[billybeaux]

How do the Metz 48 and 58 match up to the Pentaz 360 and 540??

[link_1111]

The best site for comparison is at . I have been looking for a flash and the specs of the Metz 58 trump everything over the other flashes. I was personally considering the Metz 48 or 58 but the 58 outspecs the 48 for the price...and I reckon that if you are getting a flash might as well get a good one! But then again I am just basing this on reading other threads etc. Hope to hear what you decide on!

[wizofoz]

I have the Metz 58 and the Pentax 540. Both are great. the metz has a deeper on board memory system whereas the Pentax controls are basically all switch/dial options. As far as output, I find the Metz light to be slightly 'warmer' than the Pentax, but that may be just me.

All in all, there isn't much to seperate them.

[Chuck-B&H]

Hello,

Below is how the 2 units compare side by side. Many shooters here who use a variety of systems find the Metz 58 AF-1 to out perform their manufacturers flagship flash. Noted advantages are better sync'ing when used off camera. Most of the comments are the 58 would sync with a camera in positions that the manufacturers flash would not. Other feedback is the 58 has more consistent light output and has no over heating issues when used with battery packs.

Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1
Guide Number
138' (42 m) at 50m
192' (58 m) at 105mm

Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL
Guide No.
68' (21 m) at 20mm
105' (32 m) at 24mm
115' (35 m) at 28mm
128' (39 m) at 35mm
148' (45 m) at 50mm
164' (50 m) at 70mm
177' (54 m) at 85mm

Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 Angle of Coverage
84 to 23° (24-105mm lenses in 35mm format)
100° (18mm) with included wideangle diffuser

Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Angle of Coverage
60° to 23° (24 to 85mm in 35mm format)
85° (20mm) with built-in wide angle
diffuser

Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 Auto f/Stops
f/1, 1.4, 2, , 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32 & 45

Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Auto f/Stops
Full TTL at all apertures
(with TTL-capable Pentax cameras)

Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 Variable Power
25 Levels ranging from 1/1 to 1/256th

Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Vari-Power
In Manual mode: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4th, 1/8th,
1/16th, 1/32nd, and 1/64th
With wireless slave: 1/1, 2/3rd, 1/2, 1/3rd

Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 Zoom Head
24-105mm
(Auto zoom, flash senses focal length
& adjusts; Manual zoom)

Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Zoom Head
24-85mm
(flash senses focal length automatically)

Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 Recycle Time
5 Seconds (based on fresh alkaline
(batteries & full power)
2.5 Seconds with optional P76 Power Pack
(at full power)

Pentax AF-540 FGZ P-TTL Recycle Time
(based on fresh batteries & full power)
6 Seconds with alkaline, NiMH, & lithium
4.5 Seconds with TR-III battery pack

C h u c k C a p r i o l a
Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video

Thank you, we appreciate your business.
*** Peace on Earth ***

[jboyde]

I suffered from a case of "FBA" and have the Metz 58 and 48, along with the Pentax 540 and 360 as well as the Sigma 530 Super.

The Metz flashes are the best of the bunch. Really the only advantage the Pentax flashes have are a more accessible menu system but the 58 is very easy to navigate. In alot of ways it looks like the Nikon SB-800 display.

I'd also say that the recharge times Chuck posted are pretty conservative. I've put in Enerloops and fresh alkalines and the recharge time from full power was hardly ever over 3 seconds. When it takes 5 seconds to recharge that's your sign that the batteries are going.

The Metzes are more expensive but theyre worth it. The 48 outperforms the 360 in range and you get the swivel. While the 58 can outpace the 540 with what I feel is better construction even though the power and range differences seem to be negligible. I metered the Metz 58 full power at f48 from 2 ft away while the 540 is f32. But then in to 8-12 ft range theyre both around f8.

Sorry for being wordy but I hope it helps.

[andymo]

Amazing stuff Chuck! Thanks a lot for the detailed review. Remind me to say thank you once again.