Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 Flash Review

For the provided flash Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2 many thanks to the store Bomber.com.uawhere you can also find where photo backpacks, bags for cameras и the lenses.

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

In short

Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 - quite simple and not very expensive external flash. Available for all common systems. This review shows an option for Nikon cameras (i-TTL | i-TTL-BL | i-TTL Remote). The flash can work in automatic modes Nikon i-TTL (normal Nikon auto flash mode) and i-TTL-BL (Nikon BL auto balanced fill flash mode). Even a child can handle the flash.

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

Basic properties

  • the upper part rotates 90 degrees vertically and 300 degrees horizontally (180 one way and 120 the other)
  • flash zoom is 24 to 105 mm
  • there is a built-in reflector card
  • there is a built-in diffuser card, if installed, the focal length for the flash will be 12 mm
  • LED backlight for video, or for modeling future shadows with a power of 100 Lux / 1m.
  • auto power off function
  • works from 4 AA elements
  • guide number 44 at ISO 100 and 105 mm focal length (from which it is called)
  • USB port for software updates
  • LED backlight buttons
  • auto focus assist light
  • support high speed sync (only for cameras that support Nikon FP)
  • support for second or first curtain synchronization (only for cameras that support this function)
  • weighs only 306 grams
  • trial operation (when the TTL button is pressed, it always works at a power of 1/32)
  • automatic standby
  • Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 manufactured in Germany

Functionality

In the box, in addition to the flash, you can find a huge instruction and a CD. The flash is not bad, but only a long time of its operation can show the real picture.

Modes of operation

  1. M - manual selection of the flash output power. Unfortunately, only 1/1 (full power), 1/2 (half power), 1/8 and 1/32 power are available.
  2. SL - slave mode. The flash can be remotely controlled by Nikon CLS, in this case, flash group A is used, channel - any (from 1 to 4)
  3. TTL - normal automatic flash mode. Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 operates in either i-TTL or i-TTL-BL mode, depending on the orientation of the flash top
  4. LED - LED backlight mode, includes a small flashlight located in front of the flash. Backlight power can be set to 1/1, 1/2, 1/8 and 1/32

Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 is very simple and easy to use. While working with the Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 flash, everything went painlessly, without any glitches. The flash functionality is enough for comfortable work with many photo tasks.

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

Price

You can see prices for Metz flashes in popular online stores at this link. On Bhphoto Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 sells for space prices - $ 230. In the countries of the former CIS, the price tag for an outbreak is much lower and is about $ 170.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

My experience

To start:

For a long time I used the products of the German company Metz and was satisfied with it.

A common weakness of these outbreaks is flimsy battery compartments. As for the disadvantages of the Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2, then:

  • the battery compartment is inconveniently implemented in it - you need to look closely, or remember the location of the polarities for the batteries.
  • inconvenient way to fix the flash on the camera. The clamping mechanism does not allow you to quickly remove or install the flash. Native Speedlight SB series flash units have a special locking lever, which allows you to quickly and painlessly fix the flash in the hot shoe of the camera.
  • there is no temporal button-lock for turning the head. Over time, especially with active use, the flash head begins to spontaneously change its horizontal angle. The temporal gray buttons are just tricks, part of the body design, copying the original flashes.
  • it is very inconvenient to get and install a reflector card and / or a diffuser card
  • there’s not even a hundredth of the functionality that Nikon’s original flash units are capable of. At the same time, the cost of the Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 is not so small.

Almost half the price you can buy a similar flash Yongnuo Speedlite YN468-II (i-TTL version for Nikon), or Yongnuo YN565EX (Nikon version 'N', about $ 80), which I actually recommend over the Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2.

The last few years, when shooting with an external flash, where you need speed, and therefore automatic mode, I always use the 'Aperture-priority auto for Nikon flashes'. I have met this function only in flashes. Nikon SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, SB-5000.

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

Metz Mecablitz 44AF-2

Сonclusion

Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 is a simple, not very expensive (but also not cheap) flash with very clear controls. Powerful enough, not heavy with a basic set of functions for basic photography tasks.

If you have any questions about the outbreak - please ask them in the comments, I will try to answer. The philosophy of working with external flashes is not at all clear at first, for beginners it is really very difficult to navigate among all these functions and other incomprehensible things.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Vladimir

 

 

Comments: 26, on the topic: Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2 Flash Review

  • gouTM

    You write that you can buy Youngnuo cheaper. But will they support Nikon CLS? Or will any Nikon TTL-compatible flash support CLS as well?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In the review, I indicated that I recommend a specific model - Yongnuo YN565EX, this flash can be controlled remotely by Nikon CLS (like the Metz 44 AF-2). To do this, you need a flash with Master mode.

      At the same time, Yongnuo YN565EX can be remotely controlled by flashes / cameras that do not support Nikon CLS using the S1 / S2 modes (analogue Nikon SU-4).

      The presence of TTL and remote flash control are in no way connected.

  • Vladimir

    I was disappointed in these outbreaks. I regret the money spent.

  • Anton

    Also disappointed in these outbreaks. They have crooked software.

  • anonym

    A little expensive.

  • Michael

    … ”I always use the 'Nikon Aperture-Priority Auto' function. I have seen this function only with Nikon SB-900, SB-910, SB-5000 flash units. " SB-800 forgotten

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed
      After working with the divine SB-900/910, I don’t know how to use anything else for professional shooting.

      • Michael

        Yes great flash

      • Oleg

        Arkady, you are comparing the top from Nikon and the “initial” Metz :)
        mecablitz 24 AF-1 digital
        mecablitz 36 AF-5 digital
        mecablitz 44 AF-2 digital
        mecablitz 48 AF-1 digital
        mecablitz 50 AF-1 digital
        mecablitz 52 AF-1 digital
        mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital
        mecablitz 64 AF-1 digital

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Yes, I do not compare, but I write in this case about what I use :)

      • Oleg

        Although the Mets have an interface, sadness :(

      • anonym

        Arkady, try, for example, YN685 + YN622. Possible corrections in opinion :)

  • Alexander

    I have been using the Metz 50 AF-1S flash with the Sony SLT-57 camera since 2013. After buying the flash, I had to flash the flash to work correctly with this camera. Everything fell into place. Powerful, recharges quickly. The control buttons are tight. The flash is great.

  • scif

    made in germany ????? she looks like a basement of the Chinese

  • Ruslan

    And it works worse than the Chinese.

    • Oleg

      Compare or inspired? :)

      • Ruslan

        I used this flash for a year and a half - the settings are almost zero, a very inconvenient head rotates tightly and with a crunch - after six months, when shooting, it began to unauthorizedly work at full power - in short, rubbish is still at an overpriced.

      • Ruslan

        Then I bought and use the TRIOPO TR-982II Nikon i-TTL for a year already, even in terms of build quality, it is definitely better than this 44 mtz is much more functional and even the master mode works and even the reliability is much higher.

  • Sergey Leontyev

    Somehow, according to reviews ... sadness (((. Personal opinion is - I did not buy for a great amount, only 5000 rubles. Well, but, the condition is excellent for all five points. I took her under Pentax and I really liked her! SB900 b SB700 but this is a completely different story. As for the Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2, I will say this. It gives light both in absent-mindedness (filling the space) and in quantity both in I-TTL and in manual operation very accurately. You need to press from the sides to lift it. The battery compartment does not bother in any way. The batteries are installed very simply and clearly where the plus or minus is. Gluttony is very moderate. The plastic to the touch is of pretty decent quality, it is also assembled at the level. Normal German quality. The controls are simple, all the necessary functions available. In general, in vain the offenders ran into the device. For amateurs and neat pros, it is quite a normal unit. From myself, I advise.

    • Sergey Leontyev

      Forgot to add. Fastening with a wheel is not convenient. I turned the flag on the Nikons and that's it, it stands dead and doesn't bite anything when you take it off the carcass.

      • Ruslan

        Well, specifically, I have a Nikon D5100, and for example, to adjust the flash power to plus or minus, it was necessary to go into the camera menu on the flash each time and it’s physically impossible to do the adjustment step on it. Even in Chinese it is easier +0.3 +07 step and so on.

  • Oleg

    In fairness, it is worth noting that 44 loses to 48 and 50 models in control. There is no point in taking a new one. The used market offers advanced Mets models for a humane price tag.

    • lech

      More advanced have touch control, not very convenient. Of course, all the buttons were old, although the menu was so-so. This 44-ki until recently, the shoe was made of plastic. I would put this puff on functionality and quality right after
      Nikon SB-700.

  • Oleg

    Good day . What is the difference between Metz 44 AF-1 and Metz 44 AF-2? Thanks .

    • Oleg

      second version with LED and metal shoe)

  • Oleg

    I bought myself a second-hand third flash to illuminate the back of the model. master 58 AF, slaves 50 and 44.

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2017/02/metz-mecablitz-44-af-2/?replytocom=149977

Versión en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2017/02/metz-mecablitz-44-af-2/?replytocom=149977