Kurbster Photography

Review: Yongnuo Digital YN-462 Newest Manual Flash

2009-06-21T03:02:00.007-05:00

I have just received a YN-462 Manual Flash from Yongnuo Digital Photographic Equipment for testing so that I can review it here.

Here is a photo of the unpacked YN-462 Manual Flash

The YN-462 arrived safely to my door in a padded brown shipping envelope.

What's was included inside the box
(1) YN-462 Flash
(1) White Diffuser
(1) Black Velvet Bag
(1) Instruction Booklet In English
Note: This flash does not ship with a stand

My First Impression: The YN-462 looks, and feels just like it's older flash brother the YN-460. Both flashes look like the were molded from the same body mold. The YN-462 has a single knob, and one pilot button instead of 4 function buttons for settings like the YN-462. The single knob controls the on/off function, and also the power settings from lowest to highest. Now the single knob clicks just once to let you know that it is powered on, and after that it just turns smoothly thru the power adjustment. The pilot button is used to test fire the flash, and also lights red when the flash is ready to fire again. I find that the single knob is kind of hard to grab since it is almost flush with the the back plate of the flash. I had to use just the tips of both my thumb, and index finger to turn the knob. Also note that there are no power settings for the knob. It just goes from on to max. There are no clicks, or markings for power settings. You need to use your own judgment to find just the right power settings to use for your photo session.

Here is a photo for comparing the YN-462 with the YN-460

Testing Setup: The YN-462 flash was on a tripod set at 6 foot from target subjects (My Poor Cockatiels Elvis & Jerry Lee). I used fully charged Tenergy rechargeable NIHM 2600 mAh AA batteries in the YN-462. The camera used was a Canon Digital Rebel XTi with a Canon 18mm-55mm IS Zoom Lens zoom @ 50mm right behind flash on another tripod. The Canon Digital Rebel XTi was set @ manual settings of ISO:100, Shutter Speed:160, F5.6, Flash White Balance Settings. The YN-462 Flash was triggered by a Yongnuo CTR-301P Wireless Flash Trigger System.

Now the sample test photos: Posted as lowest to highest power settings. (These are guesses since there are no markings of any kind to go by)

Lowest power setting allowed

This setting did not even light the test subjects

1/8 Power Setting

1/4 Power Setting

1/2 Power Setting

3/4 Power Setting

Full Power Setting

Now for the recycle times:
Lowest Setting Allowed: 0.5 Seconds
1/8 Power Setting: 0.5 Seconds
1/4 Power Setting: 1.0 Seconds
1/2 Power Setting: 1.0 Seconds
3/4 Power Setting: 1.5 Seconds
Full Power Setting: 4.0 Seconds
This flash does seem to recycle quickly.

Here are the full specs as posted by Yongnuo Digital
Flash index: 33
Circuit design: IGBT
Up/down ward angle: 0-90 degree
Left/right angle: 0-270 degree
Power Source: 4 X AA size batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH are usable)
Battery Life: 100 - 1500 times (with alkaline batteries)
Recycle Time: 5 sec(with alkaline batteries)
Color Temperature: 5600K
Flash Duration: 1/800S - 1/20000S
Flash Adjustment: Continuous output level control
Dimensions: 72X135X85mm
Net Weight: 250g

Now for my personal honest opinion of the YN-462:
I like the fact that it is a no frills simple to use flash that is sold at a reasonable price to match it's market. I would how ever recommend to Yongnuo Digital to add a white dash mark on the knob so that users can see where the knob is set at, Also needed are some power setting markings on the rear panel around the knob, These two added options would surely make this a whole lot better flash for it's price. Now the YN-462 does what it's supposed to do. Help light up a scene. The lowest power settings of 0/1 to 1/8 aren't that great, But from 1/4 power to full power. It will do a good job of help lighting up the scene. Now would I recommend buying the YN-462 flash, Yes I would, But this manual flash is mostly for use off camera, and for those buyers who are looking for a cheap no frills reasonable priced flash. This might just be the one. This flash will be great as a backup flash to have just in case, or it can even be used as a fill, or background light. The YN-462 would be a perfect second flash for a strobist with a limited small budjet. I think that the YN-462 will have a place in the low priced manual flash market. But just like all cheap flashes, Only time will tell just how durable the YN-462 will be...

Note: The YN-462 does not have an optical sensor, or a pc sync socket, But you can use a Seagull SYK-4 Optical/PC Sync Hot Shoe Flash Adapter to fire the YN-462 optically from another flash.

Kurbster Photography gives the YN-462 Manual Flash a for it's price and simple functions

Strobist who would like to purchase a YN-462 manual flash can do so from Yongnuo Digital Photographic Equipment for only $40.99 with free shipping.

Note: This is just my personal review of the Yongnuo Digital YN-462 Full Manual Flash

Review: Visico's 60 Inch Octagon Softbox With Egg Crate Grid

2009-05-20T00:07:00.072-05:00

My Review Of The Visico's 60 Inch Octagon Softbox With Egg Crate Grid

Today I received my new Visico 60 Inch Octagon Softbox With Grid from the ebay seller: OEC Camera Accessories The price for this Octagon Softbox was $66.97 plus a $8.70 shipping charge. The seller shipped it out the next day by UPS with a tracking number, and it took only 2 days time to reach my location (Texas to Lousiana).

The item arrived in a nice big brown box.
It was nicely packaged for safe shipping.

Now the unpacked Visico equiptment bag.

I then had no problems at all assembling the first part of the octagon softbox.

Now after adding the inner, and outer diffusers, plus the egg crate grid, Here's the completed Octagon softbox with the egg crate grid attached.

Octagon softbox with a SP150S 150 Watt Monolight attached.

What's included inside the Visico branded nylon bag:

(1) Metal Speedring

(8) Metal Rods

(1) Main Black Cover With Visco Logo

(1) Rear Black Cover

(1) Inner White Diffuser Panel

(1) Outer White Diffuser Panel

(1) Egg Crate Grid Panel

My first over all impression
Well once I had every thing unpacked, I first noticed how thick the black material of the softbox really was. It did not feel thin, or cheaply made like some of the other softboxes out there on ebay. Now both of the white diffusers seemed to be about the same type material as other softboxes on ebay. I liked the fact that it included a metal speed ring instead of a cheaply made plastic one. The egg crate grid did look like it would hold up to being put on, and taken off several times, But I think that you will need to watch and make sure that you do not rip the Velcro strips away from the grid. The 8 metal rods are also about the same quality as other rods that come with other softboxes found on ebay. Yes they tend to bend a little.

Assembly: Putting everything together
It took me about 15 to 20 minutes to fully assemble this softbox.
Putting together the main black softbox
The main black cover has 3 Velcro tabs that open up to make it easier to insert the metal rods thru it, and into the speed ring. Once I had all 8 rods inserted thru the black cover and into the speed ring.

Now add the rear cover.
The rear cover has a Velcro strip that makes it real easy to put it around the speed ring, and also onto the back of the main cover.

Putting in the inner white baffle diffuser panel.
The main black cover has 8 white elastic strips that are inside of it. Now there are also 8 hooks on the inner white baffle diffuser. You need to use these 8 hooks to secure the inner white baffle diffuser to the inside of the main black cover by putting it's 8 hooks thru the 8 elastic strips of the main black cover.

Putting on the main white outer diffuser panel.
To install the white outer diffuser. There is a Velcro strip that runs along the whole length just inside the edge of the softbox. The white outer diffuser also has a Velcro strip running along it's entire length. Just match the 2 Velcro strips and then start adding the outer white diffuser. I started from the top and worked my way clock wise.

Now the fun part. Putting on the egg crate grid panel.
The egg crate grid also install on the same Velcro strip as the white outer diffuser. Once again I started from the top and worked my way around clock wise to it was installed.

Note: I was able to put this softbox onto my SP150S monoligth by myself, But a second person would of had make it a whole lot easier to install it on the monolight.

Trying out my new Octagon Softbox with Egg Crate Grid
For my test I used a Squared Perfect SP150S 150 Watt Studio Strobe
The test was done using only the octagon softbox with grid at camera left 6 feet from subject. The 150 watt studio strobe was set at full power. I used a Canon Rebel XTi with a Canon 55mm-250mm IS zoom lens. Camera settings were set at IS0 400, F8, 1/60 Shutter Speed, Flash W/B. The studio strobe was triggered by using a CTR-301P wireless radio transmitter. and receiver

Here are a couple of sample images taken with that setup.
(I'm not the greatest model, Plus I needed a shave)

Sample 1 Cropped, and compressed in Photoshop

Sample 2 Cropped, and compressed in Photoshop

My over all conclusion

Likes: This softbox is huge, It is not too heavy for smaller monolights, Plus it seems to be well made, and easy to put together. I also like the fact that I can easily remove the grid, or any of the included diffusers as the photo shoot calls for. This softbox will be great for full body portraits, or even group shots. I would highly recommend a stronger monolight for this softbox, At least 400 watts or more. But when using my 150 watt monolight. I find that it was ok for those upper body sample photos.

Dislikes: After taking it apart to put away. I noticed that a couple of the metal rods now had a slight bow in them. Also it took longer to take it apart then it did to put together. Now good luck at trying to fold everything nice and neat to put it all back into the Visico nylon equipment bag. A new strobist would probably have a hard time trying to put this softbox together. "It does not come with any kind of instructions". But for the strobist that is used to using other softboxes, It should be no problem at all.

Ending Notes:
This 60 inch octagon softbox would be perfect for in studio use, It's not recommended for outside use, as it's 60 inch size would make for a nice sail on slightly windy days. Now the smaller 33 inch octagon softbox with grid from the same ebay seller would be more wiser to use in a amateur type home studio setup. I have both of them, and I really like the 33 inch one better. It's easier to move around, and doesn't put to much strain on those cheap ebay light stands. If you going to use this 60 inch octagon softbox. Please make sure to use heavy duty air cushion light stands.

Ps. I just received my 16" Beauty Dish with White Sock Diffuser for a Elinchrom type mount monolight today. It came from the same Ebay seller: OEC Camera Accessories
Look for a future up coming review on it...

Note: This is just my personal review of Visico's 60 Inch Octagon Softbox With Egg Crate Grid

Yongnuo's YN-460 Speedlight Free Strobist Gear Give Away

2009-05-15T16:48:00.016-05:00

Tonight's Free Strobist Gear Give Away
Yongnuo's YN460 Speedlight with the 3.5mm Synch Socket Mod
This speedlight comes in it's original box with stand, Velvet bag, and instructions. I have also included a 16 inch 2.5mm plug to a 3.5mm plug cable to use with the Yongnuo's CTR-301P Wireless Receivers, and plus as an added extra bonus, I have also added a soft white diffuser that fit's this flash and is also included in the box.

Now when modding this flash, I accidentally broke the wide angle diffuser, and that is why I am including the free soft white diffuser.

Here is a photo of the YN460 flash by itself
Showing the 3.5mm sync socket mod that I did

Now here's a photo of the YN460 flash
Showing the broken wide angle diffuser

I have tested this flash by hotshoe, and also with the 3.5mm included sync cable. Everything checked out great, No misfires when using it with the CTR-301P wireless receiver. I also have checked out both of the optical sensor settings, and they also works great.

Now this is a great little flash unit with only that one minor problem of the broken wide angle diffuser

I will be giving this away tonight at 8pm central time zone, You will need to be the first person to correctly answer a question that will be asked at that time in the Flickr Free Strobist Gear Give Away Thread (The Answer Will Be Found In This Blog) Plus you will have to also pay $9.95 for shipping thru paypal

Good Luck To All,
See you tonight at 8pm

Rewiew: Square Perfect's SP150S Monolights

2009-05-14T07:36:00.065-05:00

My Review Of Square Perfect's Newest SP150S 150 Watt Monolight Studio Strobe Head

On Monday I purchased 2 of these 150 watt monolights from the ebay seller: squareperfect They were only $71.96 with free shipping.

The seller quickly shipped these out the next morning by UPS with a tracking number, and I received them in just 3 days (Thursday)

Both monolights arrived in the same plain brown box
Note: No protective packing included

Now each monolight came packaged in it's own plain white box
Note: Also no protective packing included

Here is one of the unpacked monolights
Note: No instructions included in boxes

Each box contained
(1) SP150S Strobe Head
(1) Black/Silver Rerlector
(1) 100 watt Modeling Light
(1) Power Cord
(1) Sync Cord

Monolight unwrapped and put together

Now for some info on these monolights
The body is made of a black rubberized plastic material
The black/silver reflector feels kind of thin
All the control buttons and knobs are clearly marked
The down switch part of the model light can also be controled by the power turning knob, The upper switch part just gives you full modeling light power

When it first powers on. It beeps to let you know that it's ready
I did about 100 test fires with these lights at various power levels
Recycle time was about 1 second for lowest power setting,
and about 3 seconds at the full power setting
(Not bad for a cheap monolight)
I did not experience any misfires at all with the monolights,
Even when using my ebay wireless triggers (CTR-301P)
The reflector head is removeable by twisting the big black ring around it a little

THESE MONOLIGHTS TAKE THE ELINCHROM TYPE SPEED RING

My over all opinion of these monolights, are that they are made more for the home hobby type strobist, or an amateur photographer just looking to get started with some inexpensive studio style monolights

Here they are side by side showing both front any back

Monolights being test fired thru a 40" brolly softbox umbrella, and a 55" black/white umbrella

Here is one of the monolights with a visico 32" octagon softbox with egg crate grid

My over all conclusion

LIKES: I like the fact this monolight only cost me about $72.00 for 150 watts of flash power
It is light weight, and small and has no problems holding umbrellas and large softboxes while on lightstands. It has a fast recycle time, and also a audio beep to let you know when it's ready for the next shot. Being able to change the power settings on both the strobe, and modeling light is a real plus. It feels nicely made, and should be good for general all around home studio work

DISLIKES: They came with no instructions in the box, I had to wing it some. The photo cell can not be turned off, a real bummer in my book. The reflector feels really cheaply made, It's really thin, and you should be carefully not to get any dings in it. The 6.35mm sync socket, A 3.5mm sync socket would of been 100% better. Better packaging for safer shipping, Come on now, How much more would Styrofoam cost anyway. No warranty card?, But Squared Perfect says it comes with a 1 year warranty

Now would I purchase another one: Yes I would, But I would not pay more then the $89.95 price tag on Discount Tommy's website.
Would I recommend this monolight to someone else: Yes I would recommend it, But then there's better monolights out there, But you would have to pay a lot more for them

Yes I am happy with my purchase of these 2 monolights, They will surely fit my needs for an affordable set of studio stlye monolights for my home photography studio

NOTE: This is just my personal review of Squared Perfect's SP150S 150 watt monolights

Yongnuo YN-460 Speedlight 3.5mm Sync Socket Mod

2009-05-14T07:19:00.021-05:00

The first step was to disassemble the YN-460 flash unit
1. Remove the 4 screws holding the hot shoe to flash
2. Raise flash head and swivel sideway to see the two hidden tabs (Careful with these the kind of break easy - As noted by TC)
3. Remove the flash body front from the flash
4. Unscrew the 2 screws holding the board to the flash unit, Lift up the board and then unclip the hotshoe from the other board

Next you need to solder two wires to the 3.5 mm socket

I used red and black wires to match the hotshoe ones

Then solder the 2 wires to the hotshoe

Now you need to drill a 1/4 inch hold on the front face plate to insert your 3.5mm mono socket

Now reassembly the flash unit by putting the clip back to the board from the hotshoe.
Put the main board back on the main flash with the new socket wires running under it.
Install the front plate, and then the hotshoe

Now test your flash to see if both hotshoe, and your new 3.5mm sync socket works

YN-460 tested fired using the CTR-301P Wireless Trigger System

Now this is just a quick how to do it with some sample photos,
If you need any more info then just contact me thru my email

You can purchase the YN-460 below for only $59.95 with free shipping
PURCHASE THE YN-460 FROM YONGNUO PHOTO EQUIPMENT

*Shipping took just 10 days to USA by Hong Kong post airmail