I have several Yongnuo speedllights and for the most part they are ok. But I've done a couple weddings that I've struggled getting them to work properly. I know a part of the problem is the camera is looking for something to focus on but during the reception the lighting is dim and I miss shots because my camera won't fire. The last wedding a couple weeks ago right before the grand March they were not firing and I was the only photographer and getting the short was on my shoulder. I prayed and the flash went off.
Is spending the extra money for a Nikon flash worth? Is their any other speedllight recommendations.
I use a promaster. Not sure of the model...it's in the car right now...but I've never had a problem on or off camera. I trigger it off camera with my pop up.
@myhrhelper I have the Meike 910 branded flashes, a clone of the SB910 and at 1/4 of the price. 90% of the CLS/TTL functions, all I need. They inter-operate too with the SB/TTL flashes. They work well for me on and off the camera - off camera using them in slave mode to the built in flash in commander mode. They do have a focus assist lamp, and the small number of times I've had to rely on them, it's been satisfactory. Does the focus assist light on the camera not operate with a flash mounted? Turning that on is another one of the "a" custom settings, I think the last in the section. I admit I've never tried. I should get it all out and see.
If you use lenses with the AF/M manual over-ride you can always change your shutter priority mode to "release" rather than "focus." Custom Settings a1 and a2 depending on AF-C or AF-S mode. Or just rely on MF, perhaps even in Live View mode?
Check out http://www.godox.com/EN/Products_Camera_Flash_V860II.html. The The V860II for Nikon is fantastic! I went to a meet-up class on the benefits of using radio controlled flash units versus lighting control and the instructor was using Godox gear. They do both and have lighting control units compatible with Nikon, Canon and Sony, and they have radio 2.4Ghz as well. I have two of the V860II units and the flash refresh is awesome. Highly recommended lighting equipment.
@mikegifford how long does the battery last? Are they expensive? So for one light for instance in a wedding setting would you need one or two spare batteries per light?
Thank you so much for this information - I'm seriously looking into it
@myhrhelper Yes. Its a quick drop-in and easy to use. The first unit I bought I found a two-battery offering on Amazon. The second unit I bought I just purchased the standard unit which came with the battery and charger so now I have two V860IIN units, 3 batteries and 2 chargers.
@myhrhelper They are nice flash units, but like the high end Nikon units they are heavy if carrying them for long periods of time. I try to use off-camera flash as much as possible just for this reason. I use the Nikon in commander mode and place the lights where I want the most effect and for the desired lighting.
@mikegifford I bit the bullet and ordered it. I have an international women's fashion event on Saturday to I will be able try it out. My spare battery won't come until Monday so I'll also have the Yongnuo for backup.
@mikegifford You still need a receiver to work off camera right? Or are you saying you can use this flash by changing the camera setting without a remote?
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Same concept as the focus assist lamp on your camera, but not in objectionable blinding-the-subject way.
Never shot a wedding, but I know for low light / indoors the red beam is a wonderful thing.
Ironically, seems to work well off camera with Yongnuo radio triggers.
Hope this helps.
If you use lenses with the AF/M manual over-ride you can always change your shutter priority mode to "release" rather than "focus." Custom Settings a1 and a2 depending on AF-C or AF-S mode. Or just rely on MF, perhaps even in Live View mode?
Good luck.
Starting on page 35 of this PDF will get you information on the V860II N for Nikon. Read on the technology for lighting control and RF radio control. The lithium battery recharge is great. http://www.godox.com/EN/InstructionManual/GODOX_Catalog_26th_En_20160614.pdf
Thank you so much for this information - I'm seriously looking into it
You can get hundreds of shots with a single battery, and Amazon has deals with spare batteries. They recharge quickly and are easy to swap out.
Thank you for your help!