I have one of these for a number of years now and find it to be great. The only problem I have had is that the internal PCB above the hotshoe connector comes loose. This leads to an unrealiable connection. It's easy fix. Remove the four screws at the bottom and then tighten the four screws on the PCB and close it up again. I decided to do a more permanent job on it the second time it happened and put tipex in the sockets for the PCB screws. I used to work in the telecoms industry and found that is was a good way to prevent screws coming loose. It's ony two weeks since I did this, so I don't know if it will work here but based on experience, it should. Be very careful when you remove the PCB to do this. There are springs and pins underneath which will come out. If you lose one of them, your flash won't work. It's easy figure out where each one goes but it requires a little extra care when re-assembling, to make sure one of the springs don't pop out. My unit is about three years old and I've only had to tighten the screws twice. I work for a newspaper and this is my main unit, so it gets used heavily. I decided to go for Godox after I read a review where the tester decided to fire one and a Yongnuo, 2,000 times over the course of a day. He was impressed by both and found them equally good, until this test. The Godox was still working at the end of the test but the Yongnuo burned out at about 700. I will be buying another soon to replace my Nikon SB800 which has reached the end of it's days, after about 14 years. That was my main unit until about 18 months ago, when I decided to use the Godox more.
For the most part I've been really happy with my Godox purchases. The TT350f for Fuji works... but they really chew through batteries. But Godox's Li-ion tech with lights like the AD200... OMG. I can shoot on those things all day and not have to swap batteries. I also recently picked up the QS 400II for some studio situational work and I'm really liking what it can do even though it is limited compared to the AD400. I still have a bunch of YN560-III's I can throw around where needed. But so far I will recommend Godox to anyone.
Is there a way other than using optical sensor on my old yongnuos to fire them with my godox flashes? Would putting a yongnuo transmitter on godox trigger / under godox speedlight fire my yongnuos?
Both of my Yangnuo YN685 died in less than one year. One of them died in middle of shooting an event. then I switched to Godox TT685n two years down the road still working as a champ.
Thanks for sharing your experience with both Yongnuo and Godox flashes, Ed. I'm fortunate to have no problems with the 4 Yongnuo flashes for Nikon cameras I have for the past 6+ years. They are YN 560III, 560IV, 568EX, and 660. I use either the trigger RF-603II, which you showed in this video or the YN560-TX II trigger. They have always been reliable for my casual use. I don't shoot often. But when I do shoot, I usually take a couple of hundred photos at one time. Always enjoy your vids. Very informative and very helpful.
I had a YN that came stuck on full power from day one. Got a Godox now, and its been working great. The only downside is the IR focus assist doesnt work. But I think its a Sony camera thing.
@@edverosky You can't go wrong with an AD200-version light. They're not much bigger than a speedlight, pack 3x the power and you can put on a 'standard' flash-bulb for use in softboxes and beauty dishes. It's my go-to light out of all the Godox I have, except in studio, then it become my B-group light. The only downside is that the LCD panel is easily scratched or broken if it takes a tumble. To James' point about AA-powered flashed, the Godox lithiums get a ridiculous number of flashes out of a charge and recycle time is great, from all I've read. I stuck with AA-powered units because I already had a metric boatload of AA-rechargeables and the lights were less expensive. Also, you can walk into pretty much ANY store in the world and get AA batteries, whereas the R2 units you have to have your charger. If traveling, that's just one more thing to bring and keep track of. I don't regret my decision, but any additional speedlights going forward will be the lithium-based versions. I don't really travel, but for location work here in Phoenix, I have to carry extra batteries on a shoot...which is added weight in my bag. Live and learn. :)
I'm amazed that no one has mentioned using a battery pack for instantaneous recycle. The 4 internal batts then only power the electronics and the battery pack charges the flash almost instantly , even at full power. The same pack sold by Godox will work with the Canon 580 EX or if you already have a Canon battery pack it will work properly on the 685.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I would like to watch a video on how to use the control unit. I have not been able to get the best out this Godox system.
I really couldn't agree more. I dont use flash too often but, when I do, u need a reliable unit. I shot Nikon flashes for years and when nt last Nikon flash fies I looked for other options The Yongnuo, as you noted, had had many issues and I k ow people who used them with very mixed results so, I opted for the Gosox TT685 and I've bern very pleased. I just got hired as an event photographer and am looking to pick up 2 or 3 more of these so, thanks for your review.
I'm supersized to hear you have problems with the Yongnuo flash, BUT the 560 is a budget unit, I own 4 Yongnuo YN-568EX II flashes and have no interest in buying anything other then Yongnuo, they've been in the heat the freezing cold bounced around in the rv, tossed on the seat of my pickup, guess I better quite while I can, say too much they'll all crap out on me tomorrow lol. I also use Calumet Pro series radio triggers, thanks for the video Ed.
I think you made the mistake of buying the 560 IV, I did as well and mine tanked! But I've been using the 560 III's for years and they are tanks! LOVE them! They have made me thousands of dollars! thank you for the video! I LIKED!
Thanks Ed! I'm a huge fan of the Godox system too and use 2 TT685N and sometimes the TT350o (Olympus). Going into the menu of the TT685, I'm always getting confused for some reason??? So, yes, I really would appreciate if you should make a video on this subject, explaining every detail in the menu. Thanks!
Been using the Flashpoint versions for a while because they(Godox) have the best/most complete ecosystem for the Fuji cameras I use. I can use the same remote for the speedlights and my Flashpoint Studio 300 monolights. Add in the little Flaspoint 'zoom mini' which is the perfect size for my X100S(also FAR better than the OEM Fuji flashes), doubles as a backup remote, and they are hard to beat. The advantage of going Flashpoint over Godox is a US seller(Adorama) to handle warranty issues, not that I've had any.
Hi Ed, Good video and good choice. In the days I bought the Canon 600 EX-II (to go with my 5D M II) and it is a great, but also expensive, speed light !! However all the TTL stuff, I never used, (all manual with a light meter) so when I wanted to buy some extra flash units I checked out the market and went for Godox. Serious bang for your buck , no problems so far, love them and use them in combination with those very small flash Q triggers !! on a mirrorless, great for street photography too, to give things a pop in the dark. Godox is my way !! Thanks for sharing !
As you know, I shoot both Nikon ('regular' photography) and Sony (digital infrared). For the longest time, using Pocket Wizards was my only option to control my Nikon flash units and be able to use them cross-platform. In 2017, I started reading about the Godox line (also branded as Flashpoint from Adorama). They had Nikon, Canon and Sony controller, a variety of speedlights (power, features) and some larger flash units (studio and portable). After a bunch of reading and over-thinking (my hallmark), I decided to pull the flash trigger, so to speak. In mid-2017, I went hard in the paint given my frustration with Pocket Wizard, getting a Nikon and 2 Sony speedlights + two triggers. When the portable AD200 came out (basically a large speedlight about 3x power of normal speedlights + swappable head w/Xenon bulb) I got that, too. Then I got the Adorama Rapid 600 for studio use. I sold off all my Paul Buff gear within a month. I then purched two receivers for my Nikon speedlights. All told, I have 5 Adorama/Godox lights + 2 Nikon speedlights, all controlled by triggers across 2 camera platforms. And all of it was less than US$1,000 (the Rapid 600 was the most expensive, about 50% of that amount) I've been very happy. As long as you buy the right generation, every light is compatible with the other lights and triggers. My standard setup is an AD200 as key light, and a Nikon and a Sony Flashpoint R2 speedlight. I can control these via the triggers and switch between color and infrared mid-shoot...and do that all the time. The only negative I've heard so far is the foot on the Sony flashes. Because they have the Sony "multiport" or whatever it is, Godox decided to use a plastic foot, which is much weaker than the Canon/Nikon metal foots. There've been instances were the foot has broken, esp using it on-camera. Apparently, there are 1/4"x20 threaded 'feet' you can get for them to swap out if you use them exclusively off-camera, but i haven't done it. I use the TTL version of the Sony on my infrared camera to take test shots of clothign for portrait sessions to see which come out 'better' for the look I'm aiming for. This family of flash units has been a real headache reducer when it's come to lighting.
wullie G I cant speak to using a power pack as I’ve never tried one. But I have a v860 and a tt685 and I always use the former - but only when shooting on camera. The fabulous AD200s is my ocf of choice
Coincidentally, I upgraded my 4 YN560 and cowboy studio wireless trigger set to the TT685 X1t as well with some AD600's. The Canons versions don't have that weirdness with the hot shoe mount. The YN560s were great flashes at the time for the price, but 2 of the 4 always had some loud power cycling noise in one of those modes. Likely it was wired wrong but still passed QC. Sometimes I grab the YN because it's a great manual flash and I forget what all the buttons and modes do on the TT685 and I don't want to be trying stuff out in front of the client.
Absolutely. Simplicity is number one in my book. I usually stick to one standard setting as my default and adjust if absolutely necessary. Thanks, Michael!
I have tried both flashes and what I noticed is that, when it comes with optical slaving, Yongnuo does better than Godox. Even in the midday sun, Yongnuo was still responding with it's optical slaving while at 4pm, Godox was refusing to respond
I bought a YN half a year ago, it stopped working after just a few test shots, the seller want me to send back to China for warranty, the shipping will cost higher than the speed light itself (I am in Malaysia), so it ended up in my back drawer.
i have two of the tt six hundreds for canon. These along with two soft boxes and two reflector umbrellas.. Learning from your's and other videos how to best use all. thanks for your efforts in educating us...
I have two of the Yongnuo YN685 for Nikon. It does auto, manual, is iTTL, does high speed sync and has radio transmitter built in to work with the YN622N transceiver which allows it to communicate in three groups with other flashes and of course change the settings for each one.
I bought into the Yongnuo system, and I now regret it. The speedlights are fine, they don’t get very heavy use and I've no issues at all. I have the yn685s, but I couldn’t use the yn603s I already had to trigger them. So I bought the yn622-tx-c to trigger those speedlights and some yn622-c transceiver to trigger my monos and non Yongnuo speedlights. I do have some Godox pn960 power packs, but I thought I'd look at the new(ish) Yongnuos with the Li-ion batteries to cut down on the cables, and guess what? I needed a new trigger again and no one could tell me if that new trigger would work with my yn685s. I believe, though I might be wrong, that the Godox lights can all be triggered by the latest trigger. Anyhow, service to say I never bought the new Yongnuo. As I say, I've had no problems with the build of my yn685s, and they do every tick in the book and totally controllable from my camera for the speedlights. But surely you’d think the newer triggers would be able to trigger older receivers, both built in like my yn685s and external like my very old yn603s. An absolutely brilliant video Ed, I doubt you’ll find many people who haven’t ended up frustrated with Yongnuo in one way or another. Though I’d never buy a Canon speedlights again, there’s no value for an amateur like myself.
Thanks, Mark. I believe the Godox/Flashpoints use a common signal across their line of units. I would hope they care enough to think about not making things harder on their customers as time goes on.
I’m really happy with my godox. I started with a rebranded neewer nw850ii version and x1 trigger and have subsequently bought a godox tt600. The nw850 is a lithium powered unit. Planning on purchasing an ad200 later on this year. 👍
So I have a mix of flashpoint and godox. I shoot Nikon and have the 685 for Nikon. Love it. I found 2 of the li-on 860 for fugi cameras. The nice thing is the controller will control all of them. I can't use the fugi ones on my camera but all features work if I use the controller or the 685 flash as the controller. So if you find some used godox flashes for a deal they will still work for you.
I bought two of the Yongnuo units for a Pentax K5, and so far, so good, but I’d love to know how long it took for yours to earn that X. Those Xs, I should say. Also, is that Godox compatible with a Pentax K5? I bought those triggers you mentioned with the Yongnuos; would they work with the Godox? Thanks for this video, Ed - it may save me from an unpleasant surprise!
One of the Yongnuos failed within a month. Two others after about two years. But the triggers are great. They can actually trigger any manual flash. I believe you can get these Godox units to work as manual flash on anything, but do some research first.
@@edverosky Thanks, Ed. Good to know the triggers are ok and I will check out the Godox compatibility with Pentax. If they work, I may just put a Godox into my back pocket just in case.
Im not sure how many youngnuo flashes I had over the years. At the moment I use 8 Flashes at weddings. Also I have 2 more new 560IV's laying in the closet, just in case. I use 560III's and 560Iv's and I love them both. Over the years only 2 units failed on me with the full power output problem and they were sent back and replaced. I also love the GODOX 850II's, have 7 units. They are great cause they also have HSS, but I cannot find a way to control the zoom via the remote control. In long term I would seggest beginners to stick to the better technology which is GODOX, but if you are shooting on a budget then youngnuo is the way to go. I owe a great deal of my carrier to youngnuo speedlights.
o have the TT600c love it beacuse of price and this was my first leap into flash photography.... My first unit was defective but quickly replaced abd i have had no issues since receiving my replacement unit....... I have to get the remote trigger so i can use it in HSS plus two X1-c receivers so i can trigger my flash and canon 600ex-rt that a friend as let my use to try a two light set up..
வீடியோ மிகவும் பயனுள்ளதாக இருந்தது மிக்க நன்றி 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 இரா.மனோகர் சென்னை . Very useful video sir, I learned lot from it, looking forward more videos like this keep it up good work, thanks a lot sir big thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 R.MANOHAR Chennai.
Problem is perhaps both are made of Chinesium and so the Godox may go even quicker (plastic foot??). Would be good to know which ones aren't made in China. I have Yongnuo's and probably don't use thm as much.
I bought two Yongnuo 600 EX-RT and both developed the same fault the zoom head stopped working and read 14mm and they over heat with light use I would not buy an other Yongnuo product again.
I had 2x 560's III and IV, 685 is whole another level, not even the same price range. YN has 685 too... and I had them all 560's and 685. 560's falls a lot, still working, but still, many of users expirianced dead YN's...I switched to Godox, sold all my Yn's and enjoy safely with HSS usage of Godox X sistem. Plus, godox TT600 is 60$ and its HSS, TX and TTL capable.
Hey You are clear and informative ..You just had a bad experience with Youngnou ..So you just changed girlfriends ..I still use YN600EX RT just great and the Sex with current very very long term girl friend is also amazing ..So just goes to show faith and confidence ..Stay Blessed
Godox aren't much better but at least they're cheap and disposable and their triggers work across their range. I still have working Nikon flashes from the 1970s like the SB24 - pity speedlights aren't made like that anymore...
Ed, need your advise, for Godox TT685 flashes, does one need to use AA rechargeable batteries only or can one use regular AA Batteries ? I heard someone say that regular AA batteries get stuck in Godox flashes . Have you ever experienced such a thing? I have ordered the flash and would want to order batteries based on your feedback. Thanks a ton, Ed. You are being a wonderful teacher here.
I was just wondering if you are still happy with the Godox? I have heard of people complaining that the hot shoe brakes and wondered if you had had that problem or not? Thank you
Hi there, thanks for your video! It's the second I see where the 560 flashes full power all the time (broken) :( Now one question remains... If I have to cover a 4 hour event, how much shoots will I get with one battery set per flash??? Any vague idea? many thnx!
I did purchese years back a flash YOUGNUO yn600ex-rt toghether with a compatibile triger. Has never worked I never used it it went crazy as I turned it on, the soket was rather loose also. YONGNUO product never again!!!!
I'm use a bunch of godox strobes. They seem reliable enough. But like most Chinese flashes/strobes the stated output is massively over optimistic. I've tried Godox Yongnuo, Meike, Shanny, Nissin and many others. I haven't found a chinese flash/stobe that compare well against my Nikon speedlights. I buy the chinese Godox ones because stands fall over etc and I consider them almost disposable and they are cheap...
Hi! Would like to know on why did you not go for the v860 with lithium battery? Any cons or pros on AAs vs lithium batts? I am currenty torn between the TT685 and V860. would really like to be enlightened. Thank you so much!
i swapped out my Nikon speedlights for Godox and will never look back. i am using their AD 200 and two of their 860ii's. so far i am very pleased. the one major win for me anyway is their use of lithium ion battery's and the built in receivers. with my Nikon gear is was over run with AA battery's and constantly charging them. i enjoy your videos! thank you.
It is not a capacitor what damages, is a regulator (IC), which costs around $1.50. Exist a few you tube videos showing how to fix. I fix two of mine and no longer have problems, is very easy the procedure.
I bought a Godox TT685c one year ago, after 3 months of usage, the zoom stopped working. I've sent an email to the seller, which sends me a new one that died today. I've made a firmware update to be compatible with my Canon EOS R, and after the update, the flash starts to make a "crackling" noise inside (kind of short circuit) and smell of something burning. Don't know what to do, I've searched and can't make a firmware rollback :(
Hey, ED! What is your take on the older Vivitars...Specifically, the 283 and 285. I bought a Neewer NW620 flash recently , and I like it....but I am HORRIFIED, by the longevity of ALL of these “NEW” BUDGET flashes; I’ve done aTON of RESEARCH on ALL of these units; including Godox, Youngnuo, and Neewer....they offer FEATURES, but don’t seem to last as long as opposed to the Vivitar WORKHORSES!
for the tt685 and using a power pack, does the power pack provide all necessary power or do you still have to install the double A batteries for the electronics?
I got one on Alibaba, I have used it for 3 months but now it doesn't give any difference whether 1/1 or 1/128 the output intensity is just the same. Any advice
I had my own love story with the yongnuos 568exII for 3 years. I had 4 of them. It was a great flash, and impressively powerful, it was almost one stop more powerful than the TT685, but all 4 failed with time. I was lucky enough to have 2 of them refunded because they failed some months after purchasing. I tried to replace the transistor in one of them but i just fried the board. I really can't understand how after so many years with the same problem in different models, Yongnuo never tried to fix it. Shame on them!! Then i discovered godox, and for the last few months i've been happy with my TT685, the AD200 and a X2T controller. Let's see how durable this products are
I just but brand inly (nikon). I got used ones that have a 60 day warranty. Bought too many "cheap" (cheap nade not cheap price) so stick to brands now.
I've used earlier versions of the Yongnuo (3 of them) and more than 5 years later they still work great. Save the money and get these.
I have one of these for a number of years now and find it to be great. The only problem I have had is that the internal PCB above the hotshoe connector comes loose. This leads to an unrealiable connection. It's easy fix. Remove the four screws at the bottom and then tighten the four screws on the PCB and close it up again.
I decided to do a more permanent job on it the second time it happened and put tipex in the sockets for the PCB screws. I used to work in the telecoms industry and found that is was a good way to prevent screws coming loose. It's ony two weeks since I did this, so I don't know if it will work here but based on experience, it should.
Be very careful when you remove the PCB to do this. There are springs and pins underneath which will come out. If you lose one of them, your flash won't work. It's easy figure out where each one goes but it requires a little extra care when re-assembling, to make sure one of the springs don't pop out.
My unit is about three years old and I've only had to tighten the screws twice. I work for a newspaper and this is my main unit, so it gets used heavily.
I decided to go for Godox after I read a review where the tester decided to fire one and a Yongnuo, 2,000 times over the course of a day. He was impressed by both and found them equally good, until this test. The Godox was still working at the end of the test but the Yongnuo burned out at about 700. I will be buying another soon to replace my Nikon SB800 which has reached the end of it's days, after about 14 years. That was my main unit until about 18 months ago, when I decided to use the Godox more.
Thanks for the info and tip!
I use godox now, but id say YN is really tough , still working for 8 years although once it fell down two meters. I choose godox for lithium batt
I know the video is old but I have to say that this man handles the flashes like a savage would...
For the most part I've been really happy with my Godox purchases. The TT350f for Fuji works... but they really chew through batteries. But Godox's Li-ion tech with lights like the AD200... OMG. I can shoot on those things all day and not have to swap batteries. I also recently picked up the QS 400II for some studio situational work and I'm really liking what it can do even though it is limited compared to the AD400.
I still have a bunch of YN560-III's I can throw around where needed. But so far I will recommend Godox to anyone.
Is there a way other than using optical sensor on my old yongnuos to fire them with my godox flashes? Would putting a yongnuo transmitter on godox trigger / under godox speedlight fire my yongnuos?
Both of my Yangnuo YN685 died in less than one year. One of them died in middle of shooting an event. then I switched to Godox TT685n two years down the road still working as a champ.
Why's everyone hating on AA here? Get some eneloop pro's
Thanks for sharing your experience with both Yongnuo and Godox flashes, Ed.
I'm fortunate to have no problems with the 4 Yongnuo flashes for Nikon cameras I have for the past 6+ years. They are YN 560III, 560IV, 568EX, and 660. I use either the trigger RF-603II, which you showed in this video or the YN560-TX II trigger. They have always been reliable for my casual use. I don't shoot often. But when I do shoot, I usually take a couple of hundred photos at one time.
Always enjoy your vids. Very informative and very helpful.
I had a YN that came stuck on full power from day one. Got a Godox now, and its been working great. The only downside is the IR focus assist doesnt work. But I think its a Sony camera thing.
I sold my Nikon flashes and bought two V860ii's and two AD200's I'm never going back to AA powered flash.
I’m really considering the AD200. Thanks.
@@edverosky You can't go wrong with an AD200-version light. They're not much bigger than a speedlight, pack 3x the power and you can put on a 'standard' flash-bulb for use in softboxes and beauty dishes. It's my go-to light out of all the Godox I have, except in studio, then it become my B-group light. The only downside is that the LCD panel is easily scratched or broken if it takes a tumble.
To James' point about AA-powered flashed, the Godox lithiums get a ridiculous number of flashes out of a charge and recycle time is great, from all I've read. I stuck with AA-powered units because I already had a metric boatload of AA-rechargeables and the lights were less expensive. Also, you can walk into pretty much ANY store in the world and get AA batteries, whereas the R2 units you have to have your charger. If traveling, that's just one more thing to bring and keep track of.
I don't regret my decision, but any additional speedlights going forward will be the lithium-based versions. I don't really travel, but for location work here in Phoenix, I have to carry extra batteries on a shoot...which is added weight in my bag. Live and learn. :)
I'm amazed that no one has mentioned using a battery pack for instantaneous recycle. The 4 internal batts then only power the electronics and the battery pack charges the flash almost instantly , even at full power. The same pack sold by Godox will work with the Canon 580 EX or if you already have a Canon battery pack it will work properly on the 685.
We have 2022 today -- is your Godox still working? I mean you mentioned capacitors in YN... I'm interrested if Godox is better after years.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I would like to watch a video on how to use the control unit. I have not been able to get the best out this Godox system.
I really couldn't agree more. I dont use flash too often but, when I do, u need a reliable unit. I shot Nikon flashes for years and when nt last Nikon flash fies I looked for other options
The Yongnuo, as you noted, had had many issues and I k ow people who used them with very mixed results so, I opted for the Gosox TT685 and I've bern very pleased.
I just got hired as an event photographer and am looking to pick up 2 or 3 more of these so, thanks for your review.
I'm supersized to hear you have problems with the Yongnuo flash, BUT the 560 is a budget unit, I own 4 Yongnuo YN-568EX II flashes and have no interest in buying anything other then Yongnuo, they've been in the heat the freezing cold bounced around in the rv, tossed on the seat of my pickup, guess I better quite while I can, say too much they'll all crap out on me tomorrow lol. I also use Calumet Pro series radio triggers, thanks for the video Ed.
I think you made the mistake of buying the 560 IV, I did as well and mine tanked! But I've been using the 560 III's for years and they are tanks! LOVE them! They have made me thousands of dollars! thank you for the video! I LIKED!
Since getting the X1 trigger,I shoot n forget my problems with control,I save so much time.
Thanks Ed! I'm a huge fan of the Godox system too and use 2 TT685N and sometimes the TT350o (Olympus). Going into the menu of the TT685, I'm always getting confused for some reason??? So, yes, I really would appreciate if you should make a video on this subject, explaining every detail in the menu. Thanks!
I've had the Yongnuo yn968 on my nikon for 4 years, works perfect every time, never had a problem with
Been using the Flashpoint versions for a while because they(Godox) have the best/most complete ecosystem for the Fuji cameras I use. I can use the same remote for the speedlights and my Flashpoint Studio 300 monolights. Add in the little Flaspoint 'zoom mini' which is the perfect size for my X100S(also FAR better than the OEM Fuji flashes), doubles as a backup remote, and they are hard to beat. The advantage of going Flashpoint over Godox is a US seller(Adorama) to handle warranty issues, not that I've had any.
Hi Ed, Good video and good choice.
In the days I bought the Canon 600 EX-II (to go with my 5D M II) and it is a great, but also expensive, speed light !!
However all the TTL stuff, I never used, (all manual with a light meter) so when I wanted to buy some extra flash units I checked out the market and went for Godox.
Serious bang for your buck , no problems so far, love them and use them in combination with those very small flash Q triggers !! on a mirrorless, great for street photography too, to give things a pop in the dark.
Godox is my way !!
Thanks for sharing !
As you know, I shoot both Nikon ('regular' photography) and Sony (digital infrared). For the longest time, using Pocket Wizards was my only option to control my Nikon flash units and be able to use them cross-platform. In 2017, I started reading about the Godox line (also branded as Flashpoint from Adorama). They had Nikon, Canon and Sony controller, a variety of speedlights (power, features) and some larger flash units (studio and portable). After a bunch of reading and over-thinking (my hallmark), I decided to pull the flash trigger, so to speak.
In mid-2017, I went hard in the paint given my frustration with Pocket Wizard, getting a Nikon and 2 Sony speedlights + two triggers. When the portable AD200 came out (basically a large speedlight about 3x power of normal speedlights + swappable head w/Xenon bulb) I got that, too. Then I got the Adorama Rapid 600 for studio use. I sold off all my Paul Buff gear within a month. I then purched two receivers for my Nikon speedlights. All told, I have 5 Adorama/Godox lights + 2 Nikon speedlights, all controlled by triggers across 2 camera platforms. And all of it was less than US$1,000 (the Rapid 600 was the most expensive, about 50% of that amount)
I've been very happy. As long as you buy the right generation, every light is compatible with the other lights and triggers. My standard setup is an AD200 as key light, and a Nikon and a Sony Flashpoint R2 speedlight. I can control these via the triggers and switch between color and infrared mid-shoot...and do that all the time.
The only negative I've heard so far is the foot on the Sony flashes. Because they have the Sony "multiport" or whatever it is, Godox decided to use a plastic foot, which is much weaker than the Canon/Nikon metal foots. There've been instances were the foot has broken, esp using it on-camera. Apparently, there are 1/4"x20 threaded 'feet' you can get for them to swap out if you use them exclusively off-camera, but i haven't done it. I use the TTL version of the Sony on my infrared camera to take test shots of clothign for portrait sessions to see which come out 'better' for the look I'm aiming for.
This family of flash units has been a real headache reducer when it's come to lighting.
Regarding Godox the V860 might be a better bet than that TT885 - the former has a lithium battery that recycles faster
simianinc tt600 with power pack is my best option,the power is eaten up thru wireless.i found.
wullie G I cant speak to using a power pack as I’ve never tried one. But I have a v860 and a tt685 and I always use the former - but only when shooting on camera. The fabulous AD200s is my ocf of choice
Coincidentally, I upgraded my 4 YN560 and cowboy studio wireless trigger set to the TT685 X1t as well with some AD600's. The Canons versions don't have that weirdness with the hot shoe mount. The YN560s were great flashes at the time for the price, but 2 of the 4 always had some loud power cycling noise in one of those modes. Likely it was wired wrong but still passed QC. Sometimes I grab the YN because it's a great manual flash and I forget what all the buttons and modes do on the TT685 and I don't want to be trying stuff out in front of the client.
Absolutely. Simplicity is number one in my book. I usually stick to one standard setting as my default and adjust if absolutely necessary. Thanks, Michael!
I have tried both flashes and what I noticed is that, when it comes with optical slaving, Yongnuo does better than Godox. Even in the midday sun, Yongnuo was still responding with it's optical slaving while at 4pm, Godox was refusing to respond
Instablaster.
I bought a YN half a year ago, it stopped working after just a few test shots, the seller want me to send back to China for warranty, the shipping will cost higher than the speed light itself (I am in Malaysia), so it ended up in my back drawer.
i have two of the tt six hundreds for canon. These along with two soft boxes and two reflector umbrellas.. Learning from your's and other videos how to best use all. thanks for your efforts in educating us...
Funny you say that about the yongnuo. I had 3 and only have one left and its been 7yrs. Looking for a different and a trigger.
I have two of the Yongnuo YN685 for Nikon. It does auto, manual, is iTTL, does high speed sync and has radio transmitter built in to work with the YN622N transceiver which allows it to communicate in three groups with other flashes and of course change the settings for each one.
I bought into the Yongnuo system, and I now regret it. The speedlights are fine, they don’t get very heavy use and I've no issues at all. I have the yn685s, but I couldn’t use the yn603s I already had to trigger them. So I bought the yn622-tx-c to trigger those speedlights and some yn622-c transceiver to trigger my monos and non Yongnuo speedlights. I do have some Godox pn960 power packs, but I thought I'd look at the new(ish) Yongnuos with the Li-ion batteries to cut down on the cables, and guess what? I needed a new trigger again and no one could tell me if that new trigger would work with my yn685s. I believe, though I might be wrong, that the Godox lights can all be triggered by the latest trigger. Anyhow, service to say I never bought the new Yongnuo.
As I say, I've had no problems with the build of my yn685s, and they do every tick in the book and totally controllable from my camera for the speedlights. But surely you’d think the newer triggers would be able to trigger older receivers, both built in like my yn685s and external like my very old yn603s.
An absolutely brilliant video Ed, I doubt you’ll find many people who haven’t ended up frustrated with Yongnuo in one way or another. Though I’d never buy a Canon speedlights again, there’s no value for an amateur like myself.
Thanks, Mark. I believe the Godox/Flashpoints use a common signal across their line of units. I would hope they care enough to think about not making things harder on their customers as time goes on.
So glad you made this!
I’m really happy with my godox. I started with a rebranded neewer nw850ii version and x1 trigger and have subsequently bought a godox tt600. The nw850 is a lithium powered unit. Planning on purchasing an ad200 later on this year. 👍
So I have a mix of flashpoint and godox. I shoot Nikon and have the 685 for Nikon. Love it. I found 2 of the li-on 860 for fugi cameras. The nice thing is the controller will control all of them. I can't use the fugi ones on my camera but all features work if I use the controller or the 685 flash as the controller.
So if you find some used godox flashes for a deal they will still work for you.
Did the same to my Yongnuo too... resulting in 4 units of tt600, 1pc tt860ii and 1pc AD200. Godox never fail to perform...anytime..
My old Hannimex hammerhead thristro with auto stop still works,1982?.
Thistro for motordrive..
Primitive!...
It's great!.
I bought two of the Yongnuo units for a Pentax K5, and so far, so good, but I’d love to know how long it took for yours to earn that X. Those Xs, I should say. Also, is that Godox compatible with a Pentax K5? I bought those triggers you mentioned with the Yongnuos; would they work with the Godox? Thanks for this video, Ed - it may save me from an unpleasant surprise!
One of the Yongnuos failed within a month. Two others after about two years. But the triggers are great. They can actually trigger any manual flash. I believe you can get these Godox units to work as manual flash on anything, but do some research first.
@@edverosky Thanks, Ed. Good to know the triggers are ok and I will check out the Godox compatibility with Pentax. If they work, I may just put a Godox into my back pocket just in case.
Im not sure how many youngnuo flashes I had over the years. At the moment I use 8 Flashes at weddings. Also I have 2 more new 560IV's laying in the closet, just in case. I use 560III's and 560Iv's and I love them both. Over the years only 2 units failed on me with the full power output problem and they were sent back and replaced.
I also love the GODOX 850II's, have 7 units. They are great cause they also have HSS, but I cannot find a way to control the zoom via the remote control. In long term I would seggest beginners to stick to the better technology which is GODOX, but if you are shooting on a budget then youngnuo is the way to go. I owe a great deal of my carrier to youngnuo speedlights.
o have the TT600c love it beacuse of price and this was my first leap into flash photography.... My first unit was defective but quickly replaced abd i have had no issues since receiving my replacement unit....... I have to get the remote trigger so i can use it in HSS plus two X1-c receivers so i can trigger my flash and canon 600ex-rt that a friend as let my use to try a two light set up..
Thank you for this video..
Really needed a good advice, specially for me as a bigeener.👍
Thanks, you helped me decide what to buy, and it will be the godox. :)
வீடியோ மிகவும் பயனுள்ளதாக இருந்தது மிக்க நன்றி 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
இரா.மனோகர் சென்னை .
Very useful video sir, I learned lot from it, looking forward more videos like this keep it up good work, thanks a lot sir
big thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
R.MANOHAR
Chennai.
Problem is perhaps both are made of Chinesium and so the Godox may go even quicker (plastic foot??). Would be good to know which ones aren't made in China.
I have Yongnuo's and probably don't use thm as much.
Would LOVE to see good U.S. made gear featured prominently. I’d be willing to pay more.
@@edverosky so would I American, British, German etc.
what about the Neewer flashes now? They are cheaper and seem the same than Yongnuo
I bought two Yongnuo 600 EX-RT and both developed the same fault the zoom head stopped working and read 14mm and they over heat with light use I would not buy an other Yongnuo product again.
I had 2x 560's III and IV, 685 is whole another level, not even the same price range. YN has 685 too... and I had them all 560's and 685. 560's falls a lot, still working, but still, many of users expirianced dead YN's...I switched to Godox, sold all my Yn's and enjoy safely with HSS usage of Godox X sistem. Plus, godox TT600 is 60$ and its HSS, TX and TTL capable.
Hey You are clear and informative ..You just had a bad experience with Youngnou ..So you just changed girlfriends ..I still use YN600EX RT just great and the Sex with current very very long term girl friend is also amazing ..So just goes to show faith and confidence ..Stay Blessed
I like Godox flashes very much for there batteries.... never buy AA-batteries anymore, except for the transmitter... that's a big deal !
Yes, please do a how-to for this flash. 😃
Working on one. Should be up within the week.
In the followup, can you do a practical on the TT685 guide number? I could never figure out exposure using that.
Why bother ? just look at your histogram and/or adjust aperture, iso or power settings - easy !
Godox aren't much better but at least they're cheap and disposable and their triggers work across their range. I still have working Nikon flashes from the 1970s like the SB24 - pity speedlights aren't made like that anymore...
Ed, need your advise, for Godox TT685 flashes, does one need to use AA rechargeable batteries only or can one use regular AA Batteries ? I heard someone say that regular AA batteries get stuck in Godox flashes . Have you ever experienced such a thing? I have ordered the flash and would want to order batteries based on your feedback. Thanks a ton, Ed. You are being a wonderful teacher here.
I’ve used non-rechargeable as well as rechargeable with no problem. Don’t mix though.
@@edverosky Thank you Ed for your prompt response. Really appreciate it. Got it, not to mix them and use.Great point.
Would love to see the tutorial - have two Yongnuo's myself
I really would appreciate a totourial on the Godox Flash, since I have three flashes, and I have a hart time to get them to fire together.
I was just wondering if you are still happy with the Godox? I have heard of people complaining that the hot shoe brakes and wondered if you had had that problem or not? Thank you
Hi I need an advice I have a canon but I’m in between Godox tt600 or a yongnuo 560 IV I’m more a fashion photographer, so what would u recommend?
I have about eight Yongnuo flashes, they were all working the last time i checked
Does the yongnuo offer HSS? Because that's a feature you didn't mentioned that's amazing on godox flashes
No HSS on that model. The Godox has HSS. It is activated automatically when the shutter speed exceeds normal flash sync.
@@edverosky yeah even on the cheap godox tt600s HSS works great and is only $65
I’m interested in the how to
Hi there, thanks for your video! It's the second I see where the 560 flashes full power all the time (broken) :( Now one question remains... If I have to cover a 4 hour event, how much shoots will I get with one battery set per flash??? Any vague idea? many thnx!
I did purchese years back a flash YOUGNUO yn600ex-rt toghether with a compatibile triger.
Has never worked I never used it it went crazy as I turned it on, the soket was rather loose also. YONGNUO product never again!!!!
I'm use a bunch of godox strobes.
They seem reliable enough.
But like most Chinese flashes/strobes the stated output is massively over optimistic.
I've tried Godox Yongnuo, Meike, Shanny, Nissin and many others.
I haven't found a chinese flash/stobe that compare well against my Nikon speedlights.
I buy the chinese Godox ones because stands fall over etc and I consider them almost disposable and they are cheap...
Hi! Would like to know on why did you not go for the v860 with lithium battery? Any cons or pros on AAs vs lithium batts? I am currenty torn between the TT685 and V860. would really like to be enlightened. Thank you so much!
I think either way would be good.
i swapped out my Nikon speedlights for Godox and will never look back. i am using their AD 200 and two of their 860ii's. so far i am very pleased. the one major win for me anyway is their use of lithium ion battery's and the built in receivers. with my Nikon gear is was over run with AA battery's and constantly charging them.
i enjoy your videos! thank you.
It is not a capacitor what damages, is a regulator (IC), which costs around $1.50. Exist a few you tube videos showing how to fix. I fix two of mine and no longer have problems, is very easy the procedure.
I bought a Godox TT685c one year ago, after 3 months of usage, the zoom stopped working. I've sent an email to the seller, which sends me a new one that died today. I've made a firmware update to be compatible with my Canon EOS R, and after the update, the flash starts to make a "crackling" noise inside (kind of short circuit) and smell of something burning. Don't know what to do, I've searched and can't make a firmware rollback :(
Hey, ED! What is your take on the older Vivitars...Specifically, the 283 and 285. I bought a Neewer NW620 flash recently , and I like it....but I am HORRIFIED, by the longevity of ALL of these “NEW” BUDGET flashes; I’ve done aTON of RESEARCH on ALL of these units; including Godox, Youngnuo, and Neewer....they offer FEATURES, but don’t seem to last as long as opposed to the Vivitar WORKHORSES!
They used to make gear that worked for the long haul. I think there’s nothing wrong with using good gear from years ago if it still works.
for the tt685 and using a power pack, does the power pack provide all necessary power or do you still have to install the double A batteries for the electronics?
Yes please do a how to on the godox
I got one on Alibaba, I have used it for 3 months but now it doesn't give any difference whether 1/1 or 1/128 the output intensity is just the same. Any advice
Nice video. Could I use the Godox on a Canon AE -1 program SLR Film camera?
I had my own love story with the yongnuos 568exII for 3 years. I had 4 of them. It was a great flash, and impressively powerful, it was almost one stop more powerful than the TT685, but all 4 failed with time. I was lucky enough to have 2 of them refunded because they failed some months after purchasing. I tried to replace the transistor in one of them but i just fried the board. I really can't understand how after so many years with the same problem in different models, Yongnuo never tried to fix it. Shame on them!!
Then i discovered godox, and for the last few months i've been happy with my TT685, the AD200 and a X2T controller. Let's see how durable this products are
I need one.
So I get the other non working flashes👀👀
got YN660, 2/3 stop more power than 560. I think the most powerful speedlight in the world. I do not see godox has speedlight match YN660 power.
Can you tell me if I can use the Godox with a canon flash as a slave?.
I have 2 of the YN600EX-RT II...they both get stuck at full power. It's so frustrating. I do not recommend that brand.
so is the flash still good? ? ? ?
Does the Godox have an Af assist red beam?
I just but brand inly (nikon). I got used ones that have a 60 day warranty. Bought too many "cheap" (cheap nade not cheap price) so stick to brands now.
That godox is HSS?
The tt600 has master control.
Dont versus Yongnuo YN560 IV with Godox TT685. Instead TT685 vs YN685
Who model is that trigger ?
We need a how to please
The 4th one is no longer with us! Allegory.
Recommend me a cheap/budget flash for canon 3000D (no center pin)
YN flashes are junk... i used them for two yrs and both died while shooting an event(YN685)... I replaced them with Godox TT685n just last month
Send me one ..
you look like rambo
donde estan los subtitulos en spanish :v
Learn English, don't expect everyone translating for you.
If you can do 1/8000 flash.... choose Godox