Metz 58 AF-1c vs 580ex II

What are your opinions? Pros and Cons of each for those who own or have used both of them. Why would you pick one over the other. The big one in terms of my research is grouping. The metz allows for an M group where the master is part of a group then letting you go A,B, and so forth while 580 can only do three groups as its included in the first.

I"ve never used the canon, but I have been using the Metz 58 for awhile now, shooting weddings, people etc. and it works great, a bit cheaper then the canon model and seems to be just as good from what I can see. note the metz 58 has the small frontal flash as well which you can set to a ratio of the main flash, helps in situations to lighten up under eyes etc. if you have the main as a fill and the secondary flash a quarter the power of that.

If i remember correctly the metz is a bit lighter then the 580exII? but don't quote me, just trying to remember holding a friends. who i believe also liked the battery compartment in the metz better then his 580exII?

I"m sure you saw this thread, but if not https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=268574

Thanks for the comments guys. Yup ive seen that thread problem is with old it is. Im wondering if anyone has paired them up with a 7D.

Thought I would revive this as I'm going to be getting a flash soon for my 7D and for use on my other bodies as well .

These units a good choice over the 580EXII ?

nitehawk55 wrote in post #10903929
Thought I would revive this as I'm going to be getting a flash soon for my 7D and for use on my other bodies as well .

These units a good choice over the 580EXII ?

Not necessarily. It would depend on what you're looking for exactly. However, I can say that it's a good alternative to the 580EX II. I have both and use the 580EX II 99% of the time.

There was a review comparing them from Pop Photo or some place like that. I have not used the 580 so can't make a comparative statement.

One thing nice about the Metz is it has a USB connection for future firmware upgrades.


Edit: Found it: http://www.shutterbug.​com …cessories/0208c​anonspeed/

matonanjin wrote in post #10905795
There was a review comparing them from Pop Photo or some place like that. I have not used the 580 so can't make a comparative statement.

One thing nice about the Metz is it has a USB connection for future firmware upgrades.

Yes, that is a very nice feature. Because of it, Metz has been able to work out a lot of bugs and kinks in the 58 AF-1c firmware over the years, as well as add a couple of new features, since it came out.

Good write-up to compare the 2 but my feeling is it's better to spend the extra and get the 580 . The USB for upgrades is useless unless Metz releases some upgrades which they have not yet according to the artical .

nitehawk55 wrote in post #10906316
Good write-up to compare the 2 but my feeling is it's better to spend the extra and get the 580 . The USB for upgrades is useless unless Metz releases some upgrades which they have not yet according to the artical .

I won't argue with you about whether it is best to spend the extra $ to get the 580.

But regarding the article it is from February, 2008. They have had updates as PacAce said right above you. They have had at least one, maybe more. I have used it to update as well. It is a very cool feature.

You wont regret getting either one they are both great i like the Canon foot design better but the Metz price hooked me.

No one locally carries the Metz. I'd prefer buying local for these glorified lightbulbs

I absolutely hate the 580exII's since I've killed many with heavy hobbyist useage. I just cant wait till canon produces a newer revision. Seems the 580exII's circuit board was designed with NO longevity in mind.

I often wonder why people sell flashes often. My assumption is that they sell them for a premium price before the go flakey. Buying a new one with an extra small cost gives full warranty vs. old 1+ yr old units.

Mind you any electronic device has potential failure. I've had 3 major failures with the 580exii flashes. My cheaper 430exii has been ROCK solid (hate the limitation of the rotation of the head).

Metz is looking better in my eyes though.

Camera Canada carries Metz Alan , just google and you'll find them . They have a bit of a sale on right now and good guys to order from with fast service .

I didn't realise thet artical was a couple years old . I guess I'll contact the fellows at Camera Canada and see what they say , they usually have solid advice and are pro Canon

http://www.ephotozine.​com/article/Metz-58-AF1-12986