Metz

The Metz 58 AF-1 digital provides state-of-the-art secondary reflector technology, high-performance power management, newest-generation multi-zone AF metering flash, full vertical tilt reflector system, the latest special functions, USB interface for software updates via Internet, and lots more. The new premium model is the ideal complement to Canon or Nikon cameras.

Experts from 50 different trade journals from 18 European countries awarded this coveted prize to the Metz AF-1 digital in the Photo Accessories category. The innovative high-performance unit was the first flash equipped with a USB port.

These also can be used to conveniently update the specific firmware of each variation of the model via the computer and Internet. The Metz 58 looks sleek, adjusts the flash exposure with every trick in the book, is intuitive to use and tremendously powerful. Equipped with innovative developments, the digital provides state-of-the-art secondary reflector technology, high-performance power management, multi-zone AF measuring flash,and a fully swiveling reflector system. Transmits all camera specific system flash modes from Canon,Nikon, Pentax/Samsung, Olympus/Panasonic or Sony Alpha cameras, including the respective wireless TTL mode.

Due to its high guide number, these digital is not only especially powerful, but is also outstanding for bounce flash use.For its vertical as well as horizontal rotating and swiveling reflector,the integrated an extendible reflector card for the first time. Additional brilliance can be obtained for the close-up range via the integrated,system-controlled,secondary reflector for bounce flash.

Using the flash in TTL mode is the easiest and it's the mode where you don't have to do anything. When the flash is hooked up to different models, you can get different extra modes. The Nikon D90 had TTL BL  added which is a fill-in flash mode. Rear curtain sync is available on the Metz which is great for longer exposures and catching the subject as the curtain closes making long trails of light look more natural sitting behind the moving subject.

The Metz 58 has a coverage of 24-105mm with an expansion to 18mm with the built-in converter (35mm format). It's a simple flip out and drop over transparent mask that diffuses the light over the wider range. I tried it with and without the mask and it certainly makes a difference. Without it, the light was all over the place with concentrated spots hitting random areas of the frame. Adding the diffuser gives a lovely, balanced light over the whole frame. In TTL, the flash will track the camera including the focal length of the lens and update the information in real-time on the LCD screen.

Features:

• Fully compatible with Canon (E-TTL/E-TTL II) or Nikon (i-TTL / D-TTL) flash control.
• Fully compatible with Nikon/Canon wireless remote system.
• State-of-the-art secondary reflector technology, with 2 partial lighting levels.
• High performance power management.
• Very powerful output (Guide number 58 with ISO 100/21deg (105mm)).
• Tilt and swivel main reflector.
• Retractable reflector card for portrait catchlight.
• USB port for easy software update
• Simple to operate.