Portable Flash Unit

Canon 430EX II v’s Metz 54 AF-1

When I started research on two portable flash’s I decided I wanted to research about my very own flash the canon 430EX II to get to know the specifications and option of others and decided to compare the 430 to a totally different range the Metz 54 AF-1. The Metz flash is considered to be a professional flash where as mine is a mid-range.

Specifications

Metz

Swiveling range and locking positions of flash head Upwards / downwards: 60°, 75°, 90° / -7°

Maximal guide number at ISO 100/21°, 105 mm

Zoom: In the metric system: 54; in the imperial system: 177

Dimensions approx. in mm: 75 x 125 x 108 (WxHxD)

Flash durations:  

Approx. 1/200th to 1/20,000th sec. (in TTL mode) In M mode approx. 1/200th sec. at full light output At 1/2 light output approx. 1/600 second At 1/4 light output approx. 1/1500 second At 1/8 light output approx. 1/5000 second

Weight:   Flash unit with power sources: approx. 430g

Colour temperature: approx. 5600 K

Errors excepted. Subject to changes!

Film speed:   ISO 6 to ISO 6400

Key features:

Guide number: 100ft/ISO 100

Lens Coverage: 24mm – 105mm

Supported Exposure Control: E-TTL, TTL

Compatible Brand: For Canon

Price: $450.00

Canon:

Max Guide Number (ISO 100, in metres/feet):

43/141 (at 105mm)

Flash Coverage:

24-105mm (Built-in wide panel: 14mm)

Min recycling time:

Approx. 3.0sec

Silent Recycling:

Yes

Custom functions:

9 Functions / 20 settings

Power Source:

4 x AA alkaline batteries (AA Ni-MH & lithium batteries also useable)

Mounting Foot:

Metal with quick-attachment lever

Dimensions (WxHxD) mm:

72 x 122 101

Weight:

Approx. 320g

Price:

Kogan - $259.00

Cambuy - $331.00

Teds - $369.95

Opinions of others

· The 430EX II is a useful addition to any photographer's kit. It's Canon's mid-level flashgun, but, if you're serious about your photography, then it's the cheapest one you should realistically consider. Canon's entry-level flashgun, the 270EX, really isn't powerful enough.

· One can hardly realize how much power is packed into this compact flash unit of the Metz mecablitz 54 series. The flash unit was specifically developed for the current range of digital and analog cameras from leading manufacturers. The Metz mecablitz 54 AF-1 digital represents the current state of the art in flash technology. New internal precision metering methods ensure perfect flash exposures. Moreover, simple operation heightens the fun in flash photography.

Conclusion

The 430EX II is a solid flashgun with some great features. If you were on a strict budget, then this would be the model to go for. And it will make a great slave unit if you do decide to upgrade in the future. The Metz seems to be having everything going for it, however is quite expensive but I will need to upgrade sooner rather than later and it was good to research and see what other brands there are.

Referencing:

Canon Website, Viewed: 1^st August 2013,

· http://www.canon.com.au/en-AU/Personal/Products/Cameras-and-Accessories/Speedlites/430EXII

Metz Manual, Viewed: 31^st July 2013,

· http://www.metzflash.co.uk/pdffiles/54_AF-1_C.pdf

Speedlights.net, Viewed 26^th July 2013

· http://speedlights.net/compare-speedlight-specs/?model=54+AF-1&model2=430EX+II

Hot Shoe Pro Photography, Viewed: 3^rd August 2013

· http://www.hotshoe.org/speedlite-flashes/#.Uf7SrxaBIUs

ShutterBug, Viewed: 4^th August 2013

· http://www.shutterbug.com/content/metz-54-af-1-digital-flash

About.com Digital Cameras, Viewed: 3^rd August 2013