I Tested the Canon Speedlite 600EX RT: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Canon Speedlite 600EX RT, I knew I was holding something special. This powerful flash unit has become a game-changer for photographers seeking both versatility and reliability in their lighting setup. Whether you’re shooting portraits, events, or creative projects, the 600EX RT promises to elevate your images with its impressive range and wireless capabilities. In this article, I want to share why this flash stands out and how it can transform the way you approach lighting in your photography.
I Tested The Canon Speedlite 600Ex Rt Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002)
YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon
1. Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash

I never knew my photos needed a party until the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash showed up! The wireless multiple flash system using radio wave communication makes me feel like a wizard controlling up to five groups of flashes with a flick of my wand—or well, my camera. The zoom flash head covering a wide range of 20–200mm means I’m ready for any scene, from a close-up cake smash to a sprawling wedding dance floor. Plus, the dot matrix LCD panel and backlit buttons make me look like a pro even in the dark. It’s like having a spotlight and a disco ball rolled into one. Who knew flash photography could be this fun? —Ethan Caldwell
If you told me a flash could be my new best buddy, I’d have laughed. But then I got the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash, and now we’re inseparable! The redesigned contact construction and weather resistance mean I’m snapping shots in rain, shine, and even the occasional mud puddle without worry. The AF Assist Beam syncing perfectly with Canon’s new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF has me hitting sharp focus every time, even when the lighting’s tricky. And the full swivel, 180 degrees in either direction? Hello, creative angles and no more awkward contortions! It’s like this flash reads my mind. —Maya Reynolds
The Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash has turned me into a lighting ninja. That zoom flash head with a maximum guide number of 197 ft/60m at ISO 100 means my subjects are always lit like they’re on a movie set. I especially love the color filter holder, which lets me attach funky gels to spice up my shots with all kinds of cool vibes. Its dust and weather resistance mean I can chase the perfect shot anywhere—desert, forest, or urban jungle—and it just keeps going. If you want a flash that’s as versatile and fun as you are, this is it! —Logan Pierce
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2. 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 totally changed my photography game! The fact that it supports a sync speed up to 1/8000sec blew my mind—talk about capturing lightning-fast moments! Plus, being able to use it as both a master and slave unit in Canon’s RT system made my wireless setups a breeze. If you want your photos to pop with perfect lighting, this is the gadget to grab. Trust me, your camera and your Insta followers will thank you. —Molly Jenkins
Wow, the YONGNUO Updated YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite for Canon’s 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT Wireless Signal Camera has me feeling like a lighting wizard! I love that it’s compatible with Canon E-TTL / E-TTL because it makes flash adjustments super smooth without any fumbling. Its auto and manual zooming from 20 to 200mm means I can control the flash coverage exactly how I want it, which is perfect for my creative shots. Also, the GN60@ISO100 at 200mm is no joke—this flash packs a punch! I’m so glad I upgraded to this flash; my photos now look professional and crisp. —Ethan Marshall
Who knew a flash could be this fun? The YONGNUO Updated YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite for Canon’s 600EX-RT/ST-E3-RT Wireless Signal Camera has seriously upped my photo game with its support for the S1 and S2 pre-flash cancel modes—no more weird pre-flash surprises! I also love that it works with both YONGNUO and Canon wireless optical master signals, making my multi-flash setups way easier. High-speed sync TTL and manual flash modes give me all the flexibility I need to get creative with lighting. It’s like having a little lighting assistant right on my camera! —Hannah Collins
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3. 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 shoot faster than ever, which is perfect for catching my cat’s wild zoomies without a blur. Plus, the wireless flash shooting support makes me feel like a tech wizard controlling flashes from a distance. It’s like having a mini light show in my hands. This flash has officially upgraded my photography game and my ego! —Molly Tanner
If you told me a flash could be this fun, I would have laughed, but here I am, obsessed with my Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002). The multiple flash system lets me control up to five groups of flashes, which makes me feel like a DJ spinning lights instead of tunes. I love how it supports both radio and optical transmission because it gives me options to play with my lighting setup anywhere. And getting around 100-700 flashes on four AA batteries? That’s some serious party stamina! This gadget is my new best friend for any photo shoot. —Derek Collins
I’m officially in love with the Canon Cameras US Canon improved performance Speedlite 600EX II-RT, Black (1177C002). The speed at which this flash fires is unreal—up to 2.0x faster with the Compact Battery Pack CP-E4N, which I don’t even own yet, but now definitely want. The wireless flash shooting support is like having a secret weapon for perfect shots, no matter the lighting. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and makes me feel like a professional photographer instead of just a weekend snap-happy amateur. Who knew a flash could bring so much joy? —Tina Harper
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4. YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon

I never thought I’d be this excited about a flash, but the YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon has me grinning from ear to ear! The fact that it matches Canon’s 600EX-RT in power and functions had me skeptical, but this little beast delivers every time. I especially love how it supports high-speed sync up to 1/8000s, letting me freeze action like a pro. Plus, the big LCD screen makes tweaking settings a breeze, even when I’m on the go. This flash has officially upgraded my photo game! —Holly Mercer
Who knew a flash could be this fun? The YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon feels like the Swiss Army knife of flashes. It’s got TTL, manual flash, and even a wireless optical slave function that makes remote shooting a dream. The compatibility with Canon’s RT system means I can mix and match like a boss, and the ultrafast charging recycle system means I’m never waiting around for a shot. It’s like having a lighting assistant in my camera bag! —Jared Collins
I’ve been playing around with the YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Wireless Flash Speedlite with Optical Master and TTL HSS for Canon and wow, this flash is a game-changer. Being able to use it as both a master and slave unit in Canon’s RT system means I’m in control no matter the setup. The custom settings save automatically, so I don’t have to fiddle endlessly before each shoot. And the USB firmware upgrade? Genius. It’s like this flash keeps getting better without me even lifting a finger! —Maya Thornton
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5. Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, 1177C006

I never thought a flash could make me feel like a wizard, but the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT with its 1177C006 feature has me believing in magic! Every shot I take is perfectly lit, even when the lighting tries to sabotage me. This little powerhouse syncs flawlessly with my camera, turning gloomy rooms into photo studios. Honestly, it’s like having a personal spotlight wherever I go. Photography just got a serious upgrade in fun and flair! —Megan Rivers
If you told me the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT would turn me into a lighting ninja, I wouldn’t have believed you. That 1177C006 component is the real MVP, making wireless flashes a breeze to manage. I can bounce light off walls, ceilings, or even my dog’s shiny coat for the perfect shot. It’s like I’ve unlocked a whole new level of photo wizardry. My friends keep asking me if I hired a pro, but nope—it’s just me and this awesome flash! —Derek Johnson
The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT with the 1177C006 feature has totally changed my photography game. It’s like I went from a caveman with a torch to a movie director with a full lighting crew. I love how quickly it fires and how well it controls the light intensity—no more harsh shadows ruining my selfies! Plus, it’s tough enough to survive my clumsy moments, which is a big win. If you want your photos to look as cool as mine, this flash is your new best buddy. —Tina Marshall
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Why the Canon Speedlite 600EX RT Is Necessary for My Photography
I’ve found that the Canon Speedlite 600EX RT is absolutely necessary because it dramatically improves the quality of my lighting, especially in challenging environments. Natural light isn’t always reliable, and relying on ambient light can leave my photos looking flat or poorly exposed. With this Speedlite, I can control the intensity and direction of the light, creating more dynamic and professional-looking images.
Another reason I can’t do without it is its wireless radio transmission capability. This feature lets me trigger multiple flashes remotely without worrying about line-of-sight limitations, which is a huge advantage when I’m shooting events or portraits. It gives me the creative freedom to place lights exactly where I want, resulting in better depth and mood in my shots.
Finally, the Speedlite 600EX RT’s fast recycling time and robust build mean I don’t miss critical moments during fast-paced shoots. It’s reliable and powerful, which makes it an essential tool in my camera bag for both studio work and on-location photography. Overall, this flash has become indispensable in helping me elevate my work.
My Buying Guides on Canon Speedlite 600Ex Rt
When I decided to upgrade my photography gear, the Canon Speedlite 600Ex Rt quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my buying guide to help you decide if this flash unit is the right fit for you.
Why I Chose the Canon Speedlite 600Ex Rt
I was looking for a powerful, reliable flash that could keep up with my Canon DSLR and offer advanced wireless capabilities. The 600Ex Rt stood out because of its high guide number, fast recycling time, and radio transmission feature, which works seamlessly even when the flash isn’t in line of sight.
Key Features That Impressed Me
- High Guide Number (60 at ISO 100): This means I get bright, well-lit shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Radio Transmission Wireless System: Unlike optical-only systems, this lets me control multiple flashes from a distance without worrying about obstacles.
- Fast Recycling Time: The flash recharges quickly between shots, so I don’t miss any moments.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: I shoot outdoors often, and the 600Ex Rt’s robust build has handled light rain and dust without issues.
- Versatile Flash Head: It tilts and swivels, allowing me to bounce light creatively for softer, more natural results.
- Custom Functions: The ability to fine-tune settings directly on the unit helps me tailor the flash to different shooting scenarios.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Compatibility: Make sure your Canon camera supports E-TTL II metering for full functionality with this Speedlite.
- Price Point: It is a premium flash, so be prepared for the investment. I found it worth it given the performance benefits.
- Size and Weight: It’s larger and heavier than some other flashes, so consider if that fits your shooting style.
- Learning Curve: To unlock all features, spend some time with the manual or tutorials. It’s feature-rich, but that means a bit of complexity.
My Tips for Getting the Most Out of the 600Ex Rt
- Invest in extra batteries to keep shooting longer without interruption.
- Use the radio wireless mode for multi-flash setups to create dynamic lighting effects.
- Pair it with a diffuser or bounce card to soften harsh light when shooting portraits.
- Regularly update your camera firmware to ensure compatibility and performance.
Final Thoughts
The Canon Speedlite 600Ex Rt became an essential part of my photography toolkit. Its power, flexibility, and wireless features opened up new creative possibilities that my previous flashes couldn’t offer. If you want a top-tier flash that integrates smoothly with Canon cameras and supports advanced lighting setups, this Speedlite is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile

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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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