Canon 270EX II Leaflet

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.

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).

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. 

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).

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. 

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.

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

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.

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

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)