Metz 52 AF-1 Flash

Conclusion

The Metz 52 AF-1 is the first flash ever released to feature a touchscreen instead of the standard buttons. So far, no other manufacturer has followed suit, but Metz seem to believe in their product, since they recently announced the 64 AF-1, an upgrade to their 58 AF-2 flash featuring a larger, color LCD touchscreen.

Flash

The 52 AF-1 is a full-featured flash, offering PTTL as well as manual controls, multiple wireless modes and an array of functions and features to put many advanced flashes to shame. It is slightly less powerful than the Pentax AF 540 but a lot more powerful than the AF 360.

Pros

  • Top of the line build quality
  • Compact size and lightweight
  • 300° head rotation
  • High power, adjustable to 1/128 in thirds of stops
  • Multiple modes and many functions
  • Effective touchscreen interface
  • Settings are memorized after power loss
  • Stand and carrying case included
  • Very good user manual
  • Upgradable firmware via USB
  • Affordable ($299 US MSRP)

Cons

  • Head doesn’t move below 0°
  • No auto-thyristor
  • User interface could easily be made more functional, is not faster than buttons (but more complete)

The 52 AF-1 really ticks most boxes when it comes to features. The only main exposure mode missing is auto-thyristor, something increasingly rare nowadays. On the other hand, it offers a fully functioning PTTL as well as wireless-PTTL (master, control and slave). The manual mode offers as many or more power steps than the competition. The servo (slave) mode can ignore pre-flashes and even learn a light pattern.

Recycle times, power output and general performances are as good as can be expected. The flash is not as powerful as the flagships from other brands, but it is not positioned as such. In fact the 52 AF-1 stands near the top of the line, just a step from the summit. It compares much better, say, with a Pentax AF540 than with an AF360. It lacks, however, any way to plug a battery pack and doesn’t have a sync port.

Of course, the main differentiating feature of the 52 AF-1 is the touchscreen. Out general experience with it is positive. The main advantage is that it makes every function and control clear, well labeled, obvious. It also allows Metz to offer more functions than what could possibly be done with dials and buttons. However, some operations are slower with the touchscreen than with a dedicated button, mainly scrolling through lists.

This is our main gripe with the flash. Even though it would not be reasonable to expect the performances of a smartphone’s screen, at times the responsiveness of the touchscreen was not as we would have liked. A more responsive screen would probably have increased the price of the flash, and Metz clearly positions the 52 AF-1 as an inexpensive alternative to the 58 AF-2.

While the menu structure is in general logical, some small adjustments could make it more efficient. A few shortcuts (like controlling the zoom value from the main screen) would be easy to add and would greatly improve general operation.

Who is it for?

The Metz 52 AF-1 is an excellent choice for people looking for an inexpensive (sub $300) but feature-rich PTTL flash. Its compact size makes it a good option for people on the move. While it is not dedicated for studio work like some modern manual flashes (the Cactus RF60 and Godox V850 being examples) it can hold its own in a studio. In short this unit is a good all-around flash with no serious limitations.

Rating

Handling 
 8
Value 
 9
Features 
 9
Overall 
 8.7 (Very Good)

Final word

In summary, with the Metz 52 AF-1 has a solid product on offer. It is features-reach, very well made, reliable and compact. The touchscreen interface is more than a novelty, and even though it’s not perfect it is still an effective way to interact with the flash, and in no way a hindrance. In our opinion this flash should be on everyone's short list when shopping for a PTTL flash.

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