Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches ; 5.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001XURPR2
• Item model number: Speedlite 270EX
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (93 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #23 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Flashes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 24, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Perfect for expanding your creative options on compact cameras and entry level EOS DSLRs, Canon’s new Speedlite 270EX adds power and flexibility for enhanced flash photography anywhere. Light, compact and small enough to fit in your pocket, the Speedlite 270EX features 2-step coverage for 28mm and 50mm focal lengths, plus a highly useful bounce-flash function for amazingly easy, polished results. Powered by 2 AA batteries, Speedlite 270EX is easily set up and controlled through your camera’s menu system (with select models), communicates color temperature information with your camera for optimal white balance and recharges silently in less than 4 seconds. An indispensable complement to your Canon Camera, Speedlite 270EX is a perfect extension of your photographic genius.

Speedlite 270EX Highlights

• Compact, lightweight design with 2 AA batteries; ideal for compact PowerShot cameras (G-series and select SX-series)
• 28mm and 50mm. 2-step Coverage Angle Selection
• Bounce feature for an even greater range of picture-taking options
• Simple set-up using the camera's rear monitor
• Color temperature communication
• Optimized recycling time (approx. 0.1 to 3.9 seconds)
• Quieter charging
• Easy storage soft case

Product Description

Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash Light 3806B002 Lights & Flashes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

136 of 137 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice option for those wanting "a little more", April 30, 2009

By 

Hiram Grant "just call me Sam" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

The 270EX is a simple, two AA battery flash that should be perfect for someone wishing to add a bit more power or bounce to an digital EOS camera, or one of a few Powershots with a hot shoe.

The flash is very small, and balances well on cameras like the Powershot G10. I did most of my flash evaluating on a Rebel T1i, and was pleased with the handling of the duo.

The flash has almost nothing to set for increased power. Slide it on, turn it on, take pictures. Unlike fancier flashes, there is no power zoom flash panel, but you can manually set the flash to get a bit more distance with telephoto lenses by simply pulling the flash head out a notch.

If you want to make your closeup shots a bit less harsh, pull the head out (as per above), and you can tilt the head of the flash up at different angles to bounce the flash. My simple test worked very well, with much more pleasing skin tones (although bouncing does seem to lose, on all flashes, some of the whites of the eyes).

Compared to more expensive Canon flashes, several features are missing. Most notably is a sophisticated (such as a pattern) focusing assist system to help the camera's AF in low light or low contrast shooting. Additionally, don't expect advanced features like wireless flash, High Sync, etc.

Thus, the 270EX is great for anyone wanting a bit more powerful flash, adds bounce, and is in a nice, small, package.

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 270ex Compact marvel, June 4, 2009

By 

Mitch10 "mitch10" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I purchased this flash for my new (and awesome!) Canon 5D Mark II. Most of the time, the Mark II can handle indoor and low lighting conditions without any issue; it's quite usable up to 3200 ISO. Still, even in RAW mode it can't handle all lighting conditions as it doesn't have an onboard flash. I like using flash for fill lighting especially for shooting flowers and insects. That's where the 270ex comes in as a carry around flash. The most surprising thing was how small and light it is; it really does fit in a shirt pocket. It powers up and is ready much faster than I expected considering it just takes 2 batteries. Considering the low profile, the forward angle of the build helps to eliminate lens shadows on long lenses. Still, it isn't without some faults; it isn't the build quality of a 580ex or 430ex. It also isn't the widest coverage I've seen on a flash with just 28 & 50mm settings. Still it's pretty great considering that it isn't supposed to be a replacement for a 580ex II.

Pros
*Light & small, fits in a shirt pocket
*Forward tilt angle doesn't cause lens shadow on a 24-105IS when fully extended
*Usable bounce angles
*Takes just 2 standard AA batteries
*Fast flash recharge
*Quite operation; way better than my 430ex Speedlite
*Good color temperature, not too blue
*Simple foot lock switch
*Easy operation with both the 5dII and 9G

Cons
*Less impressive build that more expensive Canon Speedlites
*So-so flash coverage when lens is 24mm or wider

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice, but all features do not work on Rebel XTi, July 8, 2009

By 

C. Gee (Nor Cal, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

Nice flash, better than the built-in pop-up flash on my Rebel XTi. However, the AF-assist on the flash will not work on an XTi, even with the lastest XTi firmware. I didn't know this before buying and will may return the flash.

Update (7/22/09): I've decided to keep the 270EX after all. The compact size is the main reason why I've decided to keep it. I will just have to compromise and put up with using my built-in flash instead in those really low light situations where I want to auto-focus.

For those that do not know, the AF-assist feature in the 270EX is supposed to help in low light situations where there isn't enough light for auto-focus. The 270EX works in the same way as the XTi's pop-up flash in that it fires a few bursts in order to help auto-focus.

I don't know why Canon had not decided to offer a firmware upgrade to support the 270EX, especially since the XTi is still displayed on the Canon USA cameras page.

Update (7/5/11): AF-assist works with my Canon 60D.