Lighting

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The Yongnuo YN-565EX ETTL Flash for Canon and Nikon is so far very nice. Yongnuo has really stepped up their game with this new YN565EX, providing a solid build that feels very similar to the Canon 580EX II which is the top notch in Canon gear. Many other features only available in Canon's top flashes are also included in the YN-565EX such as PC sync and External Power port option. For an on camera flash with Canon DSLRs, it works transparently for the average consumer. In ETTL mode, communication with the camera are recognized including Zoom Distance, Aperture, and Flash compensation. Note: This flash does not have an HSS option.

When used off camera, the flash can be set to Slave mode and triggered from a variety of Canon Master or Nikon Commander type triggers. Although you can fire the flash remotely, I need to do more testing to see if ETTL is still working wirelessly. I noticed the flash was not picking up my flash compensation, zoom, or aperture. It seems to have defaulted to a more manual mode but still fired as a slave. Maybe i'm missing something in the settings? Since this YN-565EX can be triggered through a Canon Master, this should (ideally) work to be triggered from the 'built in' wireless triggers from the Canon 7D and Canon 60D cameras (turn on Flash trigger in menu). I think the T3i may also have this option. In any case, the many features, build quality, and price makes this a perfect flash for on camera use, and for experienced flash photographers the manual modes 'off camera' work excellent too. You can find them online via eBay (click here).

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find-price-button Yongnuo YN-565EX Canon Speelite Flash

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[Update on this Article - Buyers Must Read]

Thanks to Serge for posting up this comparison between what is being advertised as the 'Z96 Upgrade' a.k.a W96. This little verified 'clone' fails to meet the standards of the real F&V Z96 LED light, and tries to ride the coat tails. In fact, there's a few of these popping up lately, so if it's not official F&V, then it's a no-go. He's got a bit of a write up about this W96 over at his blog found here. Looks like we can all scratch that one off of the options list... [Thanks Serge].

[Update] Seller wants a 'Make Good'. Check the comments from [email protected]. If you purchased one of these lights and are unsatisfied, holler back. Honestly, I suggest you do this through eBay Messaging from the person you bought this from. Looks like you could get a different version or a revised version of the light with hopefully less flaws. Looks like the blog has got some pull, hopefully it works out for those who already purchased one of these. Heck the worst case scenario is you end up with two of these lights...

Here's the latest update, and I would encourage you to do so. Regardless of who you purchased the light from, I suggest just giving FULL NEGATIVE feedback on this item unless they refund you. The seller should be responsible for also paying for return shipping. If they refuse, you should give Negative feedback on the item (without shipping the item back). Let them know that the light they are selling is not a Z96 upgrade and was falsely advertised as so. One recent comment mentioned that they were refunded fully without shipping the item back. (comments are frequently updated - check comments)

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As pointed out in the comments, the original 500 LED video light panels prices have been reduced since it's first inception. Of course, it's because the new style 600, 900, and 1200 LED panels are out. For the new lower prices you could almost get two 500's as opposed to one 600 LED light panel. The older 500 LED panels are still great lights to use, but they do weigh a bit more than the newer 600 LED panel and also don't offer a battery mount. Two different versions of these 500's are available with a true Dimmer knob, and one dimmable through 4 power switches.

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find-price-button Dimmable Knob 500 LED Light Panel

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find-price-button 500 LED light Panel 4 Bank

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Caleb over at DSLRVideoShooter.com, reviews one of the ePhoto 600 LED Video panels, and seems pretty happy with them. I agree that they could have done a better job with the power cords because if you have your lights fairly high, they are dangling at the barrel connector. I'm in the habit of tying my cables to the Yoke to prevent stress on the connector. I guess using batteries would solve that problem. [Thanks for the shot out Caleb]

I've got a 3pc set of the 900 LED panels, which I chose specifically because it has a bit more power than the 600s, but still has the battery mount option. They are also not too big so that I can pack them in a roller travel carry on luggage. If you have no plans for a battery mount, the 1200's will give you the most amount of power. I'll be honest to say I don't really have a proper bag, and these lights get bumped around quite a bit. They have been in constant use lately for the last few weeks and are still operating perfectly.

New in that lineup of LED panels is a '1200 Bi-Color' (color changing) version, but keep in mind that's only 600 LED's actually going full power in either Daylight or Tungsten temperatures. While they are back in stock, you can find them on Amazon available for Prime - Click Here.

600 LED 900 1200 Video Light Panel
find-price-button Dimmable LED Video Light Panels

Don't forget that there are some bags available to make them easier to travel with. Not so much protection from dropping, but keeps the buttons, switches, and barndoors from getting snagged. Those baggies can be found on Amazon (click here).

LED Light panel bag
find-price-button LED Video Light Bags

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dual-bracket (1 of 1)

If you've seen a post I did a while back on a double Light and Sound bracket, there's now one available for half the price. Perfect for mounting a Shotgun to one side and an LED light on the other. Or heck, why not mount two LED lights. A simple way of mounting several accessories without getting into DSLR Cages. With the hot shoe adapter built in it can be quickly mounted to your camera, or to a light stand using the available 1/4 x 20 thread under the shoe. Now available via Amazon (click here).

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find-price-button Photo Video Dual V Bracket for Video Lights & Microphone

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Z96 ZFlash LED

Well, it appears that the 'Z96 Upgrade' LED video light might not be an actual upgrade. It's just another variation of the product. It also seems that the Z96 form factor is such a popular light, there's even another version that doubles as an external flash called Z-Flash. The flash feature is something Litepanels tried with their MicroPro Hybrid. You can also see Canon implementing continuous LED lighting in the new Canon Speedlite 320EX Flash.

Z96 Zflash

This new variation of the Z96 looks almost the same, functions the same, but has a new sync port that connects to the PC terminal on your camera to fire as an external flash. Who knows how much actual light output it can throw during flash mode, but for a higher price you can find more details following the link (click here).

Z96 Flash ZFlash LED video Light
find-price-button Z96 Like LED Video Light with Flash Feature

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w96-led-lightw96-led

Thanks to a tip from Dave here's something of interest. Still all new to me, but apparently it's advertising as an 'upgrade' to the uber popular Z96 LED Video light. There has been rumor for sometime that there was an upgrade due to a few minor bugs. Mainly flickering at low battery levels and a poor ball head mount. Sure the original Z96 had F&V pasted on it, but was that just brand stamping on a no name LED light? In any case, here's an introduction to the 'W96' LED video light. [Thanks Dave]

BTW, here's a fun bit showing use of the Z96 among other LED lights. http://cheesycam.com/cheap-500-led-1000-led-and-z96-lights-in-use/

Almost dead on specs from weight to power draw and power output. Now coming in black (instead of grey) the W96 has basically the same form factor, magnetic snap on filters, uses similar battery types, and of course stackable. The big questions are, is this a real upgrade? If not, how does it match up to the real thing? One advantage that it does have is much lower pricing (right now). Then again, that's exactly where the original Z96 price started too before inflation. Check it out following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Z96 Upgrade Dimmable LED Video Light W96

[Update on this Particular LED Video Light] http://cheesycam.com/z96-upgrade-more-like-down-grade/

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Sweet little setup by Vimeo member kaydawgy shows a triple flash bracket with Yongnuo Speedlites and Yongnuo RF602 wireless flash triggers. As mentioned in the video, instead of using a single flash at full power, you can use several flashes at low power. This will give you faster recycle times and a broad light source for softer light. This also helps to keep your flashes from overheating too quickly. That large 60" shoot through umbrella also enhances to create the large soft diffused light for portraits. The triple flash bracket can be found (click here).

Triple Flash Bracket
find-price-button Triple Flash Bracket

The Yongnuo RF602 wireless triggers work great for firing flashes off camera, so if you're in a dark venue (i.e. wedding reception), many photographers will spread flashes around the room. Clamp them to the ceiling, throw them in the corners, or use them as backlighting to silouhette subjects on the dance floor (cliche I know). The RF602 triggers also come with a cable to fire off mini plugs and 1/4 plug studio strobes, and an optional cable (purchased seperately) turns them into a remote shutter. These handy little wireless triggers can be found (click here).

Yongnuo RF602
find-price-button Yongnuo RF602 Wireless Flash Triggers

One thing you need to be aware of with this setup, is that these Yongnuo triggers don't communicate ETTL and can't support HSS (high speed sync) with the Flashes. You'll be working with the flashes on full manual mode. The triggers can only sync to about 1/200ths shutter speed. Important Note: So, if you're at 1/200ths and F/4 to blur out your backgrounds on a bright day, you'll be very much overexposed. To shoot with a shallow depth of field, grab yourself an ND filter. If you don't have the ND Filter to cut out the bright sun, you can still use 1/200ths shutter speed and close down your aperture to say F/16 (no more blurry backgrounds). If you happed to be working at an indoor studio type setting, you should be fine at that shutter speed. You can find a variety of different Yongnuo flash models (click here). [Thanks kaydawgy]


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find-price-button Yongnuo Flash Speedlite

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Standing Monopod

Here's a clever free standing Monopod that might be useful for more than just camera support. In the image they show a free standing DSLR with a long telephoto lens which is quite a bit of weight. Packs down to about 20 inches, much smaller and lighter than your basic light stand and with a mini ball head attached, it could also serve to hold a microphone, a portable audio recorder, or LED video light in place. Maximum height is approximately 4' 6".

Monopod light StandMonopod Tripod Standing

Should be able to hold a portable Photo Flash when working on portraits or Macro photography, or maybe just throw a small camera off to the side for Time Lapsing an event while you run around shooting. I guess something like this would also work as an extra stabilizer towards the end of your Camera Slider. The Monopod works as a usual monopod, but if you need it in free standing mode, it has three legs that extend to a fairly stable tripod stand (unlike the small feet on the Manfrotto's). If you're in the market for a Monopod, this might be pretty a cool dual, triple, or quadruple purpose stand.

Monopod Stand
find-price-button Free Standing Monopod With Tripod Feet