Metz 58 AF-1
Review Date : Mon, 5 Mar 2007
Author : WDC Team
A versatile third-party flashgun that works a treat for photographers who want a lot of power....
| Pros: | USB socket / firmware upgrade possibilities |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Unintuitive digital interface |
Ensuring that any flash unit is fully compatible with the latest DSLR TTL control systems has always been problematic. To overcome this the new Metz 58 AF-1 incorporates a USB socket that will potentially enable photographers to simply download and upgrade the flash’s firmware should you upgrade to a DSLR using a different TTL system in the future.
For the time being, the Metz 58 AF-1 is compatible with the current TTL systems for Nikon and Canon (with a Pentax / Samsung version imminent) and the flash itself already has a lot to brag about. A guide number of 58 (58m@ISO100) means there’s an abundance of power, with the tilt and swivel head offering plenty of creative lighting opportunities and a fixed secondary flash proving useful for fill-in purposes. Covering focal lengths from 18-105mm, the 58 AF-1 can be set from full to 1/256 power in precise 1/3 stop increments, though it’s fair to say that navigating the flash takes a bit of getting used to due to an unintuitive digital interface.
Verdict
The Metz is a versatile third-party flashgun that works a treat for photographers who want a lot of power. Time will tell how useful the USB socket and firmware upgrades are, but this could well be the only flash you ever need to buy.
Have your say!
Latest comments
April 03 13:01
Nick Woodrow
Have been doing my research on this flash for my Nikon and decided to purchase a used example from Ebay. This is an excellent flashgun. The menu system takes about 5 mins to work out with a quick glance of the instruction book. Ignore all remarks about being difficult! Build quality is as good as my SB-600 (Except that the Nikon has a metal mounting foot). Works on my D80 with all features and I have tested it in slave mode with no problems. Just updated firmware, that was a piece of cake! Colour rendition is excellent. Yep I am very pleased! A lot of flash for £200 less than a SB-900!
August 13 12:45
Rakesh
It's at jest on Canon D550 ?
May 17 17:07
Mike Burrows.
I'm amazed at how good this is, no redeye,and great colours.Power is awesome on my D300,and it's one of my best buys,will recommend it to anyone.