Yongnuo YN560 IV Wireless Flash Speedlite Master + Slave Flash + Built-in Trigger System for Canon Nikon Pentax Olympus Fujifilm Panasonic Digital Cameras Review

     The video review is available at the bottom of the page

In this review we cover.

• ·         Specifications
• ·         Quality
• ·         Longevity
• ·         Usage
• ·         Battery times
• ·        Ease of use
• ·         Connectivity
• ·        Availability and accessories
• ·         Cost Now

Specifications

• Features 3 groups and 16 channels for wireless operation
• Can receive a wireless signal from YN560-IV, YN560-TX, RF-603 (I/II), and RF-602
• Metal hot shoe for standard on-camera triggering
• Large LCD screen for viewing settings and making adjustments
• Socket for SF-18C or SF-17C external power pack
• Audible flash ready indicators offer different sounds based on flash status
• 100-1500 flashes from one set of batteries
• Automatically saves your current settings
• Built-in bounce card
• Color temperature of 5600K
• Eight levels of flash output from 1/1 to 1/128 with 29 individual settings
• Optical triggering range of 66-82' indoors or 33-49' outdoors
• 2.4 GHz Transceiver with 328' Range
• Guide Number: 190' at ISO 100 and 105mm
• Zoom Range: 24-105mm (18mm with Panel)
• Output Range: 1/1 to 1/128
• Tilts -7 to 90° & Rotates 270°
• Optical Slave Functionality
• Recycle Time: 3 Seconds
• Multi Mode for Firing Series of Flashes
• PC Sync Port
• Runs on 4 AA Batteries

Quality

"At first impressions this looked like it may have been a cheapo flash out of china. Boy was I wrong!"

When I saw this product available on Amazon for this price I thought it would be brilliant to get one just as a spare flash gun. When the item arrived it was boxed well in a well designed box and looked very professional. The flash gun itself was well packaged within the box and then removed from the packaging I was amazed to how well the unit was built. The plastics used were of a good quality and the whole feel of the flash gun itself felt very robust and good quality. If I were to put a Youngnuo in one hand and a expensive branded flash gun in the other hand I don't think I could really tell the difference in quality between the two.

Longevity

As to longevity for this product I can only say that I think it is extremely well made and feels extremely well made that it would probably last for many many years to come. I have owned this flash gun and used it for many many assignment and it has performed flawlessly for the six months that I have owned it. I am not a electronics engineer and cannot tell you what has gone into making up this unit but going from how the unit has performed and feels I would say it was a good purchase. 
I also have a friend that owns a YONGNUO YN568EX
 and he has had that present flashgun for over two years full stop he is also a professional photographer and uses this flash gun many times a week.

Usage

Usage is fairly simple when you are familiar with the fundamentals of using flashguns. 
When I first got the flash gun there were many buttons with lots of symbols on this at the initial stage was quite confusing and wasn't able to work out which buttons or combination of buttons did what. 
Once I had read the instruction manual the layout of the flash gun seemed quite simple and easy to use, the various flash modes were also quite easy to find by just selecting the mode button. The setting up of the various channels 4 wireless functionality were a little fiddly but once I have got the hang of it it became quite simple, this was more of a case of do it once and leave it as the flash guns and Triggers that I use are of the same make and weren't going to be changed. In conclusion I would give this flashgun a usability of 7.5/10

Battery times/Recycle time

The total overall battery times would depend on make and type of batteries used. Any batteries used over several months have been the Duracell  rechargeable batteries these are said to have a overall storage power of over 70% over longs periods of storage.Super speed of charging recycle:  It only takes 3 seconds in charging after full power output. Even without new batteries, you can get the super charging speed that it only needs 4~5 seconds; so you can completely get rid of the nightmare of anxious waiting for charging. In addition, you can use the external power pack to accelerate the charging speed once more.- Supporting high-speed continuous shooting: Under the output level of 1/8 or below, YN560 can support the 8FPS high-speed continuous shooting.- The improved power saving mode: YONGNUO designs the power saving mode for YN560. In the power saving mode, the flash will get automatic shutdown sooner; in the non-saving mode, it will take a longer time before automatic shutdown.

Ease of use

Usage is fairly simple when you are familiar with the fundamentals of using flashguns. 

When I first got the flash gun there were many buttons with lots of symbols on this at the initial stage was quite confusing and wasn't able to work out which buttons or combination of buttons did what. 

Once I had read the instruction manual, the layout of the flash gun seemed quite simple and easy to use, the various flash modes were also quite easy to find by just selecting the mode button. The setting up of the various channels 4 wireless functionality were a little fiddly but once I have got the hang of it it became quite simple, this was more of a case of do it once and leave it as the flash guns and triggers that I use are of the same make and weren't going to be changed. In conclusion I would give this flashgun a usability of 7.5/10

Connectivity

   Connectivity is simple with a direct connection to the Hot Shoe, I believe when writing this there are three types of Flash guns types of the YN56o IV available, these are Nikon fitment canon fitment and universal which will fit on any Hot Shoe with a direct flash Trigger.
The flash gun I am reviewing here is of the universal type and has no TTL capabilities.
My flash has a single trigger firing pin in the centre of the Hot Shoe.
The other types of connectivity wireless one is the 2.4 gigahertz and the other is optical. There is more on the connectivity in the what Yongnuo say section.
Also for greater understanding, please feel free to download the users' manual below.

 Availability and accessories

Yongnuo is a well-known brand china and many accessories are still available. A search on eBay and Amazon can still find relevant accessories for this flashgun. 

Many other non Yongnuo accessories will also fit this flash gun like diffusers, cases etc.

*****************
Cost Now

The cast now a negligible compared to a new price. These flashguns hold their value very well as they are well made so for the price that you pay new you will only be saving a few pounds but if this model is no longer available then it would be well worth the purchase. At the time of writing this, this model I believe it's not in manufacture but many many are still in circulation and can be purchased new. When I purchased my flashgun in 2016, there was a date stamp and it showed it was only 1 month old.

What Yongnuo Say

The Yongnuo site had no details of its Current model the YN560 IV but did have info on its previous model the YN 560

Flash YN 560

YN 560 is a brand-new flash specially designed for professional creative photography. Compared with YN460-II and YN460, it has the following bran-new features:- A bran-new appearance: The bran-new appearance looks more beautiful, creditable, comfortable and professional.- New power zoom function: By pushing the button on the flash, it can make the flash covered focal length range from 24 to 105mm.- GN58 @ ISO100, 105mm: YONGNUO gives YN560 a higher guide number which reaches the level of the mainstream hot shoe flashes.- The improved wireless triggering sensor: YONGNUO improves the wireless triggering sensor for YN560, which makes the S1 and S2 mode can be used in outdoor environment and the wireless triggering distance is as long as 15m..- Sound indicator: When the charging process is finished, the flash will give a tick sound, so you may concentrate on the creation process. (Note: the sound can be closed). - New charging socket for external power pack:  YN560 adds a charging socket for external power pack, to meet your higher demand for charging recycle.- New PC synchronous port: YN560 adds a standard PC synchronous port, which makes it simpler for you to use the PC synchronous line. - Super speed of charging recycle:  It only takes 3 seconds in charging after full power output. Even without new batteries, you can get the super charging speed that it only needs 4~5 seconds; so you can completely get rid of the nightmare of anxious waiting for charging. In addition, you can use the external power pack to accelerate the charging speed once more.- Supporting high-speed continuous shooting: Under the output level of 1/8 or below, YN560 can support the 8FPS high-speed continuous shooting.- The improved power saving mode: YONGNUO designs the power saving mode for YN560. In the power saving mode, the flash will get automatic shutdown sooner; in the non-saving mode, it will take a longer time before automatic shutdown.- The more fine output control: The output control of YN560 is more fine, which ranges from 1/128 to 1/1 and each class of flash output has 8 small fine tuning stalls; With its zooming flash head, YN560 makes you nearly achieve your anticipant lighting effect.
The automatic setting saving: YN560 can automatically save your current setting.

Conclusion

 "In conclusion I find this flashgun to be awesome."

There are unfortunately many out there that would give this manual only flash gun a thumbs down due to the fact it is not a big brand name and it does not come with a several hundred pound price tag. For this reason I would give this flashgun a 9 Out of 10 rating as I believe there is no where else you could purchase a sub $100 or £60 and less flashgun of this type with this many features.
I think compared to previous models this will probably be as good if not better. Knowing that some of the previous models have lasted for years and are as good as their branded counterparts.

9/10

Users manual can be downloaded HERE

Please feel free to message us if you find any features that are incorrect. This blog is written with the best of knowledge at the time of writing. 
**

🆒 Dometic Weaco CombiCool RC 1205 GC Fridge/Cool box Review

In this review we cover.

• ·         Specifications
• ·         Quality
• ·         Longevity
• ·         Usage
• ·        Ease of use
• ·         Connectivity
• ·        Availability and accessories
• ·         Cost Now

One of the only coolers on the market to integrate a holding bracket for commonly available gas cartridges, the other being the new WAECO CombiCool ACX40G. This box can be supplied with gas anytime without the need for heavy gas bottles.

Ideal for picnics, camping and other last-minute activities keeping drinks and fresh food cool, this uncomplicated source of energy is easy to take along. It runs absolutely silently on gas as well as on 12 volts DC or on a 230-volt mains. Its 40-litre capacity is sufficient for a short trip or for use in an tent or awning. The CombiCool RC 1205 GC offers reliable cooling up to 25°C below the ambient temperature.

It will even make ice cubes for a cool drink. The unit is supplied with an ice cube tray which fits neatly in the dedicated storage space on the evaporator of the box. The special lid construction eliminates the need for a gasket.

The instruction manual can be downloaded HERE

** Discontinued and replaced by the New  WAECO CombiCool ACX 40G

Specifications

Brand: Waeco
Model: 9105203766
Item Weight: 16 Kg
Product Dimensions: 50.8 x 50 x 44.1 cm
Item model number: RC1205GC
Manufacturer Part Number: 9105203766
Item Weight: 16 Kilograms
Voltage: 12 volts
Wattage: 85 watts
Capacity: 40 litres
Cooling: upto 25°C below ambient temperature
Gas bottle Fitment: With an integrated cradle for a gas cartridge
Power options: 12 volts, 230 volts or Gas
Construction: Sturdy housing and functional design
Noise levels: Absolutely silent operation
Gas Temperature regulation: 3-stage in gas mode, piezo ignition
Mains Temperature regulation: Thermostat regulation in 230-volt mode
Internal Height: Vertical space for 1.5- and 2-litre bottles
Extras: Ice cube tray included
Carrying : Integrated handles

Quality

The item is well made and feels very solid. The item is made mainly of plastic but feels well made and not constructed from inferior plastic that breaks when exposed to UV for a few weeks.

It is not overly heavy either so can be transported easily, although this may probably not be said when the item is fully loaded with frozen or liquid items.

The item is made by Weaco you can be assured of good build quality and longevity. and as with most of the Weaco range they are build to last.

Longevity

The item is made mainly of plastic but feels well made and not constructed from inferior plastic that breaks when exposed to UV for a few weeks. The item is made by Weaco you can be assured of good build quality and longevity. and as with most of the Weaco range they are build to last.

Dometic Group is a customer driven, world-leading provider of leisure products for the caravan, motor home, automotive, truck and marine markets. We supply the industry and after market with a complete range of air conditioners, refrigerators, awnings, cookers, sanitation systems, lighting, mobile power equipments, comfort – and safety solutions, windows, doors and other equipment that makes leisure life more comfortable away from home.
Dometic Group supplies a wide range of work- shop equipment for service and maintenance of build in air conditioner. Dometic Group also provides specially designed refrigerators for hotel rooms, offices, for transport and storage of medical products and for storing wine.
Our products are sold in almost 100 countries and are produced mainly in wholly owned production facilities around the world.

Usage

Highly effective in most conditions and environments, the controls are easy to get to and recessed form the lid to stop them from getting hit or knocked by mistake.
Top loading access makes for easy loading and unloading or your food stuffs.

Safety Notices: When using portable gas cooling, please ensure there is adequate ventiliation and follow manufacturers guidelines. Portable absorption cooling units must not be used on gas in motor vehicles, on boats or whilst sleeping in a tent.

Ease of use

The item is very easy to use its mainly type plug and play. The 12v is simple and will maintain a good temperature if made cool beforehand via the gas or the 240v ( 240 is recommended to cool the box before you travel. The item is also easy transportable with the 2 side handles recessed into the sides of the box. The item may become heavy when fully loaded and 2 people may need to carry the item for safe transport of its contents.

Connectivity

This is very easilly connected and comes with all connection types needed for gas 12v and 240v. (A separate connector I believe is available to connect it to a larger gas cylinder if required)

Availability and accessories· 

Item comes with all connection types needed for Gas 12v and 240v.
It also comes with a small ice making tray that sits purposefully on the cooler bar evaporator panel. 

Cost Now (Secondhand prices can Vary)

** Discontinued and replaced by the New  WAECO CombiCool ACX 40G

Best places to look.




Dometic Say

Product Description

The Dometic CombiCool RC 1205GC absorption cooler can utilise the most suitable type of energy for any environment. The absorption coolers run on a 12-volt supply in the vehicle, on 230-volt mains supply at home or on a campsite, and can easily be switched to gas cartridge operation at remote locations.

The new RC 1205 GC offers uncompromising independence, and are even able to operate with a gas cartridge (approx. 250 g). Ideal for camping in a tent and other last-minute activities – this uncomplicated source of energy is easy to take along. With a volume of 40 litres, and vertical space for large bottles, these decidedly good value absorption units have proven to be the ideal camping coolers. RC 1200 and RC 1205 will keep their contents 25°C below the ambient temperature, with the more compact RC 1600 even managing to refrigerate down to 30°C below the ambient temperature. In addition if anyone wants ice cubes in their drink: Ice cube trays are included.

Dometic supplies refrigeration solutions for a long list of professional applications, and a comprehensive program of comfort equipment and systems for hotels, RV’s, pleasure boats and trucks. A global company with a strong local presence, Dometic will not let you down. Production facilities and Sales Representatives around the world enable us to live up to our promises and deliver on time.

Dometic, the RV system supplier, offers you a full range of technological superior products that guarantee additional comfort in your caravan or motorhome. No matter if it is a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a window or a complete lighting concept. Every item is designed with the requirements of mobile living in mind.

Improve your travel experience and enjoy comfort like at home.

Absorption refrigerator designed to store and cool down efficiently food and beverages, including 1.5 litres bottles in upright position. Silent cooling – the perfect solution for real coolness on board and on the mains.

Dometic is a worldwide supplier of high quality and innovate products to the RV and Marine industries. We supply these industries with a very extensive range of different appliances and products. Dometic original product porfolio, refrigeration solutions based on the absorption technology, has grown to include awnings, climate control systems, windows, doors and sanitation systems, that stand on their own as quality representatives of a global brand.

Dometic also provides specially designed refrigerators for wine storage, hotel rooms, offices, as well as for transport and storage of medical products.

Dometic Group is a product- and market oriented organization. Our product focus pushes our innovative borders and our market orientated approach continuously helps us define new product bundles and concepts. This dualistic focus results in a great value.

Dometic Group is a customer driven, world-leading provider of leisure products for the caravan, motor home, automotive, truck and marine markets. We supply the industry and after market with a complete range of air conditioners, refrigerators, awnings, cookers, sanitation systems, lighting, mobile power equipments, comfort – and safety solutions, windows, doors and other equipment that makes leisure life more comfortable away from home.

Dometic Group supplies a wide range of work- shop equipment for service and maintenance of build in air conditioner. Dometic Group also provides specially designed refrigerators for hotel rooms, offices, for transport and storage of medical products and for storing wine.

Our products are sold in almost 100 countries and are produced mainly in wholly owned production facilities around the world.

Unfortunately the item is no longer available on there website so no product information to be found.A recent search returned this. 

SORRY, WE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING....

A full video review of the item can be found here

 **

YOU NEED ONE! - BEST helios-44m-4-58mm-f2 - Review

In this review we cover.

• ·         Specifications
• ·         Quality
• ·         Longevity
• ·         Usage
• ·         Battery times
• ·        Ease of use
• ·         Connectivity
• ·        Availability and accessories
• ·         Cost Now

Helios-44 is a series of standard lenses for SLR cameras, produced in Soviet Union by KMZ, MMZ, Jupiter from 1958 till 1992 (2001?) and it is considered to be one of most mass produced lenses in the world. Based on the lens Biotar 2 / 58 , at the beginning was called "БТК" - "БиоТар Красногорский" (BioTar Krasnogorski). A fast 6-element anastigmat, it was available in both single-coated and multi-coated versions.


The name of Helios lenses are usually writen as Helios-44X-N, where X -is the index of lens mount (M for m42 thread, K for Pentax K bayonet, Д for Zenit-D bayonet) and N is a optical resolution index 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (the higher number the higher is an optical resolution of lens).
(Information taken from http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Helios-44)Click for more details.

Specs 

·         Focal Distance: 58mm (may vary in real)

·         Optical Formula: 6 elements in 4 groups.

·         Aperture Range: f/2 - f/16. (f/22 later)

·         Angle of View: 40°28

·         Geometric Vignetting: 58%

·         Minimum Focusing Distance

Helios-44 (Start) - 0.7 m

Helios-44 - 0.5 m

Helios-44-N - 0.5 m

MC Helios-44X-N - 0.5 m

·         Number of Aperture Blades

Helios-44 (Start) - 13

Helios-44 -8

Helios-44-N -8

MC Helios-44X-N - 6

MC Helios-44M-7 - 6

·         Filter Diameter:

Helios-44 (Start) - M40.5x0.5

Helios-44 - M49.5x0.75

Helios-44-2 - M49x0.75

Helios-44-7 - M49x0.75

MC Helios-44X-N - M52x0.75

MC Helios-44M-7 -M52x0,75

·         Lens Mount:

Helios-44 (Start) - Zenit Start Bayonet

Helios-44 - m39 SLR thread

Helios-44-2 - m42 thread

Helios-44-7 - m42 thread (Originaly designed for the cameras line of ZENIT-7, and because of the special aperture drive system can be installed only on these cameras via an adapter - thread-bayonet ring).

MC Helios-44X-N - m42 thread

MC Helios-44M-7 - m42 thread

MC Helios-44K-4 - Pentax K Bayonet

·         Optical Resolution (center/edge)

Helios-44 - 35/14 lines/mm

Helios-44-2 - 38/20 lines/mm

Helios-44-7 - 36/17 lines/mm

Helios-44M-4 - 38/19 lines/mm

MC Helios-44K-4 - 42/21 lines/mm

MC Helios-44M-4 - 41/20 lines/mm

MC Helios-44M-5 - 41/20 lines/mm

MC Helios-44M-6 - 45/25 lines/mm

MC Helios-44M-7 - 50/30 lines/mm

·         Transmittance

Helios-44 - 0.81

Helios-44-2 - 0.82

Helios-44-7 - 0.80

Helios-44M-4 - 0.80

MC Helios-44K-4 - 0.85

MC Helios-44M-4 - 0.85

MC Helios-44M-5 - 0.85

MC Helios-44M-6 - 0.90

MC Helios-44M-7 - 0.90

·         Color Formula

Helios-44 - 10-0-1.5

Helios-44-2 - 10-0-1.5

Helios-44-7- 10-0-1.5

Helios-44M-4 - 10-0-1.5

MC Helios-44K-4 - 11-0-0

MC Helios-44M-4 - 11-0-0

MC Helios-44M-5 - 11-0-0

MC Helios-44M-6 - 11-0-0

MC Helios-44M-7 - 11-0-0

·         Weight

Helios-44 (Start) - 0.23 kg

Helios-44 - 0.23 kg

Helios-44-2 - 0.23 kg

Helios-44-7 - 0.35 kg

Helios-44M-4 - 0.3 kg

MC Helios-44K-4 - 0.3 kg

MC Helios-44M-4 - 0.3 kg

MC Helios-44M-5 - 0.27 kg

MC Helios-44M-6 - 0.27 kg

MC Helios-44M-7 - 0.27 kg

Full review can also be seen HERE

**

AMAZING VALUE - Bestview 7 inch HD LCD Field Monitor for DSLR Camera Camcorder

This Item was Purchased NEW

Video Review coming Soon.....

Value for Money

This has to be one of the best value monitors for the money.
I purchased this for a project i was doing as I needed a small monitor to evaluate my footage as I was filming on my DSLR.
I was using the Lumix G5 (REVIEW HERE) which unfortunately does not support live view through the HDMI port of the camera when you are filming.
It does support review of footage after it has been filmed so this was still ok for my needs.


The monitor has safe zones on the screen with cross hairs in the center also if you wish that can be turned on or off. The monitor also supports reg green blue and black and white if you need that for preview. It supports HDMI input, VGA, AV input and output. This is fantastic for this price.. All of the monitors I looked at were around 200 plus so to find this one on amazon for this price was amazing. I didn't have a large budget to spend either so this did the job more than adequately

Power and accessories

What also surprised me was what came in the box as I didn't really expect much for this price and it was a pleasant surprise to find so many added extras. There was a battery pack that can be mounted to the back or the monitor if you wish, unfortunately it didn't come with any screws to fit it but I did already have some about the place. If you have to use your own screws make sure they are not to long!
It also comes with a mains adapter.

It came with a couple of mounting options so it can be mounted. the screw thread is on the bottom of teh monitor but in the menu you can flip the display so you can mount it upside down also if you
wish.

There is also a shade that can protect the monitor from the sun and make viewing much easier, this attached via Velcro so can be removed easily if needed.

Suppliers Say

7" field monitor supports 1920x1080 resolution, 400cd/m2 brightness.
Professional feature check field, center mark（five color), safe area, DSLR mode.
Professional and comprehensive interfaces: HD input, VGA, AV input and output.
Digital high-definition LCD, ultra thin, wide viewing angle.
Full screen display in mode of monitoring & recording.
The buttons with the function of night vision.
Blockbuster with Wyatt low-power technology convenient for outdoor shoot.
For broadcast photography, conference occasions, medical equipment and etc.

Specifications:

Model: 7" On-Camera Field Monitor
Plug: US
Resolution: 800*480 pixels (up to 1920*1080)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9/4:3/Auto
Brightness: 400cd/m2
Contrast: 500:1
Backlight: LED (50,000 hours lifespan)
Viewing Angle: 70°/70°(L/R) 50°/70°(U/D)
Input Signal: HD, VGA, Audio, Video
Outputs: Built-in Speaker, Headphone
HD Format: 480I/480P/720P(50)/(60),576I/576O/1080I(50)/1080P(50)/1080I(60)/1080P
AV Composite Video Format: NTSC / PAL / Auto
Support: for HD-SDI 3G-SDI HD
Audio R..L two-channel output.
Check Field: Red, Green, Blue, Mono
Install Way: 1/4"-20 Thread Socket (1 bottom side)
Power: AC Built: 100V-240V AC, 50-60 Hz / DC 12V 2A
Power Consumption: ≤10W
Wide Voltage: AC 110V-240V, DC 9V-24V
Temperature Range: -10°C - 60°C; Operating Storage: -20°C - 80°C 
Item Size: 18 * 12 * 3cm / 7.1 * 4.7 * 1.1in
Item Weight: 339g / 12oz
Package Size: 27 * 20 * 8cm / 10.6 * 7.8 * 3.1in
Package Weight: 1296g / 45.7oz

Package List:
1 * 7" HD Field Monitor
1 * DC 12V Power Adapter
1 * Sunshade Bracket
1 * Sunshade
1 * 2in1 Battery Plate (F-970 and LP-E6)
1 * Hotshoe Bracket
1 x Screws Set 
1 * HD Cable
1 * AV Cable

Conclusion 9/10

Why did i choose 9/10 well i beleive this product to be fantastic value for money, most of the monitors offering the same spec are double this price and now that newer cameras are coming with WIFI enabled it is getting more likely that people will start to use there phones or tablets for live view instead. if the camera supports it!

Pros

1. value for money
2. build quality
3. accessories in the box
4. battery included to allow it to be mobile.
5. included sunshade

Cons

1. mounting option a little thin and possably easy to strip thread if heavy handed
2. no off button and stays in standby al the time. this can reduce battery life. ( rectified by removing battery or power plug)
3. display not as crisp as others in higher price range.
4. Not as sharp as some and may give issues for really sharp focusing manualy

Overall a fantastic buy for the money.

Item can be purchased HERE or other Field monitors.