Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-1 for Canon - Opinions wanted

I'm looking for a new flash unit for my EOS 30D and think about
purchasing a Mecablitz 58 AF-1.
I've checked the specs and downloaded the user manual - feature-wise
it seems to be almost identical to Canon's 580EX. It is abt. 25% less
expensive than the 580EX here (in Austria) and thus seems to be an
attractive alternative.
I didn't find many useful reviews on the web, so I'd like to know if
anyone here is using Mecablitz 58 with a Canon DSLR and if you would
recommend getting one.

Additional details:

- Is the secondary reflector on this flash unit a useful feature or
just a marketing gag? Are you actually using it, and if so, in which
situations?

- Has anyone tested compatibility to Canon's flash units in wireless
remote operation?


Thanks,
Peter

Peter H. wrote:
I'm looking for a new flash unit for my EOS 30D and think about
purchasing a Mecablitz 58 AF-1.
I've checked the specs and downloaded the user manual - feature-wise
it seems to be almost identical to Canon's 580EX. It is abt. 25% less
expensive than the 580EX here (in Austria) and thus seems to be an
attractive alternative.
I didn't find many useful reviews on the web, so I'd like to know if
anyone here is using Mecablitz 58 with a Canon DSLR and if you would
recommend getting one.

It's one of the most respected brands in portable flash. My only worry
would be "future body" compatibility, but if I'm not mistaken Metz would
supply modules for future body versions at a reasonable price.

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Alan Browne wrote:
Peter H. wrote:
I'm looking for a new flash unit for my EOS 30D and think about
purchasing a Mecablitz 58 AF-1.
I've checked the specs and downloaded the user manual - feature-wise
it seems to be almost identical to Canon's 580EX. It is abt. 25% less
expensive than the 580EX here (in Austria) and thus seems to be an
attractive alternative.
I didn't find many useful reviews on the web, so I'd like to know if
anyone here is using Mecablitz 58 with a Canon DSLR and if you would
recommend getting one.

It's one of the most respected brands in portable flash. My only worry
would be "future body" compatibility, but if I'm not mistaken Metz would
supply modules for future body versions at a reasonable price.

The Metz 58 AF-1 offers a USB port for future upgrades. No longer does
one have to replace/send in for upgrade the "shoe" (such as on the 54MZ4i.
I believe it is now available for Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic and
Pentax/Samsung.
I still have a 30 plus year old 45CT-4 with twin head (like the 58AF1)
which I could use on my C8080 Olympus digital in TTL just by purchasing
a new shoe for it! Does not now support the latest cameras so I guess it
is time to buy the new unit, but 2 flash guns in almost 40 years!!!! How
many other manufacturers can offer that?
By the way, the Metz supports Canon remote flash as well.

Paul wrote:
Alan Browne wrote:
Peter H. wrote:
I'm looking for a new flash unit for my EOS 30D and think about
purchasing a Mecablitz 58 AF-1.
I've checked the specs and downloaded the user manual - feature-wise
it seems to be almost identical to Canon's 580EX. It is abt. 25% less
expensive than the 580EX here (in Austria) and thus seems to be an
attractive alternative.
I didn't find many useful reviews on the web, so I'd like to know if
anyone here is using Mecablitz 58 with a Canon DSLR and if you would
recommend getting one.

It's one of the most respected brands in portable flash. My only
worry would be "future body" compatibility, but if I'm not mistaken
Metz would supply modules for future body versions at a reasonable price.

The Metz 58 AF-1 offers a USB port for future upgrades. No longer does
one have to replace/send in for upgrade the "shoe" (such as on the 54MZ4i.
I believe it is now available for Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic and
Pentax/Samsung.
I still have a 30 plus year old 45CT-4 with twin head (like the 58AF1)
which I could use on my C8080 Olympus digital in TTL just by purchasing
a new shoe for it! Does not now support the latest cameras so I guess it
is time to buy the new unit, but 2 flash guns in almost 40 years!!!! How
many other manufacturers can offer that?
By the way, the Metz supports Canon remote flash as well.

Thanks for your replies.
The reason why I was asking is that although this unit looks quite
good (according to the specs published the manufacturer, at least), it
doesn't seem to be very popular (yet?).
Well, I think I'll give it a try anyway...

Peter