List Price: $445.00
Sale Price: $399.99
Today's Bonus: 10% Off
Updated after a few weeks of almost constant use (July 16, 2013):
Positives: No overheat indicators yet. Battery usage is awesome a single set of Eneloops goes almost forever.
One feature that is really interesting (which my 580EXII did not have) is the secondary strobe on the front of this unit. When you set the primary strobe to reflect off the ceiling/wall, the secondary strobe can act as a sort of fill flash. To avoid the deer in the headlights look, you can even reduce its intensity. The results are actually very pleasing.
Original Review:
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I loved the Sony HVL-F60M. It was perfectly balanced on an A99, fit well on the universal hot shoe, and was a joy to use.
However, coming from the fabulous Canon EX580 II, I rely heavily on bounced light, often at full power.
Unfortunately, the F60M didn't care for that style of shooting. At a recent event, it shutdown at the single most inopportune moment, causing me to scramble to try to manage without its help.
Rather than trying to change my style to conform to my tool, I chose to find a tool that could adjust to my style.
Fortunately, with the Metz 58 AF-2, it seems like I've found that tool.
What works well:
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1] No overheating. Works as well as my 580EX II in this regard.
2] Decent image exposure using TTL and ADI Flash Mode.
3] All the features of a top line flash tilt/swivel head, HSS, etc
4] Built-in modeling light
5] Weighs and costs much less than its competition.
What does not work as well:
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1] Hot shoe adapter needed on an A99
2] Less than stellar usability (fiddly controls)
3] Less than solid build quality
4] Tilt/swivel mechanism could be easier to use
Conclusion:
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I'm still in the early stages of my relationship, and so far I'm cautiously happy.
Its usability flaws can be mitigated by using the A99 to control its functions. And, while I don't know about its longevity (its weaker build is a concern), its maker has been building strobes since 1952.
Only time will tell how this will work out, but so far so good!
Happy Photography!
Note:
The Sony version of the 58AF2 does not have a metal foot (the image on the product page is incorrect.)
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