Canon Speedlite 270EX II - Manual

1 2 3
QuickGuide to Canon
270EX II Speedlite Features
The purpose of this QuickGuide is to provide a concise
review of how to operate the features and functions of the
Canon 270EX II Speedlite. Unless otherwise noted, the
following instructions require your Speedlite to be mounted
to your camera’s hot shoe. This will allow your camera to
communicate with the 270EX II and for you to make flash
settings with the camera’s menu system.
Flash Control via the Camera Menus
Any control of the Speedlite 270EX II beyond simple
automatic E-TTL exposure requires a camera body with
External Flash Control Menu capability, such as the EOS
40D ~ 60D; Rebel XS/XSi, T1i, T2i, T3, T3i; EOS 7D, 5D
Mark II, EOS-1D Mark III / Mark IV, and EOS-1Ds Mark III
(as of mid-2011).
E-TTL II Auto Flash Set-up
For cameras with built-in flash:
1. Press the camera Menu button.
2. Select the first Shooting Menu (first camera icon on the
left).
3. Select [Flash control] or [External Speedlite control].
4. Select [External flash func. setting]. Press Set.
5. Set [Flash mode] to [E-TTL II]
This step is not necessary for cameras that have no built-in
flash. It is also not necessary if you have not previously
changed the default flash settings on your camera.
Camera Exposure Mode Settings
The 270EX II will function in any of the camera exposure
modes below. The maximum speed at which your camera
can synchronize with the flash exposure is represented by
“1/x sec” (such as 1/200 with EOS Rebel models).
Mode Shutter speed Aperture
Full Auto, P,
A-DEP
Set automatically (1/x sec. – 1/60 sec.) Automatic
TV Set manually (1/x sec. – 30 sec.) Automatic
AV Set automatically (1/x sec. – 30 sec.) Manual
M Set manually (1/x sec. – 30 sec., Bulb) Manual
The mode you choose will depend mainly on the balance
you prefer between the flash exposure and the ambient
light exposure. Longer shutter speeds will allow longer
ambient light exposures to help prevent dark backgrounds;
however, long exposures also risk blur from subject or
camera motion. Smaller apertures provide more depth-
of-field but require more flash power and reduce the
maximum flash range.
Flash Coverage
The flash head can be manually extended or retracted to
better match the flash coverage to the camera and lens in
use. Refer to the table below for recommended settings.
Camera type Head Normal Head Extended
APS-C size sensor
(Rebel series, 60D,
7D)
17mm or longer lens 32mm or longer
lens
Full-frame sensor
(EOS 5D & 1Ds
series)
28mm or longer lens 50mm or longer
lens
E-TTL II Flash Range
The flash range will vary depending on the ISO, the angle
of coverage, and the maximum aperture of your lens. If
you see a blinking <> icon in your viewfinder then your
subject is too far away. You should either move closer or
increase the ISO. Do not use the 270EX II in the extended
position with lenses that have a focal length of 30mm or
less, otherwise the edges of the frame will be noticeably
darker than the center.
Key Features and Controls
Flash head – Emits flash and AF-assist beam
Wireless sensor – Senses triggering and
control signals from master flash unit
Remote control transmitter – Emits signal
for remote triggering of compatible cameras
Bounce angle index marks – Has marks for
60º, 75º, and 90º
Flash ready light
Power switch
OFF: Turns off power
SLAVE: Activates wireless slave mode
ON: Turns on power
Remote release button – Allows remote triggering
of EOS Digital Rebel, Rebel XT, XTi, XSi, T1i, T2i, T3i,
EOS 7D, and 5D Mark II (as of mid-2011)