The processing of the flash is very high. Often indeed written that the Canon flash units even better would be in this, but I do not have disadvantages in the processing of Metz and I do not just hold him with kid gloves.
With the flash output I am satisfied and the flash rate is (the optimum settings required) also very good. The reflector can be very good in all directions twist, it hooks nothing and it goes very smoothly. The battery change is quick, only the name of the positive and negative poles could be a little clearer, but here you have to bow out after a short time.
Furthermore, the flash has that highlights creates a diffusion plate for focal lengths below 24mm and a reflector cards in the eyes of the model. Also good: via USB interface you can do a firmware update with the flash that I had done once and it worked smoothly.
Safe for making a deterrent: The Metz 44 AF-1 has no display, but "only" five buttons and four LEDs. With which you can flash on and off, the flash output rudimentary chokes (1/1, 1/2, 1/8, 1/64), operate the flash as a slave (works well with my 60D, where the internal flash then acts as a master), TTL on and off or fire a flash manually. I find this "Spartan" setting can also be an advantage. If you do not need the numerous possibilities of a professional flash anyway you have to not only weigh it, it's so much clearer.
Where there is light in this case is just a small shadow: When shooting very ambitious to get there by Metz sure someday to the limit. For example, it is not high-speed synchronization capability and also to reduce the flash output is sometime too imprecise. I recently use the 44 AF-1, therefore, as a second flash, and I switched to the 58 AF-2.
Conclusion: A super flash at an affordable price for ambitious beginners! I would prefer the Canon him in this "class" still Speedlite.
