Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital - Reviews

(4.8)

18 reviews

Info

Reviewbucket.co.uk scanned the internet for Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital reviews.
You can find all Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital reviews and ratings on this page.

Read the reviews.

Analysis

For Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital, 18 customer reviews collected from 1 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.8.

Detailed seller stats;
Amazon has 18 customer reviews and the average score is 4.8. Go to this seller.

Detail

Click to list all products in this category.

Similar Items

23.10.2014

I've used the Metz on various mounts (Canon, Nikon, Sony) and been very impressed with it, I bought this one for the Sony A mount cameras I have. It's worth pointing out that there is a new Metz flash out (64 AF-1) this has some additional extras and comes with the newer multi interface shoe, but costs quite a bit more and isn't backward compatible with 35mm film bodies bar in manual mode. This version has the Minolta i-ISO shoe so it will fit most of the previous Sony and all the MInolta models, but you'll need the adapter for the A77ii and A58/99 etc.Sony do offer some good flashes both mid and higher level,but the Metz has a few unique selling points firstly it can completely bypass the camera flash metering and use the exceptionally useful "A" mode this detects the camera settings but controls the flash output purely on the flause the A mode for bounce or direct flash but not HSS (that's the only limitation)Also you have a second built in sub flash (this gives you ratio flash built into a single flashgun) and the optical "slave mode" The flash supports full normal wireless TTL flash on the Sony A mount system, but no Sony flash has a simple optical remote mode this means you can use other makers flashes (I use a Yongnuo too) and fire all of them off camera via the built in flash. Once you've adjusted the power output you're in business and honestly whilst the dedicated wireless is good sometimes it's much easier to use a simple off camera mode with manual power output.If you have an A900/A850 or other Sony body without a built in flash this can act as the master flash and control other flashes via the dedicated wireless (and it works just as the Sony/Minolta flashes do)My quick summary is as follows:Pros:+ Full loaded, it's got just about everything you'd want on a flasgun+ Decent build quality, not as solid as the Sony's but still good+ High power GN 58, powerful performance and the numbers match up to real world use+ Supports full ADI and TTL for A mount wireless slave and master control+ Dual beam AF assist, I found it works very well for low light AF+ Has HSS which is essential for fill flash outside+ Modelling light, strobe mode, whilst the last one isn't essential it's handy to have+ Has the well known "Auto" mode which uses the on flash sensor (thyristor) and bypasses the camera metering entirely. This doesn't support HSS, but it's very useful to have it in tricky lighting conditions+ Flash exp compensation of -3 to +3 EV, flash exposure bracketing+ Secondary built in sub flash, great idea though I'd prefer more power settings for it (there are 3 levels currently)+ Usual pull out bounce card and WA reflector built in (pretty much standard now)+ Sensor Size Detection useful for both FF and APS-C users+ External Power port for adding a battery pack+ Firmware updates, this adds a lot of confidence longer term (and Metz do update the firmware too)+ Manual power output min of 1/256, better than most mid level guns+ Audio sound output on flash recharge (more useful than you think) also warns of over/underexposure with the red/green light on the buttons+ Optical slave mode, has pre flash suppression (ie you can use it with other cameras like compacts too)+ Hard to overheat (I've yet to!) and it slows down rather than shuts off.+ Compatible with 35mm A mount Minolta bodiesCons:- This has a standard screw down connection not the quick auto lock featured on other flashes. Being honest it does takes a bit longer to fit and remove but I never lost sleep over it- No PC Sync Port- Not weather sealed (this didn't bother me but bear it in mind)- Swivel of -180 to +120 degrees not as good as some but in practical terms I've not found it an issue at all. It does tilt -7 to +90 degrees which is as you would expect on a flash. (pointing the gun down can be useful for some shots)- Fairly mediocre flash case, I use the Tamrac flash cases myself (much better quality) Light padding and with a belt loop. Not a major downer but could be better- Expensive for service, I sent one Metz flash back for a simple bulb change expect a bill of around £80 just for that, if there is a serious out of warranty problem it's unlikely to be cost effective to repair the flashI found the exposures to be consistent and in most cases with good accuracy. I like the secondard reflector (unique to the Metz), though at times I'd prefer to have a broader range of power levels for it (strangely the new Metz has only 2 settings!). You can if you like cover it with cloth or something to diffuse the light at times (even at 1/4 power it can sometimes need toning down output wise) this works well (shame they don't have one built in, but not a big deal)If you use the secondary flash then it does drop the power a bit off the main unit, but this is a powerful flashgun and gives up nothing to rivals in terms of output.The interface is pretty logical and simple to use with the 4 main buttons under the backlit LCD which is easy to read and gives you all the information you need such as range/settings etc. Some people will prefer the direct controls on some flashes, but I find this very good and never had an issue with changing settings and fairly quickly. The Metz uses the double tap system, two taps so this avoids changing settings by accident. I'm quite comfortable with this and it's an easy gun to use. But as said some might like direct controls on some settings, down to taste really. You do get flash stand with this too, though it's fairly square and has a plastic thread I've loads of third party flash stands around this fits the Sony fold up one too.Recharge times are good, about 4 seconds with fresh batteries (decent Nimh ones) at full power. Quicker for less power.The optical slave works well, and has pre flash suppression (so if you have another flash or use the built in flash it will ignore the pre flash) I have yet to overheat a Metz flash using the batteries in the flash (the flash will slow down re-cycle times but I've not had this problem even on hot days) it will not shut off entirely.If you're in the market for a dedicated Sony flash, the Metz is a very serious contender. I personally think it's worth bypassing the mid level Sony's, you get more funcionality and quite a lot more power output (if you need it) Don't be put off with third party offerings on flashes, the Metz works just great with the bodies I have.Newer Metz models have arrived to replace this but the 58 AF-2 is something of a bargain right now and a very solid second hand purchase too. It's an outstanding bargain right now thanks to price cuts and gives up nothing in terms of features. You can pick up the Sony adapter if you have the multi interface shoe on cameras it still works out far cheaper than the F60M flash and does a few thish itself and it works superbly (if you've been struggling with flash exposures this is a welcome addition) you can ngs that flash cannot do.

27.2.2014

I've used the Metz on various mounts (Canon, Nikon, Sony) and been very impressed on all 3.As I now have a 70d I wanted a good flash which is well featured and has good power, but didn't fancy the 600EX-RT's wallet busting price (almost £200 more). The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is a decent flash, but it's only about £50 odd cheaper than this.Having used the Metz previously I decided to give it a go again.My quick summary is as follows:Pros:+ Full loaded, it's got just about everything you'd want on a flasgun+ Decent build quality, metal shoe. not as good as the top end Canon's but satisfactory+ High power GN 58, powerful performance and the numbers match up to real world use+ Supports E-TTL(II)wireless slave and master+ Dual beam AF assist, I found it works very well for low light AF+ Has HSS which is essential for fill flash outside+ Modelling light, strobe mode, whilst the last one isn't essential it's handy to have+ Has the well known "Auto" mode which uses the on flash sensor (thyristor) and bypasses the camera metering entirely. This doesn't support HSS, but it's very useful to have it in tricky lighting conditions+ Flash exp compensation of -3 to +3 EV+ Secondary built in sub flash, great idea though I'd prefer more power settings for it+ Usual pull out bounce card and WA reflector built in (pretty much standard now)+ Sensor Size Detection useful for both FF and APS-C users+ External Power port+ Firmware updates, this adds a lot of confidence longer term (and Metz do update the firmware too)+ Manual power output min of 1/256, better than most mid level guns+ Audio sound output on flash recharge (more useful than you think) also warns of over/underexposure with the red/green light on the buttons+ Optical slave mode, has pre flash suppression (Canon and Sony units, not Nikon)+ Hard to overheat (I've yet to!) and it slows down rather than shuts off.Cons:- This has a standard screw down connection not the quick lock featured on other flashes. The advantage is the flash feels more secure on the hot shoe, the downside is it takes a bit longer to fit and remove- No PC Sync Port- Not weather sealed (this didn't bother me but bear it in mind)- Swivel of -180 to +120 degrees not as good as some but in practical terms I've not found it an issue at all. It does tilt -7 to +90 degrees which is as you would expect on a flash. (pointing the gun down can be useful for some shots)- Fairly mediocre flash case, I use the Tamrac flash cases myself (much better quality) Light padding and with a belt loop. Not a major downer but could be better- Expensive for service, I sent one Metz flash back for a simple bulb change expect a bill of around £80 just for that, if there is a serious out of warranty problem it's unlikely to be cost effective to repair the flashI found the exposures to be consistent and in most cases with good accuracy. I like the secondard reflector (unique to the Metz), though at times I'd prefer to have more choice than 4 power levels for it. You can if you like cover it with cloth or something to diffuse the light at times (even at 1/4 power it can sometimes need toning down output wise) this works well (shame they don't have one built in, but not a big deal)If you use the secondary flash then it does drop the power a bit off the main unit, but this is a powerful flashgun and gives up nothing to rivals in terms of output.The interface is pretty logical and simple to use with the 4 main buttons under the backlit LCD which is easy to read and gives you all the information you need such as range/settings etc. Some people will prefer the direct controls on some flashes, but I find this very good and never had an issue with changing settings and fairly quickly. The Metz uses the double tap system, two taps so this avoids changing settings by accident. I'm quite comfortable with this and it's an easy gun to use. But as said some might like direct controls on some settings, down to taste really. You do get flash stand with this too, though it's fairly square and has a plastic threadRecharge times are good, about 4 seconds with fresh batteries (decent Nimh ones) at full power. Quicker for less power.The optical slave works well, and has pre flash suppression (so if you have another flash or use the built in flash it will ignore the pre flash)On the built in radio flash Canon have, whilst this is great I find that optical triggering and used in combination with 3rd party radio triggers is enough for me. I also added a few Yongnuo flashes at very little cost, so you can put together a fairly cost effective off camera flash system for not a huge outlay.If you're in the market for a dedicated Canon flash, the Metz is a very serious contender. I personally think it's worth spending a bit extra over the 430EX II, you get more funcionality and quite a lot more power output (if you need it) Don't be put off with third party offerings on flashes, the Metz works just great with the Canon cameras I've used it with, very consistent and reliable.Whilst the Metz is probably due for replacement this year (it's been out a while) dig around for some deals or a close out when a new model comes out later in the yearWell worth a look for users on all 4 main mounts, an excellent flash and very highly recommended.

30.9.2013

If you're considering a big flashgun dedicated fully to your DSLR, then look no further than the Metz range. The 58 AF-2 is powerful and versatile, with excellent (German) build quality. The AF-2 is primarily distinguishable from the AF-1 by the addition of a metal foot, but several features have been tweaked too, and the zoom range extended.These guns also come with upgradeable firmware via USB that ensures they'll work with newer cameras too. They also have a socket for an external battery pack if you're a heavy flash user - but note that Metz's own is horrendously expensive. I have a Chinese-made external pack and it works perfectly for a quarter of the price.Compared to the camera manufacturers'

1.8.2014

Excellent! Very well built, great flash modes (E-TTL2, Auto Thyristor and Manual), very good flash coverage. I am unable to compare this with Canon flashguns, but there was nothing to fault in its build and finishing. The head evens moves down to -7 dgrees to facilitate macro pictures.I found the ETTL2 mode not very good (under exposed photos) for bouncing the flash in my Living Room, but the Auto thyristor mode showed correctly exposed photos. Easy to use, but I found that reading the manual worthwhile!This is a substantial unit, large in size and I weighed this at ~470 grams incl 4 AA batteries. Thats a lot of weight on top of the camera and lens!

9.7.2014

Excellent flash gun when used with the Pentax K5 II. I also have the Pentax AF360 FGZ (hot shoe broke) The Metz 58 AF -2 is far superior and recharges after each flash almost 50% quicker than the AF360 using the same rechargeable batteries.Due to the Sun and strong shadows I shoot subjects with their backs to the sun, the fill in flash is far superior. My Wedding photographs needed very little work on Adobe.The menu is easy to work with, setup is simple. I have no hesitation in recommending this flash gun to Pentax users.If the new part for the AF arrives, the Pentax AF360 will be used as a standby only. The Metz, from now on, will be my first chose

30.8.2015

I bought this as a back up to my Canon EX 580II but I actually prefer this to the Canon now and it is significantly cheaper. The menus are not that easy to work around but once you have figured it out it works really nicely. Having the forward fill flash is great when using the bounce flash to add a highlight to the eye without the harshness of direct flash. It is also usefully variable. Build quality is very good and it feels solid in the hand. I really rate it. As I say the menus are not great to use but on balance for the money it is a winner.

4.3.2013

You will not be disappointed with this flash gun. Excellent product. Recently used at a 3 day Asian wedding did the job perfectly. One small tip use rechargeable batteries, as it is very power hungry, buy good ones like Duracell 2400mah or higher, beware of batteries claiming to be 2900mah or higher they are not what they claim as some have been tested and are really only 750mah.

3.12.2015

Once you've got the menu system sussed, this is an excellent alternative (some would say better) than the Canon equivalent. I use it as a master and wirelessly trigger a Canon 430EX II. It's also packed with features.When I need to expand I'll have no hesitation in buying another Metz flashgun.

23.1.2013

So far doing exactly what it says on the tin... easy to set up and use - talks to the camera with no issues. Need to just spend time using it and tweaking setting to get the best results but suspect very little will be required!

15.3.2014

I had bought a Canon 580ex which gave me a lot of trouble with much of the photos coming out either severely under or even over exposed. I bought the Met 58 AF-2 and I solved all this with exceptional quality photos.