Metz 76 MZ-5

When it comes to the world of hammerhead flash, the Metz is the undisputed king. The massive flash attaches alongside your camera rather than on top like a standard flashgun. When you're walking about with the MZ-5 you feel a little like a photographer in a film noir movie, and the sheer bulk of it totally affects the way you hold the camera and even how it hangs around your neck.
The good news, however, is that the results are quite simply unmatchable. While the main head may be too big to aim straight at people, you can bounce it up and use the secondary flash to add some fill-in. You'll be amazed at the results you can get. The colour temperature is absolutely spot-on and will give you near perfect results every time if you set your camera to flash white balance. As expected, and needed, the battery is massive too and will last quite some time. Although it may cost more than a budget D-SLR, if you are shooting at events or needing to light large scenes, this is the ultimate item for you.
RATING * * * * *
Practical Photography. January 2007