Does anyone have experience with the Metz 58 AF flash? Does it offer everything the 580EX ll does? Is the Metz auto mode on this flash as consistent and accurate as on past models?
I'm considering buying one of the flashes and I'm wondering if the Metz offers everything the 580 does, plus greater consistency.
I tried one last year - straight on direct flash was more accurate than the 580 and 580 II had next to it - bounced flash seemed to be about the same. I shoot bounced or off-camera light 99% of the time so the benefits were minor.
Deal breaker for me was the price on the Metz external battery pack - ouch.
I would stick with the Canon flashes, especially now that the latest 580 has auto settings. If you ever want to do wireless flash stuff, the Canon will almost certainly work better. I would need to see something really special with the Metz flash to go that way.
Lance, if you shoot direct, the Metz is more reliable with eTTL ... and their A mode has a great reputation
This was well discussed last year about this time. The Metz has game, but there's no AA battery pack for it - you have to use Quantums or the Metz pack (over 500USD)
Edited by tomKphoto on Mar 12, 2008 at 01:21 PM GMT
Edited by tomKphoto on Mar 12, 2008 at 01:21 PM GMT
Doug C. wrote:
BTW, I currently have a Sigma 500 DG Super. It works with the Canon wirelessly, correct?
Yes, and just as well as the 5xx series Canon's. I haven't seen even one review that any aftermarket ETTL is any worse than Canon's OEM. matter of fact I would echo what has been said already about the Metz. This isn't my experience, but it is every single thing I have read about the Metz.
Take a look at Shootsmarter.com website. They have reviews on the Q, Metz, Canon, and Nikon top flashguns. They even have the 580EX II rated below the Metz 58. Although they are very bias towards things many people can't afford (professional or not), the site gives good information.
Lance Lee wrote:
I would stick with the Canon flashes, especially now that the latest 580 has auto settings. If you ever want to do wireless flash stuff, the Canon will almost certainly work better. I would need to see something really special with the Metz flash to go that way.
Lance,
I disagree with this "If you ever want to do wireless flash stuff, the Canon will almost certainly work better.". I feel that the Canon wireless system is hobbled by its poor implementation and the LCD-less ST-E2.
The Metz is a far better "Master" than the Canon can ever hope to be.
It is very "Nikon-like". The Canon can only set the flashes in ratios. The Metz as Master can set each flash in one of 4 groups. These values are not set in rations, but as ETTL 0, +2/3, etc. In Manual it can be set for each step value.
The enclosed pic shows the Metz controlling the M(on camera master, A and B groups. You have to scroll down to see the "C" group.
I have a 580 MKI (with a flashzebra synch foot) to use on camera when I am triggering studio strobes. I use the 580II when it will be my on-camera flash (as the only flash source) and the Metz when I need a Master to trigger the Canon flashes (or Qflashes with QNexus).
I am very pleased with the Metz and wish to hell Canon would implement wireless as Metz has done.
I feel that this is "special" enough to warrant a place in my bag.
As for the cost of an external battery, I am wondering if Quantum has a cable for the 58.
Doug, I like the light better from my Metz. It also seems to be a bit more accurate that the 580 mk1
Tom K, you can get a quantum cable for the metz. If memory serves it uses the same cable as the old Canon 550. The door is easy to remove on the metz and the cable locks in place. I use it with my various Al Jacobs battery packs.
The only thing I don't like about it is that the wireless stuff is menu driven. For that reason I almost bought a 580 MK2...until I realized that it is now menu driven as well.
The group control on the Metz seems much better to me. If I have an on camera master (usually don't) it is always the Metz although I have to say I'm doing more with PW's now and a lot less with ttl wireless.
tomKphoto wrote:
if you shoot direct, the Metz is more reliable with eTTL
I keep hearing this, but I never seen any proof. I thought ETTL metering is implemented in the camera body, rather than the flash. How is it possible that Metz can be more reliable than 580EX?
I can easily see why the thyrystor auto mode can be more reliable, but that's because the sensor is on the flash.
I have not used the Metz extensively as an on-camera flash only. I have used the 580 MKII and find it to be far superior to the 580 in ETTL. This is especially so with the post MKII bodies (MKIII, 40D and maybe 1DSMKIII but I don't have one of those)
It seems like it communicates better with the camera. It also does well (better than the 580) with my 5D.
Dylan, I'm not sure I can give you a scientific answer. What I did was shoot about 30 exposures, which was 15 pictures with each flash. I would take one frame with the Metz and then the same with the canon. I used a tripod and my 5d. I tried direct, bounced, zoomed and wide angle, all using TTL. In all cases I had a wider histogram with the Metz. This may not be important but the Metz shots looked better. I just like the color of the Metz better.
I will be the first to acknowledge that this is totally a subjective, gut call. But, I think most good photography Is anyway.
Price also played a factor. When the 580 mk2 came out it was almost $100 more than the Metz. Since then, the metz has gone up a bit and the mk2 has come down some. I would still buy the Metz.
How do recycle times and battery consumption compare? (Using AA's or rechargeable AA's)
I saw this in an article on Canon's site:
Additionally, some users may find that it provides less fussy and more consistent flash exposures for ordinary on-camera flash with indoor scenes where you aren’t trying to balance flash and ambient light.
I balance ambient with bounce flash at wedding receptions. Does this mean the 580 has problems in auto mode if the shutter is dragged to bring in ambient light?
Hey Mark, I'd love to see some samples from that test if you have the time.
doug, I'm sorry but I dumped them after I studied them. I'm in the middle of re-doing all of our bathrooms and the kitchen so I doubt I will have time to reproduce that anytime soon, sorry.
I have used this Metz, albeit on a Nikon, for over a year and love it.
I bought it for the famous Metz light quality and color. I found my Nikon speedlights came off with a slight blue tint.
I have only used AA's with mine and can usually shoot 800 shots or more, most with flash as fill or main light, before I have to change them. The recycle time is very fast.
The only drawback is the menu system. It is not the fastest method when switching modes or if you are trying to do exp comp on the flash.
Otherwise, I have been very happy with this unit. The quality of light is fantastic.
