Does anybody use a 270 EX II ?

[DennyP]

I do mostly outdoor photography but I am thinking about getting a 270 EX II speedlight. I just wanted something small and compact to throw in the bag in case I needed a little more flash than the pop-up offers. Does anybody have a 270 and what do they think about it.....Thanks !

[p4pictures]

I've used one, but found it not really powerful enough. The pop-up flash of many EOS cameras is around 11m (35ft) at ISO 100. This means a subject 5m (16ft) away is going to need an f/2.2 aperture at ISO 100. With the 270EX II having a guide number of 27m (88ft) at ISO 100 then f/5.6 is needed. To me it's simpler to push the ISO two stops more and use the built-in flash.

However if your camera's pop-up can be a speedlite master and you want to use the 270EX II off-camera then it's a different story. It makes sense. However if off-camera flash is your aim I think you'd be better going for the 320EX or 430EX II if off-camera flash is the aim. The last two also give you yet more power and the ability to orient the flash body towards the camera - so it can receive the pulsed light signal that controls it - and orient the head of the flash at the subject. You can twist the head on the 270EX II

Brian

[DennyP]

Thank you for the great answer, Brian, very informative ! You are right, I am better off going for the 320 or the 430 speedlite, they are much more powerful and have more versatility than the 270.

[David]

As of now the 430EX II is only $5 more than the 320

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571297-USA/Canon_2805B002_430EX_II_Speedlite_TTL.html

Along with more power, the 430 has a real manual mode that will be beneficial for off camera work.

[DennyP]

B & H has the 430 on sale......I'll look into that.....Thanks !

[GeraldM]

I have one I use on my EOS 5d and am very happy with the results.  It is a good choice for a small portable easy cary flash, takes great shots. Be aware of it's limitations, it not top of the line but it is a fine flash.

Gerald Milligan