In practice, the 58 AF-2 works anyway great if you got to know him better after reading the manual and playing around. It offers enormous power reserves and allows very fast flash sequences without eternal load times previously (Caution: cheap batteries stop him from massive!). I put him on the EOS 5D Mark III and a 7D, it switches automatically to the smaller APS-sensor format. In older camera models that do not communicate this, the Metz is also manually from full-frame to APS-sensor can be switched.
For amateurs who previously photographed with less-powerful flashes: In normal-sized interiors and at normal intervals to the photo objects you have to pivot the main reflector of the Metz nearly full to the ceiling. Then you get nice and soft-lit faces. Because of the enormous flash power of Metz creates a bounce flash even in high-ceilinged rooms. It is best to check on the basis of the first images, which swivel angle is optimal. With increasing distance to the object to pivot the main flash increasingly forward (when shooting outdoors anyway, if one uses it as a fill-in flash). It can also be turn sideways and as a wall as a "shield" to exploit (typically professional Flash content).
A unique feature of the Metz` is the additional small flash in the main body. This secondary reflector faces forward and equivalent in effect to a typical Pop Up (whom one might can not unfold when the Metz hotshoe infected ;-)). Normally it is inactive. If you activate it, then you can choose its strength in 3 levels (full, half, quarter output power). That makes it a great additional fill, just recently I was able to use him well at a wedding in a lightning technically difficult space (wood ceiling with beams). In addition, it can be a real plus in situations where you have time for fine-tuning, for example, in portrait sessions to carefully set highlights.
In standard situations, you can rest assured that the perfect Metz automatically plays together on the E-TTL II-measurement with the camera (at least with the newer Canons). You just swings his main reflector and is otherwise an all flash parameters via the camera menu. However: In low light conditions and at longer focal lengths (beyond 100 mm, and 200 mm / Portrait of Metz is definitely usable) comes fully automatic TTL metering (Through-The-Lens, so through the lens) sometimes to their limits. Then help the manual setting of aperture, shutter speed, strength ISO value, after 1, 2 test shots has man`s.
The 58 AF-2 offers over its 4 keys massive opportunities for manual adjustment, ranging from the high-speed sync up to Stroboskopgewittern. However, here is my view only shortcoming of Metz flash: display and menu control are no longer appropriate, but remember fatal to Siemens mobile phones of the early 90's. They are not very clear and intuitive, which is why you first have to practice a bit with the Metz. In standard situations that is fortunately not a problem as adjusting the main flash parameters via the Blitzmneü in the camera (Canon indeed exemplary), even basic master and slave functions can be controlled depending on the camera so. In our household, there are still a Nikon equipment with the thickest Nikon flash (Nikon Speedlight SB-900 flash (guide number 48 at ISO 200) for Nikon). And demonstrates what a modern user interface. By contrast, the Mecablitz looks old, and Metz will soon have to follow suit because, in order not to lose market share. For the retro surface there is a star deduction.
Otherwise, the flash has everything the discerning photographers heart desires. This includes above all the ability to wirelessly control both as master other flashes or even to work wirelessly as a slave. For the latter, Metz supplies with also a small stand that allows the 58 AF-II can be set up separately or screw on a tripod.
I myself use the 58 AF-2 in macro photography, especially as master to the Metz MB 15 MS-1 digital macro slave digitally to control flash (which was an important purchase reason). Transmitting perfectly.
Plus points:
+ Tremendous light output
+ Unique: smaller secondary reflector for additional brightening
+ Main reflector has a flip-out reflector card for additional whitening
+ Main reflector has retractable diffuser for wide-angle shots
+ In practice very good illumination of the image field
+ Very short charging time for the flash fires, many flashes in rapid succession no problem
+ Upwards and sideways swiveling main reflector (standard in the professional category)
+ Good to very good color fidelity when correctly adjust the white balance in the camera
+ Usually reliable E-TTL flash control via camera
+ Lush settings to stroboscopic flashes
+ Long-term and high-speed sync (latter: using faster shutter speeds than the maximum flash sync speed of 1/200 or 1/250 s, but the camera must also allow)
+ Multi-zone auto focus flash for low light
+ Multi-channel master and slave capability (standard in the professional category)
+ Mechanically good, including knurled nut for secure attachment in hotshoe
+ 365 g (without batteries) lighter than other professional flashes this class
+ USB port for firmware updates, z. B. to the flash to adapt coming camera models
+ Good value for money (November 2011), only the large Nissin flash is even cheaper (and has consistently rather inferior test results).
Neutral:
o equipment with bag in order (the - expensive - Nikon SB-900 is lush, eg more filters.).
Bad points:
- Control the menu no longer appropriate.
Conclusion: If you need a really big professional flash with all modern features and comes clear with a slightly more confusing menu control, drives with the Mecablitz 58 AF-2 well.
