1. Product Overview
The Yongnuo YN-560 II is a powerful manual speedlite flash designed for various camera systems, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, and Panasonic. It features a high guide number, multiple flash modes, and advanced wireless triggering capabilities, making it a versatile tool for photographers.
This flash unit is equipped with an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) circuit design, ensuring stable and efficient performance. Its robust construction and intuitive controls provide a reliable lighting solution for both studio and on-location photography.
Figure 1.1: Front view of the Yongnuo YN-560 II Speedlite Flash.
2. Setup and Installation
2.1 Battery Installation
The YN-560 II requires four AA-size batteries (alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are usable). Follow these steps to install the batteries:
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the side of the flash unit.
- Slide the cover open in the direction indicated by the arrow.
- Insert four AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+ and - terminals) as marked inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely until it clicks into place.
Figure 2.1: Open battery compartment of the YN-560 II, showing battery insertion.
2.2 Mounting the Flash
To mount the YN-560 II onto your camera's hot shoe:
- Ensure the flash unit is turned off.
- Slide the flash's hot shoe mount into your camera's hot shoe slot.
- Tighten the locking ring or lever on the flash unit to secure it firmly to the camera.
The flash can also be used off-camera with a mini-stand (included) or other compatible light stands.
3. Operating Modes
The YN-560 II offers several flash modes to suit different photographic needs. Use the MODE button to cycle through the available modes.
Figure 3.1: Control panel and LCD display of the YN-560 II.
3.1 Manual Mode (M)
In Manual mode, you manually set the flash output level from 1/128 to 1/1 (full power). There are 29 levels of fine-tuning available. Use the directional buttons to adjust the power output.
- 1/1 (Full Power): Maximum light output.
- 1/128: Minimum light output.
- Use the + and - buttons to adjust the power in full stop increments, and the up/down arrows for fine adjustments.
3.2 Slave Modes (S1, S2)
These modes allow the YN-560 II to be triggered wirelessly by another flash unit. The high-sensitivity wireless triggering sensor detects the light from a master flash.
- S1 Mode: The flash will fire in sync with the first flash detected from a master flash. This mode is suitable for manual flash environments.
- S2 Mode: The flash will ignore the pre-flash from a master flash (e.g., TTL flash) and fire only on the main flash. This is useful when using a camera's built-in flash or another TTL flash as a master.
3.3 Multi Mode (Stroboscopic Flash)
Multi mode allows the flash to fire a series of rapid flashes during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic effects. You can set the flash output, the number of flashes, and the frequency (Hz) in this mode.
- Adjust flash output (e.g., 1/128 to 1/4).
- Set the number of flashes.
- Set the frequency (flashes per second).
4. Key Features
4.1 Motorized Zoom Function
The YN-560 II features a motorized zoom head that allows you to adjust the flash coverage from 24mm to 105mm. Pressing the ZOOM+ or ZOOM- buttons on the speedlite will change the flash coverage to match your lens's focal length, optimizing light distribution.
Figure 4.1: Close-up of the YN-560 II control panel showing zoom buttons.
You can manually set the zoom position to 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 80mm, or 105mm by pressing the zoom buttons.
4.2 Wireless Triggering System
The YN-560 II is compatible with Yongnuo RF-602 and RF-603 2.4G wireless flash systems, offering an ultra-long wireless triggering range of up to 100 meters (328 feet) outdoors. This allows for flexible off-camera flash setups.
4.3 Swivel and Tilt Head
The flash head can be rotated horizontally from 0 to 270 degrees and tilted vertically from -7 to 90 degrees. This flexibility allows for bounce flash photography, directing light off ceilings or walls for softer, more natural illumination.
Figure 4.2: YN-560 II with its head tilted and swiveled for bounce flash.
4.4 Built-in Diffuser and Reflector
The flash unit includes a pull-out wide-angle diffuser and a built-in reflector panel. The diffuser helps to soften the light and spread it over a wider area (down to 18mm coverage), while the reflector panel can be used to create catchlights in the subject's eyes or provide a subtle fill light.
5. Maintenance and Care
- Keep the flash unit dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture.
- Clean the flash body with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth and then dry thoroughly.
- Avoid touching the flash tube directly. If it becomes dirty, clean it gently with a soft cloth.
- When not in use for extended periods, remove the batteries to prevent leakage and damage.
- Store the flash in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Use the provided protective case for storage and transport.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flash does not fire. |
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| Flash output is too weak/strong. |
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| Flash does not trigger wirelessly. |
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7. Technical Specifications
| Circuit Design | Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) |
| Guide Number | 58 (ISO 100, 105mm) |
| Flash Mode | M, S1, S2, Multi |
| Zoom Range | 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 80, 105mm |
| Vertical Rotation Angle | -7 to 90 degrees |
| Horizontal Rotation Angle | 0 to 270 degrees |
| Power Supply | 4 × AA-size batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH) |
| Lighting Times | 100-1500 times (with AA alkaline cells) |
| Recycle Time | Approx. 3 seconds (with AA alkaline cells) |
| Color Temperature | 5600K |
| Flash Duration | 1/200s to 1/20000s |
| Flash Control | 8 levels of output control (1/128 to 1/1), 29 levels of fine-tuning |
| External Interface | Hot shoe, PC port, External charging port |
| Wireless Triggering Distance | 20-25m indoors, 10-15m outdoors (optical pulse) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5.7 x 7.5 x 19.2 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 621.42 g (without batteries) |
| Compatible Mounts | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic (standard hot shoe) |
8. What's in the Box
The package includes the following items:
- 1 x Yongnuo YN-560 II Speedlite Flash with Metal Hot Shoe
- 1 x Mini Stand
- 1 x Protecting Case (Black)
- 1 x Instruction Manual (English and Chinese)
9. Warranty and Support
Yongnuo provides a 1-year warranty for the YN-560 II Speedlite Flash, covering manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover damages caused by misuse, accidents, or unauthorized modifications. For warranty claims or technical support, please contact your retailer or the official Yongnuo service center.
Additionally, a 14-day refund policy is typically offered by retailers if you are not satisfied with the item, excluding return shipping fees.
