1. Introduction
The YONGNUO Speedlite YN730 is a high-performance wireless manual flash designed for various DSLR and mirrorless cameras with a standard hot shoe, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Pentax, and Olympus. It features a high guide number of GN60, a 2000mAh lithium battery for quick recycling, and a versatile 2.4G wireless triggering system. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device.
Image 1.1: YONGNUO Speedlite YN730 with its main features including GN60, M Multi Flash Mode, 2.4G Wireless Trigger System, 2000mAh Lithium Battery with Type-C Port, 6 Group Control Function, 8 Levels Output Control, 16 Channels, 29 Levels of Tuning, and 20-200mm Zoom Range.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package contents upon unpacking. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your retailer.
- YONGNUO Speedlite YN730 (1)
- Lithium Battery (1)
- USB Type-C Data Cable (1)
- Micro Base (1)
- Protective Bag (1)
- User Manual (1)
Image 2.1: The standard package includes the Speedlite, protective bag, micro base, user manual, lithium battery, and data cable.
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main components of the YN730 Speedlite.
3.1 Front and Control Panel
Image 3.1: A close-up of the YN730 Speedlite, showing the LCD display, mode buttons (MODE, CLR, SET), directional controls, and ON/OFF switch. The flash head is adjustable.
The front of the flash features the flash tube and AF assist beam. The control panel includes an LCD screen displaying current settings, mode buttons (MODE, CLR, SET), and a multi-directional selector for navigation and adjustment. The ON/OFF switch is located on the side.
3.2 Battery Compartment and Hot Shoe
The lithium battery compartment is located on the side of the flash unit. The hot shoe mount is at the base for secure attachment to your camera.
4. Setup
4.1 Installing the Battery
- Open the battery compartment cover on the side of the YN730.
- Insert the provided lithium battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
4.2 Mounting on Camera
- Slide the YN730's hot shoe into your camera's hot shoe mount.
- Rotate the locking ring on the flash unit clockwise until it is firmly secured. Do not overtighten.
4.3 Powering On/Off
- To power on, slide the ON/OFF switch to the 'ON' position. The LCD screen will illuminate.
- To power off, slide the ON/OFF switch to the 'OFF' position.
5. Operating Modes
The YN730 supports various flash modes for different shooting scenarios.
5.1 M (Manual) Mode
In Manual mode, you manually set the flash output power from 1/1 to 1/128. Use the directional buttons to adjust the power level. This mode provides precise control over flash intensity.
5.2 Multi (Stroboscopic) Mode
Multi mode allows the flash to fire a series of rapid flashes during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic effects. You can set the flash frequency (Hz) and the number of flashes.
5.3 Radio Master Mode
When set as a master unit, the YN730 can control up to 6 independent groups of compatible YONGNUO slave flashes. It can adjust the flash mode, brightness, and focal length of the subordinate units remotely.
Image 5.1: The YN730 can function as a master unit, controlling flash mode, flash output, focal length, number of stroboscopic flashes, and frequency for up to 6 independent groups of slave units.
5.4 Radio Slave Mode
In Radio Slave mode, the YN730 can be triggered wirelessly by compatible YONGNUO radio transmitters or master flashes such as YN730, YN685EX-RF, YN650EX-RF, YN560 IV, YN660, YN560TX, RF605, RF603, and RF602.
5.5 Optical Slave Modes (S1, S2)
- S1 Mode: The flash fires in sync with the first flash from a master flash. This mode is suitable for manual flash environments.
- S2 Mode: The flash ignores the pre-flash from a master flash and fires in sync with the second flash. This mode is suitable for master flashes that emit a pre-flash.
5.6 Zoom Range Adjustment
The YN730 supports an automatic and manual zoom range from 20mm to 200mm, allowing you to match the flash coverage to your lens's focal length.
6. Charging the Battery
The YN730 is powered by a high-capacity 2000mAh lithium battery, offering extended usage and fast recycling times.
- The battery provides up to 600 full-power flashes on a single charge.
- Recycle time is approximately 1 second at full power when the battery is fully charged.
- The unit features a Type-C direct charging port for convenient recharging.
Image 6.1: The YN730 features a Type-C direct-charging design for convenience. It uses a 2000mAh large capacity lithium battery, capable of up to 600 flashes at full power.
To charge the battery, connect the provided USB Type-C cable to the flash unit and a compatible USB power source. The charging indicator will show the charging status.
7. Wireless Triggering
The YN730 incorporates a robust 2.4G wireless triggering system for reliable off-camera flash operation.
- It is fully compatible with YONGNUO 2.4G radio transmission trigger signals.
- Supported trigger systems include YN650EX-RF, YN720, YN685, YN685II, YN685EX-RF, YN650EX-RF, YN560IV, YN660, YN560III, YN560TX, RF605, RF603, and RF602.
- There are 16 channels available for selection to avoid interference.
- The effective triggering distance is up to 100 meters.
Image 7.1: The YN730 features 2.4G wireless flash triggering, compatible with various YONGNUO trigger systems (YN720, YN685, YN560 III, YN660, YN560 IV, YN560 TX, RF605, RF603, RF602, YN685EX-RF, YN650EX-RF). It offers 1-16 channels for selection and an effective triggering distance of up to 100m.
8. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your YN730 Speedlite.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the flash body. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry one. Do not use organic solvents or strong cleaning agents.
- Hot Shoe Contacts: Keep the hot shoe contacts clean and dry to ensure proper communication with the camera.
- Storage: Store the flash in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high humidity. If storing for extended periods, remove the battery.
- Battery Care: Avoid fully discharging the lithium battery frequently. Recharge it regularly, even if not in use, to maintain battery health.
9. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your YN730 Speedlite, refer to the following common problems and solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flash does not fire | Low battery; Flash not powered on; Incorrect mode; Hot shoe connection issue; Camera settings. | Charge or replace battery; Turn on flash; Select appropriate flash mode (M, S1/S2); Ensure flash is securely mounted; Check camera flash settings. |
| Poor exposure (too dark/bright) | Incorrect flash output; Incorrect camera ISO/aperture/shutter speed; Flash-to-subject distance. | Adjust flash output power; Adjust camera exposure settings; Move closer or further from subject. |
| Wireless triggering failure | Incorrect channel/group; Out of range; Interference; Master/slave unit not compatible or set correctly. | Verify channel and group settings; Ensure units are within 100m range; Change channel; Check compatibility and master/slave mode settings. |
| Long recycle time | Low battery; High flash output. | Charge battery; Reduce flash output power. |
If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact YONGNUO customer support.
10. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Guide Number | GN60 (ISO100, 200mm) |
| Flash Modes | M (Manual), Multi (Stroboscopic), Radio Master, Radio Slave, Optical Slave (S1, S2) |
| Zoom Range | 20-200mm (Auto/Manual) |
| Power Source | 2000mAh Lithium-ion Battery |
| Full Power Flashes | Approx. 600 times |
| Recycle Time | Approx. 1 second (at full power) |
| Wireless Triggering | 2.4G Radio Transmission |
| Wireless Channels | 16 |
| Effective Trigger Distance | Up to 100m |
| Compatible Cameras | DSLR and Mirrorless cameras with standard hot shoe (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Pentax, Olympus) |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
11. Warranty and Support
YONGNUO products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official YONGNUO website.
Official Website: http://www.hkyongnuo.com/
