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01/30/2011 09:51:21 AM · #1 |
Musing, Today while the cats where being funny, I found I was unable to keep ISO low enough for noise, shutter speed high enough, with a aperture to capture everything in focus I wanted. These situations happen rarely, but they do happen all the same, I usually rely on my manual setting skills in camera to get me by.
About a year and a half ago I owned a 580EX2 with my 5D and better lenses (70-200 F2.8L IS, 16-35 F2.8L) that I sold to help purchase my home, I used the flash maybe 10 or so times, It was big, bulky, and a pain to carry around, and usually was not.
I now have a 1D-M2 a 50 1.4 and a 70-200 F4L that get me where Iâm going 99.9% of the time, and my aspirations of grander of going professional diminished to reality. Iâm thinking the âKISSâ method might fit my style and price range(cheep) better.
I found a refurbished 270EX from a reputable dealer with a year warranty at a fare price, possibly coupled with a Omni-bounce might fill my needs for now (light weight, no frills, easy to carry, ect.).
Still, a buck is a buck, before I press the button Iâm asking for input from others.. |
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01/30/2011 10:04:59 AM · #2 |
At least it has minimal bounce capabilities. If the 580 was too big for you then I can understand and would tell you go for it. But if its about money then I would say grab a Sigma. Actually good to know the 270 has a bounce head, never considered it until now. We have an S5 around here that needs a flash.
Talking of cat shots with bounce flash:
   
All with the sigma ef-530 dg super. Sells for the retail of the 270EX, functions more like the 580. But the 270 can be had for cheaper still. Most of these kinda shots ive done where actually bounced with the head backwards because of the proximity, I dont think the 270's head does more then straight up.
Message edited by author 2011-01-30 10:24:57.
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01/30/2011 11:16:37 AM · #3 |
I have the 270EX flash. It's small in its nifty little pouch and light- great for portability. I don't think twice about having it in whatever bag I am using but I definitely do consider the weight when I consider bringing my 580EX flash along. And I really should always have an external flash along given that my 5D has no built-in flash to get me by. I have a little omni-bounce diffuser for it which helps. It tilts very cleverly but doesn't swivel (wish it did at times). Output is pretty good for such a small unit and you really get quite a few flashes from just two batteries.
I think the biggest downside to it isn't the lack of swivel, but rather having to go through your camera menu to control its output. Doing that really isn't so bad if you do it often enough to know right where to go in your menu.
Overall I think it is great little flash, lack of controls aside... |
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01/30/2011 11:26:16 AM · #4 |
Hmmm, I like the Sigma suggestion, price between the 270EX Iâm looking at, and the 430EX II with the capabilities closer to the 530EX II. Size matters and may make the difference on whether itâs in my small camera bag or in the drawer. I stay in Salt Lake City during the week, come home to St. George on weekends.
Then there is resale to consider if I ever decide to upgrade.
Lots to ponder.. |
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01/31/2011 01:57:06 PM · #5 |
I picked up a 270ex a few weeks ago. I am happy with it, it doesn't fully recharge very quickly and if you do a quick series up pics they can be a little underexposed.
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01/31/2011 02:25:05 PM · #6 |
I have a 580EX, and I have often thought about a smaller unit. The 270 seems attractive, but the lack of swivel is really a deal-breaker for me. I often use ceiling bounce, and not having swivel means no ceiling bounce when shooting in portrait orientation.
If size/weight isn't a concern, I think looking at third-part flashes that are less expensive than the Canon units may make really good sense. The Canon flashes are very expensive units, without a doubt. |
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01/31/2011 02:30:08 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
I have a 580EX, and I have often thought about a smaller unit. The 270 seems attractive, but the lack of swivel is really a deal-breaker for me. I often use ceiling bounce, and not having swivel means no ceiling bounce when shooting in portrait orientation.
If size/weight isn't a concern, I think looking at third-part flashes that are less expensive than the Canon units may make really good sense. The Canon flashes are very expensive units, without a doubt. |
Kirbic you make a fine point there too. I forgot about portrait bounce. Very much a deal breaker once you realize how much better shots are when your using a bounce flash.
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01/31/2011 10:00:15 PM · #8 |
Look for a used 420 EX. Very similar to the 430 but you should be able to find one much cheaper on ebay. It can also act as a slave unit as well and swivels/tilts. If you can find one it would probably be cheaper than a new 270 and comparable to the 430 except for the manual controls.
420 ex on amazon |
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