Metz 58 AF-1 Digital
This brand new Metz flashgun, announced at the end of last year, comes with a host of features and functionality to take on the best of the rest. It's the second most powerful flashgun contest, with a Guide Number of 58. It has a smooth, curved outer shell, which appears tough but not as refined as its Nikon and Canon counterparts.
The back of the device is the most minimal of all of the flashguns on test as it features just four buttons, an on/off switch and a LCD screen, although this helps to make its interface by far the easiest of all the flashguns to operate and adjust. The bottom of the LCD has four selection choices, which correspond to the buttons located below them and make selecting the output controls extremely straightforward and logical.
This flashgun also has a good range of head movement, enabling the flash to be bounced in a 90-degree vertical and 315-degree lateral direction. The head features an integrated bounce card and wide-flash adapter that gives it a coverage range from 18mm to 105mm. It performs almost flawlessly, producing accurate exposures in its auto modes, and it also delivers a quick recycling time of six seconds on full power.
One of the unique selling points of this flashgun is that it has been "future proofed" as it has a USB port, so it can be upgraded at the same time as the ever-evolving DSLR flash technology.
VERDICT
The Mecablitz 58 AF-1 Digital is an excellent alternative to the Canon and Nikon models on test. It matches or beats them on power output and it has a better user interface control system.
The competition should take note; anyting they can do ...

Comparison Test: Flashguns.
Digital Photo Pro - February 2007

Features: 10/10
Build Quality 8/10
Handling 9/10
Quality of results 9/10
Value for money 9/10
TOTAL 90%

Metz 58 AF-1 Digital
A versatile "all-rounder"
with some really innovative features.
This smart-looking flash unit comes complete with a stylish soft protective case that you can attach to your belt for easy transportation, as well as a comprehensive guide telling you how to use it. Powered by four AA batteries, the flash unit is not too slow to recycle and can be sped up using the optional external power supply: Power Pack P76.
...... The 58 AF-1 really is one-of-a-kind, with its unique second reflector with varying output to act as a fill light when you're bouncing light emitted from the main flash head. The main head can be tilted and swiveled in just about any direction, and there's a built-in wide-angle diffuser that slides out quickly and easily.
... This state-of-the-art flash unit produces wonderfully natural-looking results, is really straightforward to use and easy to control. An excellent piece of kit that would make a worthy addition to any photographer's bag, coming at a reasonable price for what you are getting.

Metz 58 AF-1 Digital
The new 58 AF-1 Digital from specialist flashgun supplier Metz boasts that it's the world's first flashgun with USB socket for firmware upgrades.
A mini USB is conveniently hidden away behind the cover, ready to incorporate any future updates. This gives photographers far greater flexibility as all the appropriate updates can now be downloaded and installed as and when needed. The beauty of this addition is that it nulls the need to send off the unit to be serviced, ensuring that you're never flashless again.
Beyond it's USB superiority, the Metz 58 AF-1 Digital isa state-of-the-art flashgun, which is a meaty fellow but one that still retains a relatively lightweight body. The unit gains part of its moniker from the fact that it has a maximum guide number of 58 at ISO 100/21 degrees. Another unique feature of the Metz is its secondary reflector technology. This can be used in full TTL (Through the Lens) metering mode with varying power output, giving users the option to add a fill light when used in conjunction with the main flash head. The main flash head of the flashgun has both tilt and swivel facilities. The tilt option ranges officially from -7 to 90 degrees, but the angle markers on the head of the flash are definitely there only as a rough guide. The swivel option gives a good turnaround of 270 degree.
The new Metz unit has a simple control menu cia an LCD screen, perfectly positioned on the back of the unit. This gives E-TTL or i-TTL compatibility with both Manual and Auto aperture modes.
Photographers in need of plenty of flash will appreciate the additional power that the 4 x AA Metz P76 Power Pack offers. This ensures quicker recycle times, plus the bonus of more flashes per charge.