Which Flash

Im in the market for a new flash. I have a Sigma 610 ST.. Its powerful and P-TTL but not very good as a manual flash and cant perform high speed sync. Which I want to try out. I want to use mainly off camera flash. So ive narrowed my choice of purchase down to two. The Pentax AF540FGZ or the Metz 58 AF-2. Im concerned that the Pentax flash has been around for a while now and maybe a little dated. Whereas the Metz is very modern and can be updated in firmware. Does anyone have any comments to make about any of these flash units

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/9716/Pentax-AF540-FGZ-II-AW-Flash---FREE-UK-DEL...

Expensive though

I've only used the Pentax flashes (360 and 540) but have not done anything complicated with them (just multiple, off camera flash), and have always got good results, but if I was buying new again now I would be put off by the replacement Pentax flash prices (I personally don't have a need for WR on a flash) and the Metz models do appear to better value for money.

If you're looking for second hand then the AF540FGZ comes up from time to time at around the £230-250 mark - I will be listing mine in a week or so (if you haven't bought by then)

You could also get a Sigma EF610 DG Super. It's cheaper than the Pentax, and will perform in any way you want.

I have and use both, but in a very niche way. I don't have the new 540, just the old one, but in terms of those two I do prefer the Metz. It has a wider range of manual settings with in between stops, and can do things with K7 that 540 can't (rear sync on manual with non-k optic). It has a sturdier mount than the Pentax and like you say, can be updated. More differences here:

540 - http://extreme-macro.co.uk/pentax-af540fgz-flash/
58af2 - http://extreme-macro.co.uk/metz-58-af2-flash/

-Johan

"I want to use mainly off camera flash"

If your main aim is to use flash off camera, there is no need to buy Pentax or Metz models that provide P-TTL.

There are numerous manual flashes that will cost a fraction of a P-TTL model flashes and if you are shooting off camera you will have more creative freedom to shoot in manual mode in my opinion. Obviously you will need to be able to trigger your flash, and wireless is the most flexible method and you can pick up reliable good trigger now from various brands and vendors.

Without teaching you to suck eggs, look for manual flashes where you can control the power, fore example full power, half power, quarter power down to 128th power.

On the other hand, Metz and Pentax P-TTL flashes will provided you with features such as High Speed Sync, and numerous other benefits of P-TTL.

Depending on what you will be shooting with off camera flash, think about ways to increase the size, direction quality of your flash, you can get some really nice effects by bouncing flash, using brollies, soft boxes and bounce cards.

Lumopro make a great manual flash, Lumopro 180, its got as much power as an SB 900, numerous sync ports and power input. They built like a tank and work really well. In my opinion the best manual flash on the market and a fair price too.

if you are new to flash and are looking for tips and inspiration this website is certainly worth a look.

http://strobist.blogspot.co.uk/2006/03/lighting-101.html

Thanks for all the replies guys. Certainly food for thought. I have got access to a pentax AF540FGZ for £180. Which levels up the price somewhat. Interestingly quite a number of you say the Metz is the better deal.Which was my preferred choice, but just not sure..