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430EXII vs Metz 52 ?

ruscristiionel
Apprentice
I recently bought a Canon 6D with 50mm/1.4 lens but i'm not yet decided about flash ... I've to choose between Metz 52 AF-1 and Canon 430EXII. I want to handle my requirements for differents events like weddings or private parties. Metz it seems to be more powerfull than Canon flash which would be great for larger places (like churches) and also have the advantage that it can be used as a master flash. Others recommend to buy Canon just because the camera it's from the same company. Thank you !
5 REPLIES 5

Skirball
Authority

I'm not overly familiar with the Metz flash, but I know they make decent equipment.  But just a couple of thoughts to consider:

 

I wouldn't pay much attention to the guide numbers unless you've read an independent analysis of it.  The numbers companies publish aren't all standardized.  I'd just assume they both have _about_ the same max power level.

 

Can the Metz be used as a master flash with the Canon TTL system?  If so, then that's a minor point in favor of the Metz.  Personally, I'll never use optical trigger systems again, but it doesn't hurt to have the capability. 

 

Personally, I'd be wary of the touch screen on the Metz.  I'd just prefer physical buttons, for ease of use, durability, and battery life.  But maybe they're a nice feature; I don't know.  That said, I don't love the buttons on the 430exII either.  I find it difficult to get my finger onto the little buttons.  I much, much prefer the scroll wheel of the 580ex series.

 

I assume that you want to have an eTTL capable flash?  If not I'd recommend completely different flashes (Yonguo).  But for eTTL, my first choice would be to find a good deal on a used 580exII.  Fantastic flash, lots of capabilities, and stronger.  If you can't find that, or want new, then I'd base my decision off the above.  I'd probably go Canon, but that's only because I don't know anything about the Metz flash.  If I did some research and people had good things to say about the Metz then I'd go for it.  I'm not married to Canon in any way.  Other than my lens mount  🙂

ruscristiionel
Apprentice
By studying several tests and reviews , I realized that actually at 35mm and 50mm flashes have the same power ( the same guide no.) so still prefer to buy Canon one , especially as there will be no compatibility problems in the future . Thank you for reply !

Yeah, that's why I mentioned it, I've seen plenty of discussions about advertised versus actual GN.

 

The 430exII is a great flash, I don't mean to discount it.  It's actually my goto flash for travel, since it's considerably smaller than most my others.  I just wish it had a scroll wheel instead of buttons.

BTW: They're out of stock, but Canon's price on a refurbished 430exII is $179:

 

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/refurbished-speedlite-flashes/speedlite-430...

 

If you're not in a hurry I'd keep my eye on that page (better yet set up an email annoucement).

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