I've got multiple YN's that have lasted a number of years each, done a lot of travel (in carry-on bags), dealt with location shoots, rain and cold weather, some drops. I'd recommend you get another YN.
I like older non-digital flashes like Nikon SB-26 or SB-28 or even the SB-24. These were the flagship flashes of their day. They just aren't compatible with iTTL or eTTL, but I shoot manual flash most always.
I picked up 4 SB-26s on eBay for about $100 each.
These are pro flashes, not knock-offs. Not that there isn't a place for those too. It's just if you are looking for something else, here is something to consider.
Like I said, they have their place. If they make you happy and you get your $50 worth, buy them again. But, if you are looking for something else. Try pre-digital pro flashes and shoot manual.
Right Poes
Posts: 639
Colorado Springs, Colorado, US
Just yesterday I picked up another slave off Craigs List. An sb24 for $40. I am tickled pink at this thing! I will be using it on a trip this week and an office shoot next week.
Dan Gregory Photography wrote: I don't know, I mean I got my 50 bucks worth out of my Yongnuo. But I want something that lasts.
I have three Vivitar 283's from the 70's that still work fine. There were two of them in excellent condition selling on Ebay a couple of weeks ago for $18 + $6 shipping. Just an idea.
EDIT: I thought I should add this... do NOT mount the earlier ones (made in Japan) on the hotshoe of a modern DSLR. The voltage is too high. My understanding is that the newer ones from the '80's (NOT made in japan) are OK tho. This is just hear/say and I haven't verified this info... just thought I'd pass on what I've heard about these.
I use mine with wireless or slave adapters, so no problems with hotshoe contact.
I recently picked up a YN-560 for $40+shipping, the prices have been dropping since the YN-560 II came out. I'm probably going to pick up another one soon.
Phantasmal Images wrote: I recently picked up a YN-560 for $40+shipping, the prices have been dropping since the YN-560 II came out. I'm probably going to pick up another one soon.
They fluctuate quite a bit. Back up to $65+
For a while they were $40ish (cheaper than the 460II) but the 460II stayed low, and the 560 jumped back up.
R_Marquez
Posts: 4,578
San Francisco, California, US
I have a bunch of 285HV's that I don't touch. They're decent, but the recycle time is slow. The YN560 is a much better buy. The YN565ex if you want ETTL. Then YN565exII if you want high-speed sync.
Halcyon Arts
Posts: 157
Washington, District of Columbia, US
I have an SB-24, SB-25 and a pair of manual Yongnuos, I got the Nikon flashes early in the strobist trend, so they were only about $50. Of the three, I prefer the Yongnuo, due to the more streamlined controls. Also, the Nikon flashes are old, so the buttons aren't as responsive as new ones, which I would expect is true about most flashes from this vintage. If you found an unused SB-24/25/26 in like new shape, it would probably be preferable to most people. Though I rarely use it, the semi auto settings (set distance, aperture and ISO rather than just power is handy for on camera use).
-JAY- wrote: Another YN? Mine have been going strong for a few years, now.
Jay, based on your reviews alone and all of the info you have posted about the YN's I have decided to buy a couple just to have around, I have a Vivitar 285 and a 283.
for my Canon I have the 430EXII and I was thinking about buying the SB700 or 900 for my Nikon but have decided to go with the YN's
KFM Designs wrote: If you are going to invest then just do it.
I sold a few 58 EX's and the only reason I did was to upgrade to the 600 EX. I have NEVER had an issue with them.
If you can afford it, it is worth it.
For the price of one 600EX I bought 13 YN460IIs... I have NEVER had an issue with them (well I had one fall in a lake, but it was fine after a week of drying) after a couple years and tens of thousands of shots.
For the price of one 600EX I bought 13 YN460IIs... I have NEVER had an issue with them (well I had one fall in a lake, but it was fine after a week of drying) after a couple years and tens of thousands of shots.
It was what I could afford, and worth it.
I am happy for you Jay!
I have a couple of 600 EX and STE3 RT and they are amazing
They have made it fun to go out and shoot again.
It is so cool having all of the control right on the camera.
I would probably never by a yougnu but hey that is just me!
PS201
Posts: 80
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
L Bass wrote:
I have three Vivitar 283's from the 70's that still work fine. There were two of them in excellent condition selling on Ebay a couple of weeks ago for $18 + $6 shipping. Just an idea.
EDIT: I thought I should add this... do NOT mount the earlier ones (made in Japan) on the hotshoe of a modern DSLR. The voltage is too high. My understanding is that the newer ones from the '80's (NOT made in japan) are OK tho. This is just hear/say and I haven't verified this info... just thought I'd pass on what I've heard about these.
I use mine with wireless or slave adapters, so no problems with hotshoe contact.
You can easily measure the voltage at the hot shoe with a voltmeter, I wouldn't pair anything above 10V with a modern camera (your manual will state safe hot shoe voltages for your specific camera)
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