[Dionisis_K]

Hi guys, i need your help in 1-2 things. Three months ago i started shooting for a Greek site with Nightclub photography. I must admit that i m the only one that uses Pentax equipment among 40 people approx. Everybody is impressed and asking to use my stuff when we meet! I recently bought the DA* 16-50 which added some quality to my photos..But i have 2 questions..

First, regarding the flash unit.. I use the Metz 48 but it has a very minimal AF assist lamp,to small and to weak i can say.. I'm about to upgrade and i would ask the users of the Pentax 540 and Metz 58 regarding the Af assist. I admit that i 'm jealous of the Nikon users with the SB's strong and wide AF assist. So,is the Metz 58 wider or cross type?Also the Pentax's 540??

Secondly, i was thinking to upgrade to the K-5 II for it'w better AF in low light..But is it worth it?Will i notice a difference?

Thanks a lot in advance for your help,
Regards,
Dionysis

[LeDave]

The new 360 fgz is out so I would definitely wait for a new 540 which should and must be coming out not too far behind the 360. As far as the 540 FGZ assist lighting concerns, I have not used it enough and in the dark to know. However I've used the 48 AF-1 before which I assumed you have and I have not had troubles with that in the dark with it's assist light. Your terms AF assist light of the flash does mean the pre-flash firing to allow AF before the main flash goes off when you press the shutter, am I correct? Also for the K-5ii, it SHOULD be better although I have not owned or use the K-5iis, I heard it allows AF in extreme low light conditions and some praise to be as good as the D800E.

[Giklab]

Do you mean the infrared AF assist? The 58 will probably be better, and it also supports auto (non-TTL).

[yygomez]

I have the K5IIs and I can tell you that it focuses a lot better in the dark than the K5/K7 that i used before.

[steveeboy]

I have done some nightclub shooting with a K-20D and Metz 58 AF1. The focus assist lamp is bright, red, and it throws a good pattern. That flash is awesome for all applications I have found. I think it is one of the best flash units for Pentax.

[kaiserz]

Have you seen this video already?

You Tube

You Tube

[LeDave]

Wow! That is amazing how the K-5ii/k5iis AF so quick in sheer darkness compared to the K-5 who struggles and hunts in that video. Thanks for that.

[Dionisis_K]

Thanks a lot for your anwers guys!!
@LeDave and Giklab yes i mean the infared beam that helps AF.
@steveboy i think i need a better pattern than the 48.. I think as you also say that the 58 has a better pattern!! I 'll go tomorrow to have a look at the store!
Thanks everybody again!!