Flashes: must they be Pentax?

leinadoli · 09-24-2010, 08:12 AM

I'm in the market for a a flash unit for my K7. My initial choice was for a Pentax AF 540FGZ. However, on checking the prices there seem to be some viable cheaper alternatives from SIGMA and Metz.
Can anyone please tell me if the clones work just as well or should I beg, borrow and steal and get the 540?

Thanks

Mikheil88 · 09-24-2010, 09:08 AM

Exact "clones" are always with less quality or performance, than original ones. However, if it's not a clone, but a simple third-party product, maybe it's worth buying. Knowing exact model of flashes could help to obtain more information.

leinadoli · 09-24-2010, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by Mikheil88

Exact "clones" are always with less quality or performance, than original ones. However, if it's not a clone, but a simple third-party product, maybe it's worth buying. Knowing exact model of flashes could help to obtain more information.

Thanks for the reply. Specifically, I was thinking of the SIGMA EF530 DG Super Flash or the Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital.

**Ash** · 09-24-2010, 02:30 PM

The Metz 58 is really a fine choice.
Many here would vouch for that.
Have a look at this for more info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/43215-pen...omparison.html

Enjoy choosing.

leinadoli · 09-24-2010, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by Ash

The Metz 58 is really a fine choice.
Many here would vouch for that.
Have a look at this for more info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/43215-pen...omparison.html

Enjoy choosing.

Thanks. Will check the thread. The Metz is about another 100 euros than the Sigma but still less 100 than the pentax. Decisions, decisions......

ozzi-paul · 09-24-2010, 06:01 PM

I have the Metz 48 for my K20D, great flash, easy to use, built pretty good to & plenty of functions. The 58 is meant to be a great flash as well with more power and functions.
Metz has just released some updated flashes to, the 50 AF-1 & the 58 AF-2. The Metz flashes also have a port to connect to a computer for firmware upgrades.

taiweitai · 09-24-2010, 06:47 PM

also Sigma has just released the replacement of the DG 530 line which is DG 610 now
i would wait for the new ones get released on the market first ( Metz and Sigma) and then do a comparison......

i need to get one for myself too ><

jboyde · 09-26-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally posted by Ash

The Metz 58 is really a fine choice.
Many here would vouch for that.
Have a look at this for more info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/43215-pen...omparison.html

Enjoy choosing.

I'm with Ash. The Metz 58 is a great flash, with more options than the Pentax flagship (540).

**newmikey** · 09-26-2010, 02:11 AM

Metz 58 AF-1 here and doing great. It most definitely IS a flagship, not at all a "cheaper version". The part I value most is the secondary reflector for putting twinkles in eyes and lighting up facial shadow when bouncing.

**Kerrowdown** · 09-26-2010, 03:14 AM

Originally posted by leinadoli

Thanks for the reply. Specifically, I was thinking of the SIGMA EF530 DG Super Flash or the Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital.

I think that there is a new version just out, the Mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital available in a version to suit Pentax P-TTL which might be worth a look too.

**wizofoz** · 09-26-2010, 04:49 AM

I have both the Pentax 540 and the Metz 58. Both are fine choices. I find that the Metz has a slightly 'warmer' tone, but that could be my imagination.

mattdm · 09-26-2010, 05:45 AM

Originally posted by leinadoli

Thanks. Will check the thread. The Metz is about another 100 euros than the Sigma but still less 100 than the pentax. Decisions, decisions......

Personally, I think if you're buying with Euros, the Metz prices make them the first choice by ~~a mile~~ 1.6 kilometers. In the US, where the prices are about the same as Pentax's, it's a harder call.

leinadoli · 09-26-2010, 12:26 PM

Hi everyone,

That is indeed helpful and my mind, after reading this, is almost made up.

Thanks a whole lot.

IF anyone else want to contribute, I welcome it.

leinadoli · 10-23-2010, 04:11 PM

Sorry for reviving this one but can anyone confirm that the Metz 58 AF-1 has a metal hotshoe?
I see many pictures on-line and it seems to have. I would just like it confirmed, preferably by someone who has one.

Cheers,

arm_jstp · 10-23-2010, 08:22 PM

I can tell that the Metz 58 AF-1 offers very consistent results compare to the AF-540FGZ after many comparison shots.

09-24-2010, 08:12 AM	#1
leinadoli New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portugal Posts: 13	Flashes: must they be Pentax? I'm in the market for a a flash unit for my K7. My initial choice was for a Pentax AF 540FGZ. However, on checking the prices there seem to be some viable cheaper alternatives from SIGMA and Metz. Can anyone please tell me if the clones work just as well or should I beg, borrow and steal and get the 540? Thanks

09-24-2010, 02:41 PM	#5
leinadoli New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portugal Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash The Metz 58 is really a fine choice. Many here would vouch for that. Have a look at this for more info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/43215-pen...omparison.html Enjoy choosing. Thanks. Will check the thread. The Metz is about another 100 euros than the Sigma but still less 100 than the pentax. Decisions, decisions...... Last edited by leinadoli; 09-24-2010 at 02:50 PM.

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09-24-2010, 09:08 AM	#2
Mikheil88 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tbilisi Posts: 97	Exact "clones" are always with less quality or performance, than original ones. However, if it's not a clone, but a simple third-party product, maybe it's worth buying. Knowing exact model of flashes could help to obtain more information.

09-24-2010, 02:21 PM	#3
leinadoli New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portugal Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mikheil88 Exact "clones" are always with less quality or performance, than original ones. However, if it's not a clone, but a simple third-party product, maybe it's worth buying. Knowing exact model of flashes could help to obtain more information. Thanks for the reply. Specifically, I was thinking of the SIGMA EF530 DG Super Flash or the Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital.

09-24-2010, 02:30 PM	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	The Metz 58 is really a fine choice. Many here would vouch for that. Have a look at this for more info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/43215-pen...omparison.html Enjoy choosing.

09-24-2010, 06:01 PM	#6
ozzi-paul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N/E Victoria, Australia, on the mighty Murray River. Photos: Albums Posts: 141	I have the Metz 48 for my K20D, great flash, easy to use, built pretty good to & plenty of functions. The 58 is meant to be a great flash as well with more power and functions. Metz has just released some updated flashes to, the 50 AF-1 & the 58 AF-2. The Metz flashes also have a port to connect to a computer for firmware upgrades.

09-24-2010, 06:47 PM	#7
taiweitai Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: HI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 168	also Sigma has just released the replacement of the DG 530 line which is DG 610 now i would wait for the new ones get released on the market first ( Metz and Sigma) and then do a comparison...... i need to get one for myself too ><

09-26-2010, 12:39 AM	#8
jboyde Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 328	Originally posted by Ash The Metz 58 is really a fine choice. Many here would vouch for that. Have a look at this for more info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/43215-pen...omparison.html Enjoy choosing. I'm with Ash. The Metz 58 is a great flash, with more options than the Pentax flagship (540).

09-26-2010, 02:11 AM	#9
newmikey Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,287	Metz 58 AF-1 here and doing great. It most definitely IS a flagship, not at all a "cheaper version". The part I value most is the secondary reflector for putting twinkles in eyes and lighting up facial shadow when bouncing.

09-26-2010, 03:14 AM	#10
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,818	Originally posted by leinadoli Thanks for the reply. Specifically, I was thinking of the SIGMA EF530 DG Super Flash or the Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital. I think that there is a new version just out, the Mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital available in a version to suit Pentax P-TTL which might be worth a look too.

09-26-2010, 04:49 AM	#11
wizofoz Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Outer east. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,695	I have both the Pentax 540 and the Metz 58. Both are fine choices. I find that the Metz has a slightly 'warmer' tone, but that could be my imagination.

09-26-2010, 05:45 AM	#12
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by leinadoli Thanks. Will check the thread. The Metz is about another 100 euros than the Sigma but still less 100 than the pentax. Decisions, decisions...... Personally, I think if you're buying with Euros, the Metz prices make them the first choice by ~~a mile~~ 1.6 kilometers. In the US, where the prices are about the same as Pentax's, it's a harder call.

09-26-2010, 12:26 PM	#13
leinadoli New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portugal Posts: 13 Original Poster	Hi everyone, That is indeed helpful and my mind, after reading this, is almost made up. Thanks a whole lot. IF anyone else want to contribute, I welcome it.

10-23-2010, 04:11 PM	#14
leinadoli New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portugal Posts: 13 Original Poster	Sorry for reviving this one but can anyone confirm that the Metz 58 AF-1 has a metal hotshoe? I see many pictures on-line and it seems to have. I would just like it confirmed, preferably by someone who has one. Cheers,

10-23-2010, 08:22 PM	#15
arm_jstp Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 485	I can tell that the Metz 58 AF-1 offers very consistent results compare to the AF-540FGZ after many comparison shots.