The flash doesn't have any sort of bounce capability, which is another way to soften output. If that's something you'd like out of a strobe, consider stepping up to the Speedlite 270 EX II. It's only ...

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. The Canon Speedlite 90EX is an impressively compact flash.