Metz Made in Germany I bought directly as fair novelty to my new Canon EOS 550D this Metz 44AF1, I am demanding amateur photographer. Basically, I recommend everyone a flash in this class, the photos will be significantly upgraded, even in daylight. The Metz has a good build quality, the batteries can be insert afloat and the flap makes a robust impression, because the Metz are does not have a display made the settings on the camera, this geschiet problems at least in my Canon, the flash itself, but are also 4 manual steps possible. With a single battery charge conventional alkaline batteries, I have about 100 recordings made until the flash has recharged unbearably slow and had some failures. I can the Metz 44AF-1 directly to the original Canon Speedlite 430EX II Compare but since I had bought this first because of the higher price, have exchanged again. Another purchase aspect I found that he is of German production. For 50 euros more you get the Canon, this is no different from the results for Metz but has an illuminated display for settings, for most cameras, this is not necessary because the control of the camera is done. Furthermore, there are more accessories when speedlight namely a flash stand and a bag. The flash stand you need but only when it is to act as a slave, which is possible with both models but with the restriction that is purchased a master flash, but these are expensive because a higher version is required. Too bad it can not be triggered in my camera via the serial flash, in some camera models, but this is supposed to work according to the description. The perceived quality is equal in both devices, the volume Zoom engines about the same "noisy". Both feature a diffuser that is successful for the 12mm wide angle from which Metz has plus a flip-out reflector card which is to prevent highlights in the eyes according to the description. My conclusion to Metz: Meaningful appreciation to the camera and easy to use, I would buy it again, did the change from Canon not regret although I do not want to do bad this one, he is equally good but more expensive and our money then goes back to the Far East. About an update function have both flashes kompfortabler is because the Canon, here you can get the latest version on the display.
At about the same picture results I count here briefly on the benefits.
Metz: + Cheaper + Made in Germany + Easy handling + Reflector card
Canon: + Display + Accessories richer (flash stand and bag) + A little more demanding in terms of settings (Kameraspezifich)