OK- Thanks for the information- I didn't see those specs in the ads from B&H and others. That helps the point was trying to make. It's about shopping for a flash unit and making certain to read into the specifications. So...going by those guide numbers, the Metz units are not all that much more powerful than some of the less expensive units. The retailers should not publish misleading guide numbers but tell the whole story. Not everyone is going to use their flash with long lenses. German build and engineering? No doubts- I have some old Metz (401) units from the 1960s and they still work.

Folks are assuming that the name amera brand flash units are superior to the third party units. I won't swear to it but I suspect that some of the big brand speedlights are made in the same factories as the lower priced units. Many also assume that some of the Chineses imported brands won't hold up in demanding work like wedding photography- may be so, but have the ever tried to use one of those units in heavy duty usage or long duty cycles- they may hold up very well. So, for someone who is not going to put that kind of mileage on a flash unit or system, the lower priced ones my last a lifetime.

Since this thread is about being a kind buying guide advisory- I'm just sticking in my 2 cents. I do understand though. As a long-time wedding shooter I always went for overkill. Most of my flash gear could survive in a war zone but some of the lighter duty stuff can still work well in less strenuous conditions.

Plumbers-$$- Yeah, I'm in the wrong business! Those guys charge more than brain surgeons. Well, we don't argue price when the house is floating away or the drains are backing up! I do agree that the crazy tape is not effective for the main riser pipe in the house- too much pressure! There is that TV commercial with a guy sawing his boat in half and repairing it with that stuff. I ain't gonna saw my boat in half anytime soon and if I had had the insane inclination to do that, I would not tape it back together again and go out on the water.

Kindest regards!

OK- Thanks for the information- I didn't see those specs in the ads from B&H and others. That helps the point was trying to make. It's about shopping for a flash unit and making certain to read into the specifications. So...going by those guide numbers, the Metz units are not all that much more powerful than some of the less expensive units. The retailers should not publish misleading guide numbers but tell the whole story. Not everyone is going to use their flash with long lenses. German build and engineering? No doubts- I have some old Metz (401) units from the 1960s and they still work.

Folks are assuming that the name amera brand flash units are superior to the third party units. I won't swear to it but I suspect that some of the big brand speedlights are made in the same factories as the lower priced units. Many also assume that some of the Chineses imported brands won't hold up in demanding work like wedding photography- may be so, but have the ever tried to use one of those units in heavy duty usage or long duty cycles- they may hold up very well. So, for someone who is not going to put that kind of mileage on a flash unit or system, the lower priced ones my last a lifetime.

Since this thread is about being a kind buying guide advisory- I'm just sticking in my 2 cents. I do understand though. As a long-time wedding shooter I always went for overkill. Most of my flash gear could survive in a war zone but some of the lighter duty stuff can still work well in less strenuous conditions.

Plumbers-$$- Yeah, I'm in the wrong business! Those guys charge more than brain surgeons. Well, we don't argue price when the house is floating away or the drains are backing up! I do agree that the crazy tape is not effective for the main riser pipe in the house- too much pressure! There is that TV commercial with a guy sawing his boat in half and repairing it with that stuff. I ain't gonna saw my boat in half anytime soon and if I had had the insane inclination to do that, I would not tape it back together again and go out on the water.

Kindest regards!

No worries. Sure specs can be misleading. I would be quite certain that the Metz and Profoto flashes live up to their numbers - the Chinese brands - not so sure. In addition i would bet money on the consistency, color temp adherence, thermal protection, etc is superior from those two compared to the cheaper brands.
That being said - I fully understand the urge to save $$$ and for the hobbyist that may make a lot of sense as the potential loss of $$$ when some equipment malfunctions (always happens at the most inopportune time - go Murphy) is limited compared to a wedding/news/sports photographer missing THE moment