Metz 48 af-1

[Batten35]

What's your opinions on the Metz 48 af-1? I went shopping for a flash for my xti at my local camera store and they recommended the metz over the canon. The fact that it's $50 cheaper makes it attractive also.

[Curtis N]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=454514

[PacAce]

What's your opinions on the Metz 48 af-1? I went shopping for a flash for my xti at my local camera store and they recommended the metz over the canon. The fact that it's $50 cheaper makes it attractive also.
Over which Canon? The 430EX?

[Rudeofus]

@Curtis N: The thread you referenced is for the 58, not the 48.

@PacAce: If the AF-1 48 was only 50$ cheaper than the 580, nobody would even think about the Metz ... I certainly assume the thread starter meant the 430EX

@Batten35: I have two of the 48s in my bag and use them a lot, but only off camera. They are quite ok unless you need fancy features in which case you should go with the Metz 58 or the Canon 580EX.

So if your requirements are mostly E-TTL on camera, FEC capability, manual flash on camera and wireless E-TTL slave support, the Metz is quite ok and reasonably well built.

[PacAce]

@Curtis N: The thread you referenced is for the 58, not the 48.

@PacAce: If the AF-1 48 was only 50$ cheaper than the 580, nobody would even think about the Metz ... I certainly assume the thread starter meant the 430EX

@Batten35: I have two of the 48s in my bag and use them a lot, but only off camera. They are quite ok unless you need fancy features in which case you should go with the Metz 58 or the Canon 580EX.

So if your requirements are mostly E-TTL on camera, FEC capability, manual flash on camera and wireless E-TTL slave support, the Metz is quite ok and reasonably well built.
I've learned never to assume anything anymore after having eaten too many crows in the past by making obvious assumption. It's safer to ask to be sure. ;)

[Batten35]

I've learned never to assume anything anymore after having eaten too many crows in the past by making obvious assumption. It's safer to ask to be sure. ;)

Sorry guys, I typed that in a hurry, I guess that's a lesson in proof reading for myself. :)

I meant the canon 430ex. I can't find much info on the Metz 48 AF-1 on this site. I've searched a lot and all I seem to find is info on the Sigma 500 and 530, the two Canon Flashes, and the Metz 58 AF-1.

I'm brand new to flash photography (and still very very green with photography in general), I've had my Xti since Christmas and I'm really enjoying all the learning involved with photography. I've been on this site pretty much everyday since I got it reading all the great information. I've been getting really frustrated with the results from the on-board flash, I've been using a business card to try and tame it down a little but the results are never good enough. I've been limiting myself to using my 50mm F1.8 lens for indoor stuff to avoid using the on-board flash. I figure it's time to bite the bullet and buy a flash, this hobby is so hard on the wallet.

I'm really leaning towards the Metz 48 AF-1, would there be any benefit of spending the extra $50 on the 430ex? I'm not opposed to using non-Canon gear on my camera. I'm open to suggestions on other brands as well.

Thanks for the help

[Batten35]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=454514

I've read that, unfortunately it doesn't really relate to the flashes I'm comparing. Thanks for the link all the same, I should have been more clear in my first post.

[Batten35]

@Batten35: I have two of the 48s in my bag and use them a lot, but only off camera.

What system are you using to fire these flashes off camera?

[Wilt]

Metz 48AF is a relatively new model, which probably explains why you won't read all that much about it on POTN yet; the 58AF is fairly recent, and predates the 48AF.

Often manufacturers use the flash Guide Number in meters, in the model designation: 430EX GN43, 48AF1 GN 48...so the Metz is a bit less powerful than Sigma 500 or 530, while a bit more powerful than the Canon 430. Does it matter?...Well, with ISO 100 setting and f/4 on a 105mm lens, you could reach almost 35' (11m) with 430EX, 39' (12m) with 48AF, 41' (12.5m) with the Sigma 500. You be the judge of what matters to you.

It has a zoom head with tilt and swivel adjustment. It appears to support ETTL, Manual mode with 12 levels, or as a Slave (but not Master)

[Batten35]

Metz 48AF is a relatively new model, which probably explains why you won't read all that much about it on POTN yet; the 58AF is fairly recent, and predates the 48AF.

I figured that's why I can't find much information.

I picked up the Metz flash to test it out. Being new to it all I can't really say how it compares to the Canon or Sigma flashes. The build quality seems really good to me, the head lock is a little weak, but I can't see this being a problem as I don't ever see myself buying one of those large heavy diffusers. It has more then enough strength to hold it's self in position, even with some weight on it. The menu system is really straightforward and simple to use. The flash doesn't come with a stand or a case like the canon, that's not a big deal. The fact that you can update the firmware via USB is a huge plus with this flash, I've already read instances of Metz correcting issues with the 58 AF-1 via a firmware update.

I'm impressed with the quality improvement of my indoor pictures with the flash, my pictures look more 3 dimensional. The only thing I need now is a grip to balance out the XTI with the flash on top.

[Rudeofus]

What system are you using to fire these flashes off camera?


I use wireless E-TTL with an ST-E2 as control unit.

PS: The main reason the Metzes are not so well known in the USA is the low dollar, which makes "Made in Germany" products a lot more expensive than they should be. In Europe (where Canon continues to rip us off :evil: ) they are quite popular.