Metz MZ 58312OP 58 AF-1USB On Camera Flash for Olympus and Panasonic Four Thirds Cameras (Black)
From Metz
Sleek in appearance, this flash throws light in the areas where you need it! Created by on of the leading industry designers in Germany. Equipped with innovative developments, the Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital offers cutting edge secondary reflector technology, high-performance energy management, the latest generation of multi-zone AF measurement flash, a reflector system fully capable of swiveling, current special functions, USB interface for updating software via the Internet and much more. The new Metz top-of-the-line model is available as an ideal complement for Canon (58 AF-1 C digital) or for Nikon camera (58 AF-1 N digital). Due to its high GN of 191 (ft.) at ISO 100/21 and 105 mm focal length, the 58 AF-1 digital is not only especially powerful but also can be used for indirect flash lighting to great effect. For the first time Metz integrated a reflector card that can be flipped open into its vertically tilting and horizontally swiveling reflector. In addition the "Bounce diffuser 54-23" is available as an optional accessory. Using the integrated secondary reflector, additional brilliance can be achieved with this flash technology in close-up areas. The high-performance power pack P 76 (purchased separately) can also be used with the 58 AF-1 digital, for clearly increased flash output and reduced flash recycle time. This flash power is available for all types of use in connection with e V 58 cable.
Color: Black Brand: Metz Model: MZ 58312OP Dimensions: 1.60 pounds
An Excellent Accessory Flash This is an excellent accessory flash to the Olympus professional system. By accessory I mean that it provides some signifcant additional features that may be useful. But, there is no reason buy one of the Metz 58 or the smaller Metz 48 in place of the Olympus FL-50R or FL-36R. The reasons to consider the Metz 58 AF-1 for Olympus are because: 1. It provides somewhat greater power. 2. The secondary flash provides read eye reduction when the primary flash is in either direct or bounce positions. 3. The modeling light function is useful with live view. 4. The strobe light function has specialized applications. The build quality is comparable to the Olympus FL-50R. The LCD is not as easy to read as the Olympus and the menu and function system is not easy to use. The lens focal length display is not as accurate as with Olympus flashes and flash coverage needs to be confirmed through system tests. (And, yes the Metz is set to work in four-thirds mode.) The Metz has the same number of groups (A, B, C) and 4 channels as Olympus. (Firmware Version 2.0) I happen to be a serious user of the Olympus system and the Remote Control flash system. The flash part of my system currently includes the Olympus Ring and Twin flashes, 1 FL-50, 2 FL-36, 2 FL-20, 2 FL-50R, 3 FL-36R, for use on my E-3 and E-520 along with some other Olympus cameras. I use the Metz when one of its additional features are needed. I still need to check the precision of the Metz exposure relative to the Olympus flashes. A Great Flash But... This was the first flash I purchased for my first DSLR (Olympus E-520). I feel it achieves excellent results and I enjoy using its RC features. The ONLY issue I have with this flash unit is that the menu system is rather complicated, especially in comparison to my Olympus FL50R. If you can quickly learn the menu system of this flash and its features then I can recommend this as a first choice. If you want an excellent comparable (in my opinion) flash with an easier menu system, check out the Olympus FL50r. Otherwise, this flash serves as a great addition to your camera bag. I own one Metz 58 and one Olympus FL50R Not designed for four thirds sensors I've been shopping for an external flash for my GH1 and had narrowed it down to the Metz 58 (this one), the Metz 48, and the Olympus FL-50R. All had excellent reviews and quick recycle times. I was about to pull the trigger on the Metz 58 (this flash), when I learned that the Metz's are originally designed for a 2:3 format sensor (eg., full frame or aps-c). To obtain proper coverage on a 4:3 format sensor such as a Panasonic G1/GH1/GF1 or Olympus EP-1, they must use a lower focal length than the camera is set at, which reduces the power of the flash and also means that it uses more battery per flash and it can't cover an ultrawide lens when used for direct flash. So this Metz 58 AF really has a guide number of 46 when used with an Olympus or Panasonic camera, which is a lot lower than advertised. [...]. For this reason, I choose the Olympus FL50R instead -- it's less expensive, more powerful for a 4:3rds sensor, and has a simpler user interface.
