TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have both - the Canon and the Yongnuo copy, and you’d be very hard pressed to tell the difference if they weren’t labeled, and yes, the Yongnuo works exactly the same using ETTL as the Canon. If I were a pro, I would have chosen all Canon, but as a casual shooter, where a flash failure wouldn’t kill me, the ~$100 price of the Yongnuo vs the $400+ price of the Canon caused me to buy the Yongnuo as a 2nd flash. I also purchased the Yongnuo ST3 transmitter controller ($70 vs the Canon $280) and a wireless receiver ($32) to trigger my strobes. All are RF wireless and there are no proprietary batteries involved - just standard AAs. What I don’t know is the long-term reliability, but at a 4:1 price difference, I was willing to take a chance for occasional amateur use - I decided to put my available $ into good glass instead.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I have 3 Canon 600s and the STR3 transmitter and while not inexpensive I like the quality and knowing that I can count on them working when out shooting a drag race. I think a key factor is where you intend to use the Speedlites as to whether they are the right solution. If you are going to be outdoors shooting and need portability they make a lot of sense. If you need some light for indoor shooting in a studio or at home you might look into what you can get monolight wise for similar money to the Canon Speedlights. You can get more power and run off a battery pack if needed with moonlights too.

The Canon Speedlights have a lot of capability to use multiple radio controlled Speedlites and control it all from the camera. I you don't need the radio capability you can get a less expensive less powerful Canon brand Speedlite too. I love the radio control and recently ordered a Yongnuo receiver that can fire my monolights from the Canon STR3. But I still have to set the controls manually.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Ask yongnuo!!!!!

Dano Loc: North Carolina

Here's another vote for the YN685's. 5 units with a 622 controller and it continues to be rock solid both in and out of the studio (under medium amateur use). But I'd consider how you plan to use and control your flashes first. If you prefer ETTL and in-camera control through the menu system (or on the flash unit as a master), the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II would be a good choice. Personally, I prefer the 622 radio controller over the canon menu system and the 685's have built in receivers (as well as incredible range). ETTL will definitely work with the 80D. I still have my old Canon 580EX II as my "reliable back up," but honestly haven't used it in over 2 years. And if you do go Yongnuo, be sure to get the canon version (silver print on the unit) and not the Nikon version (gold print on the unit). But as others have said, if this is your livelihood and you need ultimate reliability, Canon is probably worth with the money.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Now using an older model Yongnuo (Canon) YN 568 EXII which is same as the Canon 580. Like it a lot. I use it with my 430 EXII. A great value IMO. Has E-TTL, and Hi-speed sync, and can be used as a commander or slave unit.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Now using an older model Yongnuo (Canon) YN 568 EXII which is same as the Canon 580. Like it a lot. I use it with my 430 EXII. A great value IMO. Has E-TTL, and Hi-speed sync, and can be used as a commander or slave unit.

MidnightManiac

I'm using a pair of Yonguno 685's and a YN622C-TX controller. Have used these on 3 different Canon bodies and it works well with all of them. I'm very satisfied with Yongnuo.