YN-560.  This is the successor of the YN-460-II: strong guide number, rather fast  recycle, the 2 optical slave modes,
but now with manual zoom from 24-105 (probably 18mm with wide angle diffuser)  and a PC port.

Specification:

YN-560 is a bran-new flash specially designed for professional creative  photography.
Compared with YN460 MK II and YN460,The  factory has made these new features:

A brand-new appearance: The New YN-560, It looks more beautiful,  creditable, comfortable and professional.
New power zoom function: By pushing the button on the flash, it can make  the flash covered focal length
range from24  to 105mm.
GN58 @ ISO100, 105mm: Giving YN-560 a higher guide number which reaches  the level of the mainstream
hot shoe flashes.
The improved wireless triggering sensor: It improves the wireless triggering  sensor for YN-560,
which makes theS1  and S2 modecan be used in  outdoor environment and the wireless triggering
distance is as long as15m..
Sound indicator:When the  charging process is finished, the flash will give a tick sound, so you may  concentrate on the creation process. (Note: the sound can be closed).
New charging socket for external power pack: YN-560 adds a charging socket for  external power pack, to meet your higher demand for charging recycle.
New PC synchronous port: YN560 adds a standard PC synchronous port, which  makes it simpler for you to use the PC synchronous line.
Super speed of charging recycle: It takes around 3 sec in charging after  full power output.
Even without new batteries, you can get the super charging speed that it takes  4~5 sec;
so you can completely get rid of the nightmare of anxious waiting for charging.
In addition, you can use the external power pack to accelerate the charging  speed once more.
Supporting high-speed continuous shooting: Under the output level of 1/8  or below,
YN-560 can support the 8FPS high-speed continuous shooting.
The improved power saving mode: It designs the power saving mode for  YN-560. In the power saving mode,
the flash will get automatic shutdown sooner; in the non-saving mode, it will  take a longer time before automatic shutdown.
The more fine output control:The  output control of YN-560 is more fine, which ranges from 1/128 to 1/1
and each class of flash output has 8 small fine tuning stalls; With its zooming  flash head,
YN560 makes you nearly achieve your anticipant lighting effect.
The automatic setting saving: YN-560 can automatically save your current  setting.


What is similar asCanon 580EX  II

The whole design of the unit resembles the Canon from every angle. The  over-sized flash head,
the design of the red AF assist cover (where the YN-560 will have its optical  slave sensor,but  no AF assist),
the shape of the hot shoe mount, the release button for the flash head lock, the  ‘rail style’ design of the sides
of the flash head, etc etc.

Here are the similarities between Canon 580EX II and YN-560:

zoom range24 – 105mm
Red light indicating ready to fire and round pilot button
From the LED’s it can be concluded that there is a 8 stop range from 1/1 down to  1/128 power
A Re-Designed of the much criticized battery compartment door
The flash head with the characteristic bump for the wide angle diffuser and  bounce card
There seems to be a locking / unlocking button for the flash head, this would be  the first Yongnuo with a locking
mechanism
A PC port, another first for Yongnuo, and it’s in the same position as the  additional tripod mount on it’s archetype.

What is these different with Canon 580EX II:

Without weather sealing at the flash foot
Without tripod mount at the side
Without divided rubber covers for PC port, power pack, tripod mount, just one  big flap
Without locking lever design for hot shoe mount but conventional screw lock
Without LCD display
Without central control dial but 4 buttons
Wihout sensor opening at the front for auto mode, so no “A” mode
probably no dual AF assist light, most likely no AF assist at all
Does not support E-TTL or i-TTL
Does not support wireless TTL / ‘AWL’
No high speed synch = FP synch

The left button on the rear panel has a sound symbol, this is for a recycle beep  – a feature you can’t buy from Canon (Nikons have it in AWL as an option, Metz  offers it in some models too). Yongnuo says it’s an optional feature.
there are 2 optical slave modes – Canon 580EX II has no optical slave, only  wireless E-TTL slave (and master). With all the triggering options = X contact,  PC port, and the 2 optical slave modes, this unit is a strobist’s dream!
the flash is mounted on a Nikon camera. You won’t see many 580EX II in a Nikon  hot shoe
manual zoom with dedicated buttons and direct access
manual power setting likely to be with dedicated direct buttons, rather than  finger acrobatics with the tiny Sel/Set button on the Canon
fine tuning of manual output level in 1/8 stops rather than 1/3 stops. This is  no advantage in my eyes, but more of a disadvantage actually, but it’s due to  the layout of the “idiot lights” on the back panel.

Parameters:
Model information
Brand: Yongnuo
Model YN-560
Successor none yet
Output specs
Guide Number (m) 39 (ISO 100, 35mm)
Manual Power Settings 1/1 – 1/2 – 1/4 – 1/8 – 1/16 – 1/32 – 1/64 – 1/128
Flash duration (full power) 1/200
Recycle time specified
(at full power) 3 sec alkaline
Recycle time measured
(at full power)
Triggering
Standard flash foot standard
PC Synch Port yes
Optical Slave 2 modes (1 w/ pre-flash suppresion)
Other trigger none
Trigger voltage
Standby mode can be adjusted (30 mins max)
Flash head features
Swivel -180 to +90 degrees
Tilt -7 to +90 degrees
Manual zoom head (18) 24-105
Motor zoom no
2nd reflector no
LCD display no
Power supply
Batteries used 4 x AA
External power source Yongnuo SF-18C or SF-17C
Nikon TTL
No D-TTL
No i-TTL
No CLS wireless slave
No CLS wireless master
Canon TTL
No E-TTL
No E-TTL II
No E-TTL(II) wireless slave
No E-TTL(II) wireless master

PACKAGE INCLUDING:
1 xYN-560 Flash light,
1 x Protector bag,
1 x Mini stand,
1 x Manual in English

NOTE:
This manual content is followed the test form Yongnuo company.
Design and specification subject to change without notice.