Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT: Your Guide To Mastering The Flash

by Admin 55 views
Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT: Your Guide to Mastering the Flash

Hey there, photography enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT flash. This little beast is a favorite among photographers for its affordability and impressive features. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, understanding how to use this flash can seriously elevate your photography game. We'll explore everything from its core functionalities to the nitty-gritty details, helping you unlock its full potential. Let's get started, shall we?

Unboxing and Initial Setup: Getting Started with Your YN-968EX-RT

So, you've got your hands on the Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT flash. Exciting, right? First things first, let's make sure everything is in order. Inside the box, you should find the flash unit itself, a protective pouch, a mini stand (super handy!), and the instruction manual. Always keep the manual around, especially when you're just starting out. It's packed with useful information, and trust me, you'll be referring to it often.

Next, you'll need to install batteries. The YN-968EX-RT runs on four AA batteries. I recommend using rechargeable ones to save money and reduce waste. Pop the batteries in, and then it's time to attach the flash to your camera. Most cameras have a hot shoe mount on top, and that's where the flash goes. Slide the flash's foot into the hot shoe and tighten the locking ring until it's secure. Be careful not to force anything, and make sure the connection is snug, but not overly tight. Once it's mounted, turn on the flash and your camera. You should see the flash's LCD screen light up. If it doesn't, double-check your batteries and the connection. Make sure your camera is set to a mode that allows for flash photography. Modes like Program (P), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter Priority (Tv), and Manual (M) will typically work. Auto modes might not always let you control the flash. Now, let's take a closer look at the key features and controls.

Understanding the Flash Head and Controls

The YN-968EX-RT offers a tilting and swiveling flash head, which is crucial for bouncing the light off surfaces like ceilings or walls. This technique helps to soften the light and create more flattering results. You can tilt the head up and down to various angles, and swivel it left and right. This gives you tons of flexibility to control the direction of the light. On the back of the flash, you'll find the LCD screen, which displays important information like flash mode, zoom setting, power output, and battery level. There are also a bunch of buttons for controlling the flash.

There's a power button, a test button (to fire the flash without taking a photo), and buttons to navigate the menu. The Mode button lets you switch between different flash modes, like TTL (Through The Lens), manual, and multi-flash (stroboscopic) modes. TTL mode is a great starting point, as the flash will automatically adjust its power output based on the camera's metering. But don't be afraid to experiment with the other modes. The zoom button adjusts the flash's zoom head, which can change the light's coverage area. This is handy when you're using different lenses. The manual control allows you to set the flash power manually, from full power down to very low power. This gives you maximum control over the light output, which is perfect for creative effects or when you want precise control over the lighting. Pay close attention to these controls because they are key to mastering the flash. By the way, the YN-968EX-RT is a powerful flash, packing a guide number of 60 meters at ISO 100 and a 200mm zoom setting. This means it can throw a lot of light, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios, from indoor portraits to outdoor events.

Flash Modes Explained: TTL, Manual, and Multi-Flash

Let's break down the different flash modes. This is where the real fun begins!

TTL Mode: The Automatic Helper

TTL (Through The Lens) mode is your friend, especially when you're starting out. In this mode, the flash and your camera work together to automatically determine the correct flash power for a well-exposed shot. Here’s how it works: The camera sends a pre-flash to the subject, measures the amount of light that bounces back, and then tells the flash how much power to output for the actual shot. It's like having an intelligent assistant that takes care of the technical stuff, so you can focus on composition and creativity. However, TTL isn't perfect. Sometimes, the camera can be fooled, and you might get overexposed or underexposed shots. This is where flash compensation comes in handy. You can use the flash compensation feature on your camera or on the flash itself to fine-tune the flash output. Dialing in negative compensation will reduce the flash power (making the image darker), while positive compensation will increase the flash power (making the image brighter). Experiment with flash compensation to get the look you want. TTL is great for fast-paced situations or when you want to take the guesswork out of flash photography. Just remember to check your results and make adjustments as needed. Mastering TTL will give you a solid foundation for more advanced flash techniques.

Manual Mode: Unleash Your Creative Control

Manual mode gives you full control over the flash power. This is where you become the master of light! In manual mode, you manually set the flash power, typically expressed as a fraction (e.g., 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc.). 1/1 is full power, and each subsequent fraction reduces the power. The lower the power, the less light the flash emits. Manual mode is perfect for situations where you want to be precise with your lighting or when you want to create specific effects. For example, if you're shooting a portrait and want a very subtle fill light, you might use a low power setting like 1/16 or 1/32. If you're shooting in a studio and want to freeze motion, you might use full power (1/1) to get the most light output. Manual mode requires a bit more practice and understanding of the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and flash power. You'll need to experiment with different settings to see how they affect the final image. A light meter can be helpful in manual mode to measure the light output and make sure your scene is properly exposed. But don’t be afraid to go by feel. Trial and error is a huge part of learning to use flash effectively. Once you get the hang of manual mode, you'll be able to create stunning and unique images that you can fully control.

Multi-Flash Mode: Get Creative with Stroboscopic Effects

Multi-flash mode (also known as stroboscopic mode) allows you to fire the flash multiple times during a single exposure. This creates a cool effect where you can capture a moving subject in multiple positions within a single frame. Think of it as a time-lapse effect within a single image. This mode is great for creative shots like capturing a dancer's movements or showing the trajectory of a ball. In multi-flash mode, you set the flash power, the number of flashes, and the frequency (how many times the flash fires per second). The frequency is usually measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequency values mean the flash fires more rapidly. Keep in mind that multi-flash mode reduces the overall light output of the flash because it divides the power across multiple flashes. You'll need to use a longer shutter speed to capture all the flashes. A dark environment is also a must to avoid overexposing the background. Experimenting with multi-flash mode can lead to some really unique and eye-catching images. It's a great way to add a dynamic and playful element to your photography. It is important to know that after shooting in multi-flash mode, it might take a moment to recycle before being ready for the next shot.

Advanced Techniques: Unleashing the Full Potential of Your YN-968EX-RT

Now that you know the basics, let's explore some advanced techniques to take your flash photography to the next level.

Using Off-Camera Flash: Expand Your Lighting Possibilities

One of the most powerful features of the YN-968EX-RT is its ability to be used off-camera. This means you can detach the flash from your camera and position it elsewhere to create more dynamic and creative lighting setups. To do this, you'll need a way to trigger the flash remotely. The YN-968EX-RT has a built-in radio receiver and can be triggered by a compatible Yongnuo transmitter or a Canon RT-series transmitter. This is super convenient because it eliminates the need for any extra cables. You just need to set the flash and transmitter to the same channel and group.

Once the flash is off-camera, you can position it to the side of your subject, behind them, or even above them. This gives you incredible flexibility to control the direction, intensity, and quality of the light. Off-camera flash allows you to separate your subject from the background, add depth to your images, and create a more professional look. When using off-camera flash, you might want to use light modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, or reflectors. These tools help to soften the light, diffuse it, and control its direction, resulting in more flattering and visually appealing images. Setting up off-camera flash can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll be creating stunning portraits and product shots in no time. You can use the flash as a main light source, or a fill light, or a hair light. The possibilities are endless!

Bouncing and Modifying the Light

As mentioned earlier, bouncing the light is an easy way to improve the quality of your flash photography. Instead of firing the flash directly at your subject, you can point the flash head towards a reflective surface like a ceiling or a wall. This diffuses the light, making it softer and more flattering. The YN-968EX-RT has a swivel and tilt head, which is crucial for bouncing the light. If you are shooting indoors, bouncing off a white or light-colored ceiling can create beautiful, soft light. If you are shooting outdoors and do not have a ceiling, you can use an umbrella or a reflector to bounce the light back onto your subject. Light modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, and diffusers further improve light quality.

Softboxes are great for creating soft, diffused light for portraits. They come in various shapes and sizes. Umbrellas are another popular option and are particularly useful for creating a broad, even light source. Diffusers are small, translucent panels that attach to the flash head and soften the light. Experiment with different modifiers to see how they affect your images. Remember, the key to great flash photography is controlling the light. By using these techniques, you can make your subjects pop and make the photos look more professional.

Sync Speeds and High-Speed Sync

Understanding sync speeds is crucial for flash photography. The sync speed is the fastest shutter speed your camera can use while still allowing the entire sensor to be exposed to the flash. Beyond the sync speed, parts of your image will be black. The sync speed varies depending on your camera model, but it's usually around 1/200th or 1/250th of a second. If you want to use faster shutter speeds than your camera's sync speed, you'll need to use high-speed sync (HSS). HSS allows you to use shutter speeds up to your camera's maximum, which is great for freezing motion or using a wide aperture in bright sunlight. Keep in mind that using HSS reduces the flash's power output, so you might need to increase your ISO or move the flash closer to your subject. The YN-968EX-RT supports HSS, making it a versatile option for shooting in various conditions. Mastering sync speeds and HSS will give you more creative freedom to control the light and achieve the results you want.

Troubleshooting and Tips for the YN-968EX-RT

Let’s address some common issues and offer some handy tips to get the most out of your flash.

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Flash not firing: This is a common issue. Make sure the flash is turned on, the batteries are charged, and the flash is properly mounted on the camera's hot shoe. Also, check your camera's flash settings to make sure the flash is enabled and that you are not in a mode that disables the flash. Make sure your camera and flash are on the same channel and group if you are using off-camera flash. Double-check your settings! Sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones that work.
  • Underexposed or overexposed images: If your images are too dark or too bright, check your flash compensation settings. Also, consider the distance between your flash and your subject. The closer the flash, the more light will reach your subject. If you are using manual mode, make sure you have the correct aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. Ensure your settings are matched to the lighting conditions. Experiment to find what works best.
  • Flash not syncing with camera: If your camera and flash are not syncing, make sure they are compatible. Also, check your camera's sync speed and make sure you're not exceeding it unless you're using HSS. Ensure your flash is properly connected, and the camera flash settings are correct. Check your camera's manual to verify the flash sync settings.

Tips for Improving Your Flash Photography

  • Practice, practice, practice! The more you use your flash, the better you'll become. Experiment with different settings, lighting setups, and subjects. The more familiar you are with your flash, the more creative you can be.
  • Read the manual. It's a goldmine of information! The YN-968EX-RT manual is very thorough. It will give you a wealth of information about how your flash works and all its features.
  • Start simple. Don't try to do everything at once. Start with TTL mode and then gradually move to manual mode. This is the best way to get used to the flash, and to learn what it can do.
  • Experiment with different lighting setups. Try bouncing the light off ceilings and walls. Use different light modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors. You will find what kind of results you like best by doing this.
  • Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning. Learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.
  • Join online communities. There are many online forums and groups dedicated to flash photography. These are great places to ask questions, share your work, and learn from other photographers. You can learn tips and tricks and get inspiration to help you grow.

Conclusion: Your Path to Flash Mastery

The Yongnuo YN-968EX-RT is a powerful and versatile flash unit, offering a wealth of features at an affordable price. By understanding its functions, modes, and techniques, you can take your photography skills to the next level. So go out there, experiment, and have fun. Happy shooting!