Yongnuo YN560-II Speedlite: A Powerful and Affordable Flash Solution
The Yongnuo YN560-II Speedlite is a popular choice among photographers seeking an affordable yet powerful external flash unit. This flash gun offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and value, making it an attractive alternative to more expensive options from leading manufacturers. Let's delve into the details of the YN560-II to understand why it's a favorite among budget-conscious photographers.
Key Features of the Yongnuo YN560-II Speedlite
- Guide Number: The YN560-II boasts an impressive guide number of 58 (ISO 100, 200mm) or 35 (ISO 100, 105mm), ensuring sufficient light output for various shooting scenarios.
- Power and Recycle Time: With a maximum power output of 188 w/s and a recycle time of approximately 3 seconds at full power, the YN560-II offers a good balance between power and speed.
- Zoom Head: The flash head features a zoom range of 24-105mm, allowing it to match the focal length of your lens and provide even lighting across the frame.
- Tilting and Rotating Head: The YN560-II's head can tilt from -7 to 90 degrees and rotate 0 to 330 degrees, enabling creative off-camera flash techniques.
- Multi-Mode Operation: This flash gun supports various modes, including E-TTL, Manual, Multi (stroboscopic), and Second-Curtain Sync, catering to different photographic needs.
- Wireless Master and Slave Modes: The YN560-II can function as both a master and slave unit, allowing photographers to build a wireless flash system with multiple off-camera flashes.
Build Quality and Design
The YN560-II features a robust, all-plastic construction with a metal foot, ensuring durability and reliability. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and mount on cameras. The flash gun's control panel is intuitive and well-laid-out, with a large LCD screen and clear, responsive buttons.
Performance and Usability
The Yongnuo YN560-II delivers consistent and reliable performance, providing even and soft lighting that helps reduce harsh shadows and unnatural-looking images. Its recycle time is adequate for most situations, and its multi-mode capabilities make it versatile for various photographic genres. The wireless master and slave modes allow photographers to explore off-camera flash techniques, further expanding creative possibilities.

Compatibility and Accessories
The YN560-II is compatible with a wide range of cameras, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other brands that use the standard hot shoe mount. Yongnuo offers various accessories, such as softboxes, diffusers, and bounce cards, to help users customize and enhance the flash's performance.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point | Plastic construction may not appeal to everyone |
| Impressive guide number and power output | Recycle time could be faster |
| Versatile multi-mode operation | Some users may find the user interface less intuitive than higher-end flashes |
| Robust build quality | Limited custom functions compared to more expensive flashes |
| Wide compatibility with various camera brands | No built-in radio trigger for wireless mode |
Conclusion: Is the Yongnuo YN560-II Worth Your Consideration?
The Yongnuo YN560-II Speedlite offers an impressive feature set and performance at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious photographers. While it may not match the build quality or advanced features of more expensive flashes, the YN560-II delivers excellent value and is a worthy addition to any photographer's toolkit. Whether you're a beginner looking to upgrade from your camera's built-in flash or an experienced photographer seeking an affordable backup or off-camera flash option, the Yongnuo YN560-II is certainly worth considering.