Saitek PS27 for PlayStation 2

Canon's top of the line flash, is top of the line, with the exceptions of a serous need for juice. This flash was obviously made with the digital photographer in mind and has worked well in every situation I have used it. I went from old school flashes to this high end item. I will admit all the functionality at first seemed like overkill to me. My previous flashes allowed minimal on flash adjustment options. They were also quite a bit cheaper. After using it and using it more, I still think its a little overkill, but if given the choice between more options or not enough, I'd have to go with to more.

Features:

Recycle Time:
The fast recycle time is handy when shooting any type of action shots in need of a quick flash.

E-TTL II (Evaluative Through The Lens) auto exposure technology :
The flash will automatically adjust according to the camera reading. I've found a few times it tends to overexpose the shot. When I'm in a hurry and don't have the time to adjust the manual settings this has been useful. Overall I have been impresses with how accurate and well the E-TTL functionality works.

Catchlight reflector:
This is a nice little option that I rarely use. In the front of the flash you can pull down a small reflector tucked up top. Generally I've found bouncing the light of walls or reflectors to be more useful. In a pinch and with no other options this is handy to have.

FE Lock Flash exposure lock:
Allows you to pre-focus the shot with flash and adjust your position, another nice feature.

Battery life:
According to Canon this has improved over previous models, personally I have not been impressed. But then again, this is my first Canon flash so maybe it is an improvement. I go through batteries like crazy with this flash. The flash takes 4 AA batteries. I've used both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries and have not noticed much of a difference between the two. Although using the manual options over the E-TTL does seem to help a bit.

Wireless TTL flash when combined with ST-E2 Transmitter & multiple 550 EX's:
Allows you to get rid of that annoying cable when using your flash off camera. I have yet to use this flash with a wireless transmitter but expect when I do, it to work fine.

FEB Flash Exposure Bracketing:
Provides 3 of the same shots with 3 levels of flash output. Excellent when you are in a hurry but want to make sure you get the shot. You can later delete the worst two. Keep in mind my battery complaint; this will seriously drain if using it often.

Controls:
I've found the menu and controls on the back of the flash relatively easy to use, requiring minimal need to refer back to the manual.

Swivel Head:
You can adjust the flash head up, down, left, right, or even 180 degrees.

14 Custom Functions that provide maximum control over various flash functions:
I think this is a nice feature but personally haven't had much use for it as if yet. Most of my lighting situations vary enough that they require me to continually adjust the flash in accordance.

Ratio flash lighting of up to 8:1 when used with ST-E2 Transmitter & multiple 550 or 580EX's:
Another nice feature I have not yet had the opportunity to try.