metz document that they use a 50% reflectance surface and measure it in reflected mode. That would be more than a stop under.

About right. My 60CT series Mecablitzes have a true GN closer to 45 (100 ISO/metres) and the 45CT series measure at about GN 35.

Since the money-grabbing ISO want about 40 quid for the relevant specification, I have only an outline idea of how 'official' Guide Numbers are supposed to be measured. Although I do have a PDF copy of the freely available, and doubtless similar, Indian National Standard.

Whatever the ISO's specification, it's obviously not tight enough to prevent corporate cheating and consequent publication of a totally ficticious number.

Buy a flash meter and allay all doubt! :rolleyes:

Anyhow, the output of that YN565EX measures and shoots the same as a Nikon SB800, Nissin Di866 or any other top-tier speedlight costing several times the price.