Yongnuo YN600EX-RT Flash Review

I recently got my hands on the new Yongnuo YN600EX-RT Speedlite flash for Canon.

Actually, my brother who is a dedicated Canon user (we still get along) just received 2 YN600EX-RT units, as well as a YN-E3-RT transmitter. As a strobist obsessive, I was more excited about testing this kit than he. I’ve put it through its paces to see if this cheap Canon clone is a viable flash solution for demanding photography projects. In a multi flash setup, one of the flash units can be used as the master, on camera, or alternatively, you could use the YN-E3-RT “Speedlite Trsnamitter”, which is essentially a YN600EX-RT, without a flash head. I prefer the latter option for off-camera flash, as it is far more compact in my hands.

What’s all the fuss about?

Canons “game changing” RT system is one of the most advanced, yet easy to use flash systems available today. The unprecedented combination of a built in radio transceiver (with 2 way communication) along with TTL/HSS and Full Manual power control, on or off camera, as well as support for external battery packs, and an intuitive menu system, makes it highly desirable for busy amateur and professional photographers.

Wait. This isn't a Canon product.

This is not a Canon product, but a very, VERY good clone… at less than half the price of the Canon.
Not only does the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT look and feel exactly like Canons 600EX-RT, but it is 100% compatible with Canons RT system, meaning you can mix and match any of a number of Canon or Yongnuo “RT” products.

Here’s the official spec list:

Guide Number 60m (ISO-100, 200mm)
Support for Canons RT Wireless System (Master and Slave Modes)
Zoom head up to 200mm
15 Physical Channels, 1 Auto Channel, Up to 10,000 customisable photographer ID
E-TTL and Manual Power Control (on or off camera with compatible RT device)
HSS (High Speed Sync) up to 1/8000 Second
Canon and Nikon Optic Wireless Slave Modes (backwards compatibility)
S1 and S2 Optical Slave Modes
PC Sync Port
External Battery Port
USB for firmware updates
Radio Noise Scanning
Fast (Canon style) hotshoe lock mechanism
Autofocus assist beam

What’s in the box?

YN600EX-RT Speedlite flash unit
Plastic Stand/Adapter
Padded travel pouch with belt loop
Printed Manual

First Impressions

My first impression of the YN600EX-RT was astonishment at how almost identical these are to the Canon 600EX-RT. It was also better built than I expected. Yongnuo have come along way in the last couple of years. With Godox doing so well in this market space, they are certainly under pressure.

Looks familar? The menu system is identical to Canons 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT.

Build Quality

The unit is very well built, chunky and ergonomic, just like the Canon. Unlike the Canon 600EX-RT, one can tilt and swivel the head without pressing an unlock button. It still requires moderate force, and I prefer this system for its simplicity. The buttons feel great, and nothing “creaks” anywhere. Indeed, with your eyes closed, you may find it hard to distinguish from a Canon 600EX-RT. Even the battery compartment has the exact same design.

When Yongnuo released this product, there was quite a stir on strobist forums about the “problem” of Yongnuos inconsistent design of the rubber baffle on the “Canon style” quick release hotshoe lock feature. Indeed it was a bit loose on one of my units. I’ve read of numerous people returning their Yongnuo flashes because of this. Utterly ridiculous. Let me take this opportunity to ease your mind: There is a chunky little rubbery ring (flange? washer?) that slots onto the quick release lock wheel on both the YN600EX-RT, and the YN-E3-RT. It adds a moderate amount of weather sealing and aesthetic finishing to the hotshoe connection BUT does not effect the security of the unit on your camera or stand. The part that actually connects to the hotshoe is made from tougher plastic and locks the unit very firmly in place. I removed the rubbery baffley bits from my Yongnuo YN-E3-RT transmitter, as well as both YN600EX-RT flash units. They are not needed and the units lock very firmly at the hotshoe without them! Extra faffy bits mess with my OCD. Away with them!

Performance & East Of Use

On camera, the flash performs perfectly in TTL mode, giving consistent results, with fast recycling times and perfect exposure. The power of this flash unit really becomes apparent though when you take it off camera and combine it with another YN600EX-RT, a YN-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter, or indeed the Canon equivalent of either device.

Syncing between units is simple, and controlling manual power output, ETTL exposure compensation, and all of the other features are all very intuitive and straightforward, perhaps thanks to the menu system being an exact clone of Canons ever impressive idiot-proof design. The units worked perfectly together and gave reliable, consistent results in my studio shoot.

Summary

The Canon RT system is a proper modern flash system. It’s easy to use, very powerful, and now, thanks to Yongnuo, reasonably affordable. Nikon shooters should check out the Godox X series for a Nikon compatible alternative, but spoiler alert - the Godox system is not as elegant and user friendly as the Canon/Yongnuo RT system. I would go as far as saying this flash system is in of itself a good reason to shoot Canon if you're heavily into off-camera flash.

Verdict:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL CANON SHOOTERS

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Link: Yongnuo Official eBay Store
Content bots NB: This is an updated revision of an article I wrote for dslrzen.com
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