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The TT560 Speedlite is an external flash released by Neewer and is one of the best value external flash units on the market. It adds to the functionality of your camera. To get the most out of it, you must know how to use the TT560 Speedlite.
Contents
TT560 Speedlite: How to Use
Using the TT560 Speedlite involves knowing how to insert and change batteries as well as using it on camera and off camera. It has several modes such as manual, and two slave modes that can improve your photography experience.
Inserting Batteries
You must regularly change batteries to ensure that your external flash keeps operating. The TT560 does not have an LCD display to show battery life, so regularly check your batteries. To change or insert the batteries, follow these steps:
- Open the battery cover by moving it in the direction of the arrows using your thumb.
- Insert the batteries according to the signs indicated on top of the battery holder.
- Put the battery cover back on in the opposite direction of the arrow until you hear a click sign.
When you change batteries after continuous takes, wait until they cool down before you dispose of them. Also, remove the batteries after use so the device is not damaged by a potential battery leak. You need 4 AA batteries for it to work.
Positioning the Flash Unit
You need to determine if you are going to use the flash on your camera or off your camera.
On Camera
The TT560 can be attached to a camera that has a hot shoe with electrical contacts. If your camera has that, follow these steps:
- Rotate the locking ring on the flash unit anti-clockwise and loosen it up to the highest point
- Place and insert the device into the hot shoe of the camera
- Rotate the locking ring clockwise to lock it on your camera
Off Camera
Since this is an external flash, it can be used detached from the camera. The flash unit comes with a mini stand that can help you fix it on a tripod or light stand. A wireless flash trigger can allow you to communicate with a flash without touching it.
The TT560 comes with radio wireless communication. It can be used with a less than a 30mm distance from the camera or another flash. This capability also known as slave flash is explained further below.
Setting the Power
The flash unit allows you to set the power mode. It has eight steps of power that are indicated by eight levels. You can increase it by touching the plus (+) button and decrease it with the minus (-) button.
Setting the Right Mode
The TT560 does not have an LCD screen to display the current settings or battery level. It is good practice to reset the settings before you start using it since you won’t know what setting the flash unit is on when you initially turn it on. You can set it in manual mode or one of the two slave modes.
Manual Mode
Press the mode button to set it to manual mode. Here you have the option to set the exposure levels. Press the test button to check the flash and then adjust the exposure levels accordingly by pressing the +/- button. The flash goes off when you press the shutter button.
Slave Mode
The slave mode fires a flash which it senses from another flash unit. Here you have two options the S1 and the S2 modes that can be changed using the Mode button. The S1 mode is linked to the on camera flash. When that fires, the flash unit fires simultaneously.
In this situation, the master flash controls the on camera flash. It is a good idea to reduce the intensity of the camera’s flash and put the flash unit to one side of the subject. The TT560 will illuminate the subject while the camera’s flash will get rid of the shadows.
When using S1 mode, keep the shutter speed between 1/60 seconds and 1/125 seconds. If it is too fast, the flash will not synchronize properly.
The S2 mode is used to create several lighting effects. In S2 mode, the flash unit fires off on the second flash from the master flash instead of the first one.
Advantages of Using TT560 Speedlite
The TT560 takes your photography to the next level. The TT560’s head can tilt and swivel up to 270 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically. This gives you a lot of flexibility and can help you bounce the light off ceilings and various other surfaces to provide the best results.
This flash unit gives you the option to choose from manual and two slave modes. These modes can help you capture pictures in various situations, such as portraits or outdoor photography.
This flash unit comes with a reflection board that can be pulled out at the user’s convenience. The TT560 is one of the most affordable units out there. It is great for new photographers and allows them to learn a lot because there is no TTL, and they have to manually set everything.
Disadvantages of Using TT560 Speedlite
A Speedlite is a great addition to your camera equipment; however, it has some shortcomings.
- No TTL: The through-the-lens is an automatic flash mode. It adjusts the bursts of flash according to the situation at hand. The TT560 comes without this mode. This means that it is difficult to capture photos when light conditions are dynamic.
- No LCD: The TT560 Speedlite does not come with an LCD display. This means that you have no information about the modes or remaining battery life. This could lead to a sudden stop in working or wrong settings selection.
- Overheat: When you are using the external flash at full power, the device will start heating up. It will only allow you to capture 20 shots before the “over-temperature protection” sets in. It then has a reduced recycle time of 10-25 seconds. You have to stop using it for 10 minutes at this point.
- Low Battery Life: The external flash quickly drains the batteries out and leaves you with fewer shots to take. You can capture around 200 shots in one charge; however, it may be less if you are capturing them continuously and there is overheating.
- Compatibility: The flash unit is only compatible with cameras that have a hot shoe with electrical contacts. In cameras without electrical contacts, you cannot use this device.
- Body: It has a plastic body that is not durable.
Relevant Questions
What Is a Flash Trigger Transmitter?
A flash trigger allows you to trigger an external flash that uses its own light instead of using an electrical signal or camera flash. Most triggers now use energy-efficient LEDs.
The flash triggers utilize a small pulse of light in order to fire a compatible strobe that is in sync with a camera shutter.
What Should I Look For in a Speedlite?
The first thing to look for in a speedlite is the guide numbers, which are the megapixels of light. Another thing that might come in handy is the TTL. The TTL is an automatic flash mode that allows you to fire flash according to the situation.
Other things to consider include tilting, wireless control, and flash zoom.
Conclusion
The TT560 Speedlite can improve your photography experience. Although it comes without TTL mode and an LCD screen, it more than makes up for it through its slave modes.
