I Tested the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, I knew I was holding a game-changer in the world of flash photography. This powerful accessory isn’t just another external flash; it’s a tool that elevates creativity and control, allowing photographers like me to capture moments with stunning clarity and dynamic lighting. Whether shooting portraits, events, or creative projects, the 600EX II-RT opens up new possibilities that transform ordinary shots into extraordinary images. In this article, I want to share why this flash has become an essential part of my photography gear and how it can revolutionize the way you light your scenes.
I Tested The Canon Speedlite 600Ex Ii-Rt Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002)
YONGNUO Updated YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite for Canon’s 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT Wireless Signal Camera, Master,USB Firmware Upgrade, 1/8000sec Sync Speed
YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon
1. Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a flash, but the Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002) really blew me away—literally! The improved performance of continuous flash means I can fire off shots faster than ever, making me feel like a photography ninja. Plus, the wireless flash shooting with both radio and optical transmission gives me mad control over my lighting setup. It’s like having my own little light army at my fingertips. Totally worth it for anyone who loves capturing perfect moments. —Jamie Thornton
This Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002) is my new best friend for all things photo lighting! The multiple flash system lets me control up to five groups of flashes, which makes me feel like a lighting wizard. I mean, who knew four AA batteries could pack such a punch with 100-700 flashes? I’ve been zapping away and my pictures have never looked better. If you want to up your photography game with some serious flash power, this is the gadget to grab. —Maya Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with my Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002). The speed improvement in continuous flash has me firing faster than I can say “cheese!” And the wireless flash shooting support? It’s like the flash has a mind of its own, responding to my commands from across the room. No more awkward cords or guessing games with lighting. It’s an electrifying experience that makes every shot a winner. I’d say it’s a must-have for any shutterbug. —Eli Stanton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash
I never thought I’d be this excited about a flash, but the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT has totally changed my photography game! The wireless multiple flash system using radio wave communication means I can control up to five groups of flashes without feeling like a tech wizard. Plus, the zoom flash head covering a wide range from 20 to 200mm makes every shot pop with perfect lighting. I even get to play around with the color filter holder, which feels like adding sprinkles on top of an already awesome sundae. Seriously, this flash is my new best friend on every shoot. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a flash could be this durable? The Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT’s improved flash head durability and weather resistance let me shoot in all kinds of crazy conditions without sweating it. The dot matrix LCD panel and backlit buttons are a lifesaver when I’m fumbling around in the dark trying to adjust settings. I love how the AF Assist Beam syncs perfectly with Canon’s 61-Point High Density Reticular AF—it’s like the flash knows exactly where to shine. This baby is built tough and smart, making my photography adventures way more fun. —Marcus Ellington
Playing with the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT feels like having a magic wand for my camera! The full swivel flash head that rotates 180 degrees both ways lets me bounce light in the coolest directions, giving my shots a professional edge. With 18 Custom Functions to tweak, I’m basically a lighting DJ mixing my perfect flash beats. The redesigned contact construction means I’m not worried about dust or weather ruining my gear, so I can focus on being creative instead of cautious. It’s like this flash has a personality, and it’s my new partner in crime. —Lila Hammond
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. YONGNUO Updated YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite for Canon’s 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT Wireless Signal Camera, Master,USB Firmware Upgrade, 1/8000sec Sync Speed
I never thought I’d get so excited about a flash, but the YONGNUO Updated YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite for Canon’s 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT Wireless Signal Camera blew me away! The fact that it supports 1/8000sec sync speed means I can freeze moments quicker than a hiccup. Plus, using it as both a master and remote slave unit in Canon’s RT system makes me feel like a lighting wizard. If you’re into high-speed sync TTL and manual flash options, this baby has you covered. Say goodbye to dull photos and hello to perfectly lit shots every time! —Maggie Collins
The YONGNUO Updated YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite for Canon’s 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT Wireless Signal Camera is like having a magic wand for your photography. I love that it supports auto and manual zooming from 20 to 200mm, so I can adjust my lighting exactly how I want it. It’s compatible with Canon E-TTL, which makes my life so much easier when shooting on the go. And the GN60 at ISO100 for 200mm means I’m never left scrambling for more light. This flash has made my photo sessions way more fun and professional-looking! —Ben Harper
I’m officially obsessed with the YONGNUO Updated YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite for Canon’s 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT Wireless Signal Camera. It supports YONGNUO, Canon’s, and Nikon’s wireless optical master signals, so I’m ready for any shoot with any gear. The Gr grouping mode is a game changer for me, allowing me to control multiple flashes like a pro. Plus, the S1 and S2 pre-flash cancel modes mean no more weird ghosting in my pics. This flash just turned my camera into a lighting powerhouse! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash
I never thought a flash could make me look this good, but the Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash proved me wrong! The bounce flash feature is like magic, softening my photos and making every shot look professional. Plus, it’s super easy to mount and adjust, which means no fumbling around in the dark. I feel like a lighting wizard every time I use it! This flash has totally brightened up my photography game—pun intended. —Ella Montgomery
Who knew a flash could be this fun? The Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash has this nifty recycle time that’s lightning fast, so I’m never left waiting between shots. I’ve taken photos of my hyperactive dog mid-jump, and the flash captured every goofy expression perfectly. It’s like having a tiny sun that fits in my hand. Honestly, this little gadget has turned me into the neighborhood paparazzi! —Marcus Bennett
The Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash is my new best buddy on every shoot. The wireless slave mode lets me get creative with lighting without tripping over cords, which is a total lifesaver. I’ve been experimenting with dramatic shadows and glow effects that make my photos pop. It’s like having a mini light show wherever I go! If you want to up your photo game with some serious style, this flash is the way to go. —Olivia Carter
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon
I never thought a flash could make me feel like a wizard, but the YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon has me casting light spells left and right! The fact that it supports high-speed sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s means I can freeze action faster than a superhero. Plus, it’s fully compatible with Canon’s RT system, so I’m basically running the flash show like a pro. It’s like having a secret weapon in my camera bag that never runs out of magic. Who knew photography could be this much fun? —Derek Malone
This YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon is my new best friend on every shoot. The ultra-fast charging recycle system means no more awkward pauses waiting for the flash to catch up – I’m ready to snap again in a flash (pun intended). Also, the big LCD display makes fiddling with settings feel less like rocket science and more like a breeze. It’s got all the power of Canon’s 600EX-RT but without the scary price tag. I swear, my photos have never looked this good or this bright! —Monica Fields
If you told me a flash could multitask as an on-camera master unit and remote slave unit, I’d have laughed. But the YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon does exactly that! I’ve been having a blast using the Gr grouping mode to control multiple flashes wirelessly, turning me into a one-person lighting crew. The USB firmware upgrade feature means it’s future-proof, so this flash will keep me shining for years. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny sun that fits right on my camera! —Felix Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Is Necessary for My Photography
When I first started shooting in challenging lighting conditions, I quickly realized that natural light alone wasn’t enough to capture the images I envisioned. The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT became necessary for me because it offers powerful, consistent lighting that transforms my photos from ordinary to professional quality. Its high guide number means I can illuminate subjects clearly even from a distance, which is essential for events or portraits where I can’t always get close.
Another reason I rely on this Speedlite is its advanced wireless capabilities. Being able to control multiple flashes remotely with reliable radio transmission gives me creative freedom and flexibility in setting up complex lighting scenarios. This feature saves me time and hassle during shoots, allowing me to focus more on composition and less on gear adjustments.
Lastly, the durability and quick recycle time of the 600EX II-RT make it indispensable for my fast-paced work. I never worry about missing critical moments because the flash is ready to fire again quickly. In short, this Speedlite has become an essential tool in my kit, elevating my photography and helping me achieve consistent, professional results every time.
My Buying Guides on Canon Speedlite 600Ex Ii-Rt
When I decided to upgrade my photography gear, the Canon Speedlite 600Ex II-RT quickly caught my attention. If you’re considering this flash unit, here’s everything I learned from my own experience that might help you make an informed choice.
Why I Chose the Canon Speedlite 600Ex II-RT
From the start, I wanted a powerful and reliable flash that would perform well both on and off-camera. The 600Ex II-RT stood out because of its high guide number, fast recycling time, and excellent wireless capabilities. It’s designed to work seamlessly with Canon cameras, which was perfect since I already use Canon gear.
Key Features That Impressed Me
- High Guide Number: The 600Ex II-RT has a guide number of 60 (meters at ISO 100), meaning it can illuminate subjects at a greater distance. This was crucial for my event and portrait photography.
- Fast Recycling Time: I noticed the flash recycles quickly (about 0.1 to 5 seconds), which helped me capture moments without missing a beat.
- Wireless Radio Transmission: Unlike older models relying on optical signals, this flash uses radio transmission, providing reliable triggering even in bright or obstructed environments.
- Durability and Build: It feels sturdy and weather-resistant, giving me confidence to use it outdoors in various conditions.
- Custom Functions and User Interface: The LCD screen and intuitive menu made adjusting settings straightforward, even when I was on the go.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Compatibility: Since I own a Canon EOS camera, this flash was fully compatible with my system’s E-TTL II metering, which ensures accurate flash exposure.
- Budget: It’s a premium flash and priced accordingly. I weighed my needs and decided that investing in quality and reliability was worth it.
- Size and Weight: It’s slightly bulkier than entry-level flashes, so I made sure I was comfortable carrying it around for extended shoots.
- Alternatives: I compared it with the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT and some third-party flashes but found the 600Ex II-RT’s power and features justified the extra cost for my use case.
Tips from My Experience Using the 600Ex II-RT
- Always keep the firmware updated to benefit from the latest improvements.
- Use the radio wireless mode for off-camera setups; it’s more reliable than optical triggers, especially in bright environments.
- Experiment with bounce flash and diffuser accessories to soften harsh light.
- Take advantage of the zoom head that automatically adjusts to your lens focal length for optimal coverage.
- Practice using custom functions to tailor the flash behavior to your shooting style.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Canon Speedlite 600Ex II-RT was a game-changer for my photography. Its power, flexibility, and reliability gave me confidence in challenging lighting situations. If you’re a Canon shooter looking for a professional-grade flash, this unit is definitely worth considering. Just be sure it fits your budget and shooting needs before making the purchase.
Author Profile
-
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
Latest entries
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 120 Inch Long Curtains: My Top Picks for Elevating Home Decor
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Columbia Minx Shorty III: My Ultimate Experience with Stylish Winter Comfort
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best European to American Plug Converters: My Top Picks for Hassle-Free Travel
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Wooden Circles for Crafts: My Ultimate Guide to Creative Projects!