Shooting in any conditions: 5 external flash units

The family of manual flashes hailing from the Middle Kingdom from Yongnuo has been loved by many for the optimal price—quality ratio.

The model with the index YN-560 IV is already the fourth generation of the popular flash, which has received at its disposal not only a receiver of signals from Yongnuo radio synchronizers, but also a built—in transmitter for remote start of flashes of the current and previous generations (Yongnuo YN-560 III ) with the ability to control the zoom, mode and power of up to three groups of lighting devices simultaneously.

Otherwise, the flash repeats its predecessor — there are practically no differences from it either externally or technically. And although it still lacks TTL support, which is why all pulse parameters must be set manually, with proper dexterity, the model will help to get the desired result. The flash covers the most popular range of focal lengths of objects among photographers from 24 to 105 mm (in terms of a full frame). In addition to single pulses, the model operates in strobe mode.

In general, Yongnuo YN-560 IV has absorbed the best of previous generations without losing its accessibility. And if it may be difficult for beginners to deal with manual parameters, then there are plenty of flash features for avid photo enthusiasts. Especially considering that the model is compatible with the vast majority of modern systems, including both SLR cameras and mirrorless cameras.

Meike MK-930 II is an analogue of an inexpensive flash Yongnuo YN-560 II , which has gained popularity among the most diverse public. But note that the model is completely manual — the ability to measure exposure by the amount of light that passes through the camera object, as well as remote control of flash parameters are not among the functions supported by it.

The flash supports four modes of operation: M — manual power setting within 1-1/128 s (in 1/3 EV increments), Multi — strobe mode (supply of several pulses with incomplete power), S1 and S2 — operation in the led flash mode (when selecting the S2 model, the flash skips the estimated pulse of the master flash operating in TTL mode, and triggered by its main pulse). In case of overheating, the Meike MK-930 II automatically stops its operation, which allows it to maintain its operability in the future.

The flash is attached to the camera's "carcass" by means of a metal hot shoe with a locking washer. On the one hand, the washer makes it take longer to remove and install the flash, and on the other hand, it is a more reliable way of fastening. The head of the model can rotate within 270° horizontally and tilt from -7° to 90° vertically. The design of the swivel joint inspires confidence.

The parameters of the flash are set using several keys on its body, above which there is an informative display with a pleasant blue backlight. Information from it is easily read both in the dark and in the bright sun, which is facilitated by the high contrast of the screen. Taking into account the fact that you will have to navigate through the shooting process exclusively by the display (the model does not exchange any data with the camera), its good readability goes to the advantages of the Meike MK-930 II. In addition, the positive aspects of the flash are compatibility with all major systems and low cost.

The miniature flash from the Japanese company Nissin has dimensions of only 8.5 cm in height and weighs a little more than 200 g. But despite the modest dimensions, the model is equipped with a full set of functions that a photographer may need when shooting.

The flash housing is made of high-strength matte plastic, and all movable elements in its design are metal (mounting on a hot shoe, a rotary mechanism of the head and fixing the compartment door for four AA batteries). There are several modifications of the model for the most common systems (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji and Micro 4/3 cameras — Panasonic and Olympus).

In the number 40 from the model name, the leading number of the flash is encrypted, i.e. the distance in metres at which it will be possible to illuminate the scene normally at the maximum zoom position and ISO value of 100. By the way, the flash automatically adjusts to the zoom change in the range of 24-105 mm. And if it is used in conjunction with non-autofocus optics, then the user has the right to manually set the focal length between the values of 24/50/80/105 mm. Due to the lack of a display, he will only have to focus on the indicator — each of these values corresponds to its own colour, a hint about what is hidden under the retractable light reflector.

The flash head rotates 180° to each side in the horizontal plane and can tilt 90° vertically, covering all possible directions of the light flux in the upper half-space. Of the controls on the Nissin i40 case, only two analogue wheels are presented: a smaller switch is responsible for selecting the mode, and a larger wheel allows you to set the power level when shooting in manual mode (from 1 full "puff" to 1/256) or compensate for exposure when shooting in TTL mode (± 2 EV in half-step increments).

On the front of the flash there is a built-in video light source with 9 power adjustment steps (the colour temperature of the light is 5600 K). It is also necessary to note the full support of the model in wireless mode (3 frequency channels A, B, C are available). Against the background of all the advantages, the minor shortcomings of the Nissin i40 are almost invisible. These include, perhaps, the lack of indication of the remaining battery charge and the erasure of the designations from the mode selection disk over time. Otherwise, the compact flash deserves extremely flattering words, which is confirmed by numerous reviews from satisfied owners of the model.

The small leading number of the Nikon Speedlite SB-700 flash, the value of which is 28, hints at its belonging to the class of on-camera light for amateur photographers. And for a reportage shoot, a more advanced solution is presented in the model range of the Japanese brand — Nikon Speedlight SB-910 .

The flash can be used with all Nikon cameras with support for proprietary i-TTL technology. In simpler words, it automatically adjusts to the shooting parameters, allowing it to be carried out in an extended range of focal lengths from 24 to 120 mm. The choice of power level, pulse duration and light scattering angle in TTL mode is entirely entrusted to automation, which it handles with almost without error. In addition, in conditions of insufficient illumination, auxiliary autofocus illumination comes to the rescue in shooting, allowing you to focus on sharpness even in pitch darkness.

In addition to automatic and manual shooting modes, the model supports working as a slave and a leader, controlling two groups of flashes A and B. At the same time, it is capable of being ignited by any other flash, whether it is a studio light or a smartphone camera backlight (SU-4 mode). Well, support for high-speed synchronization (up to 1/8000 s) is very useful if you need to highlight the shooting object on a bright sunny day.

The Nikon Speedlite SB-700 head can be tilted down by 7°, raised up by 90° or rotated to the sides within 180°, which is convenient when working with reflected light (from the ceiling and walls). Visual control of all flash operation parameters is assigned to a large informative backlit display. But what is missing in the equipment of the model is a port for wired synchronization and a connector for external power supply. But even without them, the flash deserves attention to its person, providing the end user with a wide range of functionality for the successful solution of most creative tasks.

Model Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT Price from 19 500 up to 28 014 ₴ became the first-born in the Canon flash line with a built-in wireless synchronization system over the radio channel. And its second generation is one of the fastest solutions in the family of flashbulbs of the top segment, which shows itself equally well both in the reportage genre of photography and in thoughtful staged shooting.

Externally, the second version of the flash has almost no visual differences from its predecessor. As, however, in terms of the richness of functions — the model has full TTL support and a developed remote control system via optical and radio channels, both as a slave and as a master flash. With its help, you can even control entire groups of other flashbulbs with the ability to select the operating mode for each of the bundles separately.

The leading number of the Canon Speedlite 600 EX II-RT is 60, and the angle of the light scattered by it can range from a wide-angle value of 20 mm to a teleosition of 200 mm. Such a wide spread allows you to adjust the light to different shooting features, which the flash is very good at doing in automatic mode. In some cases, an additional device also comes to the photographer's aid — an orange overlay on the head of the flash, with which it is possible to equalize the colour temperature in the picture when shooting in rooms with warm light sources (for example, incandescent lamps).

The list of strengths of the model continues with support for high-speed synchronization, fast and silent recharging, low power consumption, as well as dust and water protection of the case, which allows you to fully use the flash in a reportage shooting. Actually, that's why the price tag of the Canon Speedlite 600 EX II-RT cannot boast of its democracy. So if photography is not your main income, it makes sense to turn your attention to Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Price from 10 900 up to 18 286 ₴ — at a cost of 1.5-2 times cheaper, it offers most of the functions supported by the older model.