Metz vs Sigma

I had a quick question about flash updates and how canon changes how the communication works for ettl. I have a 7d and a 500 dg super that needs firmware update. My friend has a metz 58 and said he required no firmware update to get it to work on his 5d2. I looked on the metz website and I see you can upgrade the firmware yourself using a usb cable but my friend said he didn't need too.

Anyone have any technical knowledge on these flashes as to why 1 3rd party would work and another would not.

The sigma depends on how new it is. If you get the newest firmware when you purchase it you'd be fine. Unfortunately this wasn't the case with yours it seems. That is a nice feature on the Metz, but they are more expensive, so you should get more for your $$.

One company did a better job of reverse engineering than the other!

Wilt wrote in post #9489910
One company did a better job of reverse engineering than the other!

^^ So true! And the USB port for downloading firmware updates on the fly is a real plus and basically future-proofs the flash.

I've been a fan of Metz flashes since about 1978 when I first used the Metz 402.. I still have a 45CT1 from around 1980 and once owned a Metz 60CT1 which has enough power to light up the moon at f/8

yogestee wrote in post #9491134
I've been a fan of Metz flashes since about 1978 when I first used the Metz 402.. I still have a 45CT1 from around 1980 and once owned a Metz 60CT1 which has enough power to light up the moon at f/8

Still the most powerful flash, in spite of the inflated GN values of the modern zoom headed flash unit used with dSLRs...60CT has more power at 'normal' lens coverage than a 76MZ

Wilt wrote in post #9491240
Still the most powerful flash, in spite of the inflated GN values of the modern zoom headed flash unit used with dSLRs...60CT has more power at 'normal' lens coverage than a 76MZ

,,and damn near bullet proof.. Tough as!!