Originally posted by UserAccessDenied Here's what I'm seeing right now in various used markets:
Metz 50-af1 : $100
360 FGZ II : $300
540 FGZ : $200
I'm sorry I didn't see this thread until now...
I own all three of these (well I own the I model of the 360). The Metz is my favorite of the bunch. It is very slightly larger than the af-360 (af-540 is quite larger than both) but my favorite aspect of the Metz is it retains settings when switched off. Neither of my Pentax flashes do that.
On the other hand, the Metz is a bit simpler but more menu diving has to happen to get to settings. Basic ones (flash level and mode) are pretty easy to get to though. With the Pentax there are way more controls on them to dial in settings and features quicker. But if you turn them off (and I think they auto power off if not used for a few minutes.. ) then they lose their settings (go back to default power and such).
I use eneloop rechargables in all of them. They seem to last long. I can't tell you how many shots but I can shoot for an hour or so and I haven't had a problem (never worn the batteries down in a shoot).
The AF-201fg doesn't look too bad from what I can see (haven't tried one though). It seems low frills but does have some tilt of the head and has P-TTL, Manual (full), and Manual (quarter) power modes. Plus it seems to be weather resistant.
You could easily use that, make a pringles can snoot, and shoot macro. That's another thing I like about the Metz 50 af1, it fits a pringles can over it nicely for macro work.