K7 and Flash, AF540 or Metz 58?

Pentax_XTC · 07-22-2009, 10:24 AM

I am purchasing a new K7 within the next month. I currently have the Sigma 530DG Super, but it drains batteries when the swith is "off", and the menu is terrible. I'm selling the flash with my K10D so I need an upgrade.

I'm looking at either the Pentax AF540 ot the Metz 58. Price is not an issue. I' looking for opions on which has the best user friendly menus and buttons, and which is the best for wireless flash triggering from the K7. I use wireless mode more than 50% of the time.

I under stand that the AF540 would be a step down in guide number from my current Sigma, but I'm willing to let that go for a better unit all around if the Metz isn't up to par.

Thank you in advance.

Pentax_XTC · 07-24-2009, 10:51 AM

2 votes, no comments... Anyone?

mut@NT · 07-27-2009, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by Pentax_XTC

I' looking for opions on which has the best user friendly menus and buttons

I think 540's control layout is much better than metz' menu system. But metz 58 has some additional features like secondary reflector that AF540 doesn't have, and it's more powerful at telephoto position (more "focused power"), has less recharge time.

Originally posted by Pentax_XTC

and which is the best for wireless flash triggering from the K7.

Both AF540 and metz 58 support all wireless PTTL features. Metz 48 cannot act as a controller/master.

Originally posted by Pentax_XTC

I under stand that the AF540 would be a step down in guide number from my current Sigma

Actually, that's not true. AF540 is more powerful than Sigma.

P.S. Have you read this guide? I think it should be useful.

nulla · 08-01-2009, 12:42 PM

I was not happy with the AF540 till I got my K-7 and only used it when really needed... now its a different story I am exploring ways of using and improving my flash techniques

K-7 is just wonderful in flash mode.

I cannot say that the Metz would be a better choice or not, all I can say is that you will be happy with the AF540 and I have seen similar comments re K-7 and falsh in these forums

Cheers

Neil

LeDave · 08-02-2009, 12:32 AM

I can't really say much on both but I am getting a Metz 48 and I heard the 58 was a improved version. I still voted for the 540fgz since it's Pentax branded and it's the top right now from Pentax.

Pentax_XTC · 08-08-2009, 08:54 PM

I mostly use bounce flash and I will be getting a LumiQuest Quikbouce as well. Are there any distinct advantages one would have over another? Also shortly after I will be purchasing an umbrella and stand to use with it for portraits.

mattdm · 08-09-2009, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by mut@NT

P.S. Have you read this guide? I think it should be useful.

Thanks.

Particularly, I think the flash burst profiles are good for comparing the power, if (like many photographers, I think) it's easier for you to grok a visual representation than a matrix of numbers. This basically shows the breadth and distance of coverage at each flash zoom step. Of course, light doesn't really work like this so the hard edges are a fiction, but it I think it makes a good visualization.

I think either the Metz 58 AF-1 or Pentax AF540FGZ is a really good choice. One complaint people have with the 58 AF-1 is that the wireless sensor is on one side of the unit, so you have to be aware of that when positioning it. And the menu system takes a little getting used to — it's good, and intuitive enough that you don't really need the manual, but unlike the Pentax flash you don't have direct controls for most things. On the other hand, it's definitely the most featureful and flexible option.

Pentax_XTC · 08-09-2009, 08:30 PM

Thanks mattdm. I think after hearing everything from all the posters here I'm going with the Pentax AF540. The location of the wireless sensor and the hard buttons for most functions seems to be my deciding factors. Also the $40 price difference does hurt either.

glanglois · 01-31-2010, 06:26 PM

I like my 58, a lot, but I think there's a K-X problem someplace. Even at P or auto, it's properly exposing but using 1/15 a lot. A lot.

I know the flash and camera are communicating at some level as I see and hear the flash changing focal length with the lens.

Probably a camera problem .... more research!

Conan · 02-10-2010, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by glanglois

I like my 58, a lot, but I think there's a K-X problem someplace. Even at P or auto, it's properly exposing but using 1/15 a lot. A lot.

I know the flash and camera are communicating at some level as I see and hear the flash changing focal length with the lens.

Probably a camera problem .... more research!

Use manual mode. I noticed my K-X also uses slow shutter speeds when an external flashed is used. With my K200D in P mode I would usually get shutter speeds of 1/60, 1/80.

View Poll Results: Which flash would you get for the K7
Pentax AF540	22	44.00%
Metz 58	27	54.00%
Other - Please specify below	1	2.00%
Voters: 50. You may not vote on this poll

07-22-2009, 10:24 AM	#1
Pentax_XTC Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 365	K7 and Flash, AF540 or Metz 58? I am purchasing a new K7 within the next month. I currently have the Sigma 530DG Super, but it drains batteries when the swith is "off", and the menu is terrible. I'm selling the flash with my K10D so I need an upgrade. I'm looking at either the Pentax AF540 ot the Metz 58. Price is not an issue. I' looking for opions on which has the best user friendly menus and buttons, and which is the best for wireless flash triggering from the K7. I use wireless mode more than 50% of the time. I under stand that the AF540 would be a step down in guide number from my current Sigma, but I'm willing to let that go for a better unit all around if the Metz isn't up to par. Thank you in advance.

01-31-2010, 06:26 PM	#9
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	Metz has not stuck to my Pentaxes I like my 58, a lot, but I think there's a K-X problem someplace. Even at P or auto, it's properly exposing but using 1/15 a lot. A lot. I know the flash and camera are communicating at some level as I see and hear the flash changing focal length with the lens. Probably a camera problem .... more research!

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07-24-2009, 10:51 AM	#2
Pentax_XTC Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 365 Original Poster	2 votes, no comments... Anyone?

07-27-2009, 03:07 PM	#3
mut@NT New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Peterspurg Posts: 14	Originally posted by Pentax_XTC I' looking for opions on which has the best user friendly menus and buttons I think 540's control layout is much better than metz' menu system. But metz 58 has some additional features like secondary reflector that AF540 doesn't have, and it's more powerful at telephoto position (more "focused power"), has less recharge time. Originally posted by Pentax_XTC and which is the best for wireless flash triggering from the K7. Both AF540 and metz 58 support all wireless PTTL features. Metz 48 cannot act as a controller/master. Originally posted by Pentax_XTC I under stand that the AF540 would be a step down in guide number from my current Sigma Actually, that's not true. AF540 is more powerful than Sigma. P.S. Have you read this guide? I think it should be useful.

08-01-2009, 12:42 PM	#4
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	I was not happy with the AF540 till I got my K-7 and only used it when really needed... now its a different story I am exploring ways of using and improving my flash techniques K-7 is just wonderful in flash mode. I cannot say that the Metz would be a better choice or not, all I can say is that you will be happy with the AF540 and I have seen similar comments re K-7 and falsh in these forums Cheers Neil

08-02-2009, 12:32 AM	#5
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	I can't really say much on both but I am getting a Metz 48 and I heard the 58 was a improved version. I still voted for the 540fgz since it's Pentax branded and it's the top right now from Pentax.

08-08-2009, 08:54 PM	#6
Pentax_XTC Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 365 Original Poster	I mostly use bounce flash and I will be getting a LumiQuest Quikbouce as well. Are there any distinct advantages one would have over another? Also shortly after I will be purchasing an umbrella and stand to use with it for portraits.

08-09-2009, 09:33 AM	#7
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by mut@NT P.S. Have you read this guide? I think it should be useful. Thanks. Particularly, I think the flash burst profiles are good for comparing the power, if (like many photographers, I think) it's easier for you to grok a visual representation than a matrix of numbers. This basically shows the breadth and distance of coverage at each flash zoom step. Of course, light doesn't really work like this so the hard edges are a fiction, but it I think it makes a good visualization. I think either the Metz 58 AF-1 or Pentax AF540FGZ is a really good choice. One complaint people have with the 58 AF-1 is that the wireless sensor is on one side of the unit, so you have to be aware of that when positioning it. And the menu system takes a little getting used to — it's good, and intuitive enough that you don't really need the manual, but unlike the Pentax flash you don't have direct controls for most things. On the other hand, it's definitely the most featureful and flexible option.

08-09-2009, 08:30 PM	#8
Pentax_XTC Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 365 Original Poster	Thanks mattdm. I think after hearing everything from all the posters here I'm going with the Pentax AF540. The location of the wireless sensor and the hard buttons for most functions seems to be my deciding factors. Also the $40 price difference does hurt either.

02-10-2010, 10:00 PM	#10
Conan Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Philippines Posts: 99	Originally posted by glanglois I like my 58, a lot, but I think there's a K-X problem someplace. Even at P or auto, it's properly exposing but using 1/15 a lot. A lot. I know the flash and camera are communicating at some level as I see and hear the flash changing focal length with the lens. Probably a camera problem .... more research! Use manual mode. I noticed my K-X also uses slow shutter speeds when an external flashed is used. With my K200D in P mode I would usually get shutter speeds of 1/60, 1/80.