Metz 50 AF-1 vs. Canon 430EX II

So it looks like it is time to upgrade flashes, and I seem to be torn between these two flashes. They seem to be pretty close in specs, with the edge going to the Metz (GN 50 vs. 43, Optical slave feature, and can do the -7 degree tilt) and it is about $70 cheaper than the Canon. For anyone with experience with the Metz (specifically the 50 AF-1); is it right on par with the 430EX II? I know the price difference is only $70, but hey, 70 bucks is 70 bucks. Thanks for any input anyone can offer.

Shameless bump...

From what I have heard is metz flashes will have issues every now and then and metz has horrible custromer service. The canon will always work and if you do have an issue, canon will fix it the frist time. The power is not a huge deal as bump the ISO up from 100 to 200 and you double the power of the flash. And 7 degree down is not something I would look at highly personally.

Nick

I'll express the opposing opinion about Metz...a brand long depended upon by event professionals since the heydey of film days 20 years ago, highly reliable and very accurate in photosensor mode. ETTL accuracy is wholly reliant upon the vaguaries of Canon ETTL flash control by the body. The 58AF1 has already proven its compatability with Canon wireless flash control. Blame Bogen Imaging (now Manfrotto) for Metz customer service woes (if any), as they are the distributor in USA.

At one time, Metz flashes were the only flashes to use, nothing in the market place like them. The first Metz flashes I used were the old Metz 202s and 402s, powered by a lead acid battery.

I still have a Metz 45CT1 which is just sitting there not being used. Also, the best flash I've ever owned/used was my old Metz 60CT1 which in power terms makes the 580EX look like an asthmatic boy scout. I was issued with two 580EX Speedlites when I worked for a newspaper.

Having said that, I've never used the current crop of Metz flashes. I still have a 430EX and 430EXII which are great flashes, but I also have a Nissin Di866 which is brilliant. One feature it has is aperture priority mode, just like the older Metz flashes. It's kind of primitive nowadays but works beautifully. I believe aperture priority mode is still available on the Metz 58 AF-2.