Is a 600EX-II RT worth it?

I'm thinking of picking up a powerful flash for birding. Getting a bit tired of dreary Oregon days. Choices are the 600EX-II RT and the YN600EX-RT as I plan to get a Yongnuo trigger as well.

600EX-II RT is $394 at the refurb sale. YN600EX-RT is $114. I understand the difference is quality, etc. but I was wondering if people who have the Canon version can comment if it is worth 3X the price. Yes, I can get an older model but the $394 refurb price seems to be a decent deal.

Thanks.

I can't comment about how the 600 RT compares to other brands, but I can tell you that it is well built and works flawlessly with other Canon RT flashes. For me, the reliability alone was worth it.

Well i think its a great flash and the AF beam is perfect compared the china made stuff, (since its a 2 lazer system compared to single lazer system) but if you need a working flash you can't go wrong with the YN flashes for the lower price.

What the hell, YOLO.

Went ahead and ordered the refurb 600EX II-RT. $394. Maybe way more flash than I need but I figure I'll keep it for the next decade hopefully.

Scrumhalf wrote in post #18302960
What the hell, YOLO.

Went ahead and ordered the refurb 600EX II-RT. $394. Maybe way more flash than I need but I figure I'll keep it for the next decade hopefully.

I don't think you'll regret it. And yes, I can totally see you working that little Speedlite for the next decade or so. I picked up a dirt cheap Neewer NW 680 and it worked fine, but only with the latest cameras. Didn't do SQUAT with any of my older Canon equipment. Yet my 580EX II works with everything I have. Totally understandable that Neewer or any of the other Chinese companies won't do the reverse engineering needed to cover all of the older equipment, as it would greatly add to the development cost. They are trying to stay at a specific price point, after all.

You'll never have that issue with the 600EX II

pbrimages wrote in post #18317140
I don't think you'll regret it. And yes, I can totally see you working that little Speedlite for the next decade or so. I picked up a dirt cheap Neewer NW 680 and it worked fine, but only with the latest cameras. Didn't do SQUAT with any of my older Canon equipment. Yet my 580EX II works with everything I have. Totally understandable that Neewer or any of the other Chinese companies won't do the reverse engineering needed to cover all of the older equipment, as it would greatly add to the development cost. They are trying to stay at a specific price point, after all.

You'll never have that issue with the 600EX II

Canon updated the protocols and command structure for ETTL II when they introduced the 600EX-RT. They also updated the interface and ability to control the speedlites from the camera.

The OEM manufacturers, most notably Yongnou and Godox have chosen to focus on the newer technology and capabilities.
Yongnou by emulating the Canon 600EX-RT system devices and capabilities. Godox by designing and implementing a TTL/HSS capability family of devices ranging from small speedlites to 600Ws battery powered monolights, as well as mains powered monolights. What makes the Godox system unique and special, is that the lights will work with Nikon, Canon, Sony and soon Fujifilm TTL and HSS. More importantly, the lights are smart enough to read Canon signals from a Canon variant controller and Sony signals from a Sony variant controller. On a shot by shot basis.

I used Canon 600EX-RT speedlites from the moment they were available. I sold them and replaced them with Godox X system when I moved from Canon to Sony.

I've done bata testing for both Yongnou (600EX-RT system E3 trigger) and for Godox (Cheetah) for Cells IIc and Sony TTL.

dmward wrote in post #18317691
Canon updated the protocols and command structure for ETTL II when they introduced the 600EX-RT. They also updated the interface and ability to control the speedlites from the camera.

The OEM manufacturers, most notably Yongnou and Godox have chosen to focus on the newer technology and capabilities.
Yongnou by emulating the Canon 600EX-RT system devices and capabilities. Godox by designing and implementing a TTL/HSS capability family of devices ranging from small speedlites to 600Ws battery powered monolights, as well as mains powered monolights. What makes the Godox system unique and special, is that the lights will work with Nikon, Canon, Sony and soon Fujifilm TTL and HSS. More importantly, the lights are smart enough to read Canon signals from a Canon variant controller and Sony signals from a Sony variant controller. On a shot by shot basis.

I used Canon 600EX-RT speedlites from the moment they were available. I sold them and replaced them with Godox X system when I moved from Canon to Sony.

I've done bata testing for both Yongnou (600EX-RT system E3 trigger) and for Godox (Cheetah) for Cells IIc and Sony TTL.

Thank you for the insight! Helps one understand why these manufacturers do what they do. Does make sense though, as there is a large-enough market for them simply supporting the newer equipment.