Yongnuo YN-560 IV Flash Speedlite for DSLR Cameras - Manual Power

In this review the Yongnuo YN-560 IV is evaluated as a budget-conscious, fully manual speedlight aimed at photographers who need reliable power and flexible wireless control without the price of camera-brand flashes. The single biggest reason to consider this unit is its combination of a strong GN58 output and built-in wireless master function, which gives shooters direct control over multiple remote flashes for studio-style setups on location. It is particularly useful for catalog, product, and event shooters who work primarily in manual lighting and value consistent, repeatable output.

Key Features

• Wireless Master: Acts as a master unit controlling up to three independent groups to remotely adjust flash mode and output for multi-flash setups.
• Wireless Slave and Transmitter Support: Receives and responds to YN560-TX, RF-603, and RF-602 signals with selectable channels for flexible triggering options.
• Strong Output: Rated GN58 at ISO100 and 105mm, providing substantial power for fill, rim, or key light work off-camera.
• Settings Memory and Customization: Automatically saves settings and supports custom function (Fn) configurations to preserve preferred setups between shoots.
• Fast Recycling and Convenience: Features an ultrafast charging recycle system with electric zooming and a sound prompting system to speed workflow on busy shoots.

Who It's For

The YN-560 IV is best for enthusiast and semi-pro photographers who shoot in manual mode and need an affordable, powerful shoe-mount flash that can also act as a wireless master for simple multi-flash arrangements. It suits catalog and product photographers, hobbyists building a cordless flash kit, and event shooters who prefer the control of manual power settings over TTL automation.

Photographers who rely heavily on TTL metering, automatic high-speed sync with camera TTL communication, or brand-specific wireless systems should look elsewhere, as this unit is primarily a manual flash with third-party transmitter compatibility rather than a full-featured TTL system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful manual output comparable to more expensive alternatives, making it a strong value choice.
• Versatile wireless roles, including master and slave, plus compatibility with common third-party transmitters.
• Convenient workflow features like settings memory, sound prompts, and fast recycle times.
• Includes an EACHSHOT diffuser which helps soften light for portraits and product shots straight out of the box.

Cons

• Lacks native TTL automation, so it requires manual exposure control which may slow fast-paced shooters used to TTL.

Specifications

Guide Number	GN58 @ ISO100, 105mm
Wireless Functions	Master and Slave support, 3 groups
Transmitter Compatibility	YN560-TX, RF-603, RF-602
Channels	16 selectable channels
Features	Settings save automatically, custom Fn settings
Additional	Sound prompting, electric zooming, ultrafast recycle
Included Accessory	EACHSHOT diffuser

Our Verdict

The Yongnuo YN-560 IV is a practical buy for photographers seeking a powerful, manual speedlight with robust wireless control at a modest price. It offers strong output, reliable build quality, and useful workflow features that make it a solid alternative to brand-name flashes for manual lighting work and simple off-camera setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the YN-560 IV act as a master to control other Yongnuo flashes?
Yes, it can function as a master unit and control up to three independent groups on compatible Yongnuo flashes.

Is TTL supported?
No, the unit is a manual speedlight and does not provide native TTL metering; it is designed for manual exposure control.

What transmitters does it work with?
It fully supports YN560-TX, RF-603, and RF-602 transmitters for wireless triggering and control.