Sony F56AM or Metz 50 AF-1 ?
Apr 17, 2012 12:47:00 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
My Sigma DG 530 Super has become unreliable. Nothing but full power in TTL. And sometimes not shooting even when ready light is on. It used to do about everything the Sony F56M did. HSS and multi-flash, etc.
I am replacing it. That brings me to the point of looking at either a used Sony F56AM or a new Metz 50 AF-1.
The Sony's are going for about $250 and I can get a new Metz 50 AF-1 with one year warrantee for less.
Having had a flash go bad, buying new is more attractive to me and the Metz has a USB socket to accept firmware upgrades. It also does HSS. On the other hand I would really like to get the once upon a time top of the line Sony with it's power and features.
Does anyone have the Metz or it's prior model? Anything you miss not having the manufacturer's flash?
For those with the Sony. Has it been solid?
Is the extra power worth going used for a higher price. Any other opinions are welcome. I need to decide soon.
I am replacing it. That brings me to the point of looking at either a used Sony F56AM or a new Metz 50 AF-1.
The Sony's are going for about $250 and I can get a new Metz 50 AF-1 with one year warrantee for less.
Having had a flash go bad, buying new is more attractive to me and the Metz has a USB socket to accept firmware upgrades. It also does HSS. On the other hand I would really like to get the once upon a time top of the line Sony with it's power and features.
Does anyone have the Metz or it's prior model? Anything you miss not having the manufacturer's flash?
For those with the Sony. Has it been solid?
Is the extra power worth going used for a higher price. Any other opinions are welcome. I need to decide soon.
Apr 18, 2012 06:10:00 #
Not sure this will help much, but I have the Metz 50 AF-1 and I am happy with it. I have never owned a Sony flash.
I tend to use "cold" LED lighting for table photography and indoor portraits, along with a ring flash. The Metz 50 I use occasionally for fill lighting and it seems to work fine. I am using Sony A33 & A850 cameras and prefer natural lighting when at all possible, along with fast lenses, such as f1.4 apertures. I really like the ring light; however, for macro, even if outdoor. The ring flash is a Bower branded flash, but I think it is actually made by Metz also. The reason I prefer the LED lighting over flash is you can leave it on and see the effects prior to exposure; it allows slight positioning changes while watching the effect, something not possible with strobes or flashes. This seems very useful to me when trying to adjust highlights and shadows on the face of the subject or with objects having a lot of fine detail that you are trying to capture. The LEDs are quite expensive, however, which is the downside.
I tend to use "cold" LED lighting for table photography and indoor portraits, along with a ring flash. The Metz 50 I use occasionally for fill lighting and it seems to work fine. I am using Sony A33 & A850 cameras and prefer natural lighting when at all possible, along with fast lenses, such as f1.4 apertures. I really like the ring light; however, for macro, even if outdoor. The ring flash is a Bower branded flash, but I think it is actually made by Metz also. The reason I prefer the LED lighting over flash is you can leave it on and see the effects prior to exposure; it allows slight positioning changes while watching the effect, something not possible with strobes or flashes. This seems very useful to me when trying to adjust highlights and shadows on the face of the subject or with objects having a lot of fine detail that you are trying to capture. The LEDs are quite expensive, however, which is the downside.
Apr 18, 2012 20:29:00 #
How used is the F56AM? If you can afford it, I would recommend the new model or go with the cheaper F43AM. It does a good job.
Apr 18, 2012 22:36:10 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
I would love to get the HVL-F58AM but I've already been on a photography spending spree this spring and am having trouble justifying the $450. I also have better glass and a new body on the eventual shopping list.
I'm also having trouble justifying going used when replacing a flash that went bad.
At this point, I'm leaning towards the Metz 50 AF-1. It seems like a good combination of quality, features, and price. I've read almost nothing but good about it. I've heard it is quiet when recharging. If is is a solid unit then that's mainly what I need right now.
This is kind of a do-over for me. I considered the Metz 48 when I got the Sigma 530. The Sigma was great when it worked, it had almost all of features that the Sony HVL F56AM had and could light up the stage of a 2000 seat auditorium from balcony. I've since read that quality control was not as good as it should be.
I'm also having trouble justifying going used when replacing a flash that went bad.
At this point, I'm leaning towards the Metz 50 AF-1. It seems like a good combination of quality, features, and price. I've read almost nothing but good about it. I've heard it is quiet when recharging. If is is a solid unit then that's mainly what I need right now.
This is kind of a do-over for me. I considered the Metz 48 when I got the Sigma 530. The Sigma was great when it worked, it had almost all of features that the Sony HVL F56AM had and could light up the stage of a 2000 seat auditorium from balcony. I've since read that quality control was not as good as it should be.
Apr 18, 2012 23:48:10 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
tainkc wrote:
How used is the F56AM? If you can afford it, I would recommend the new model or go with the cheaper F43AM. It does a good job.
Well I didn't realize how improved the F43AM is. Something to think about.
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