Faster recycle time - mecablitz 58 AF-2 or the Canon 580EX II????

[haring]

Which one has shorter recycle time? The mecablitz 58 AF-2 or the Canon 580ex II?
I would like to use the flash for wedding photography.

[TXAvi8tor]

The AF-2 is so new, it's unlikely anyone has done comparison testing. Even assuming it's the same power as the AF-1, an accurate comparison would require controlling for battery type and charge. That said, Metz has been making professional strobes for a long time (longer than Canon). The 48-58 series are very good (I just bought my third unit). Slightly warm 'doesn't-look-like-strobe' light quality and firmware upgrade via USB are nice benefits. I use Nikon rather than Canon, but I'd purchase a Metz 58-series over an SB-800 or 900.

For fast recycling and reliability in event shooting, I suggest you consider one of Al Jacobs Black Boxes. Al is a straight shooter and his products rock. Besides, he's a fellow Floridian. Fully charged, a Black box should be good for 500+ full power pops from either a 580 or 58-series. Because the pack delivers a full 6V, not the 4.8v (1.2X4) of a set of NiMH AA's, you should get faster recycling for many more shots from the pack.

I just tested one of my 58 AF-1's. With fully-charged 2400 mAh Immedions, firing at full power illuminates the ready light in two seconds and sounds the 'complete' beep in three (average of five flashes). One of my 6V external packs, also fully charged, is about 1/3 of a second slower - but it maintains this recycle rate for hundreds of shots, while the AA NiMH recycle time pretty much doubles after 80-100 full power shots. I currently inventory +/- 40 NiMH AA's, but they're only used for quick shoots, and backup at longer events. Perhaps another forum member can report on their experience with the 580.

hth,

Larry

[haring]

Originally Posted by TXAvi8tor

The AF-2 is so new, it's unlikely anyone has done comparison testing. Even assuming it's the same power as the AF-1, an accurate comparison would require controlling for battery type and charge. That said, Metz has been making professional strobes for a long time (longer than Canon). The 48-58 series are very good (I just bought my third unit). Slightly warm 'doesn't-look-like-strobe' light quality and firmware upgrade via USB are nice benefits. I use Nikon rather than Canon, but I'd purchase a Metz 58-series over an SB-800 or 900.

For fast recycling and reliability in event shooting, I suggest you consider one of Al Jacobs Black Boxes. Al is a straight shooter and his products rock. Besides, he's a fellow Floridian. Fully charged, a Black box should be good for 500+ full power pops from either a 580 or 58-series. Because the pack delivers a full 6V, not the 4.8v (1.2X4) of a set of NiMH AA's, you should get faster recycling for many more shots from the pack.

I just tested one of my 58 AF-1's. With fully-charged 2400 mAh Immedions, firing at full power illuminates the ready light in two seconds and sounds the 'complete' beep in three (average of five flashes). One of my 6V external packs, also fully charged, is about 1/3 of a second slower - but it maintains this recycle rate for hundreds of shots, while the AA NiMH recycle time pretty much doubles after 80-100 full power shots. I currently inventory +/- 40 NiMH AA's, but they're only used for quick shoots, and backup at longer events. Perhaps another forum member can report on their experience with the 580.

hth,

Larry

Larry! Thanks a lot! I may order one of the 58s...! Let's try it!

[Abel]

I agree with Larry.. a second power source such as that external battery pack will DEFINITELY help increase recycle times.

I had a 580exII and while the recycle was quick as it is it was even quicker with the Canon external battery pack.

[TXAvi8tor]

Originally Posted by Abel

I agree with Larry.. a second power source such as that external battery pack will DEFINITELY help increase recycle times.

I had a 580exII and while the recycle was quick as it is it was even quicker with the Canon external battery pack.

Al uses modified Quantum cables to connect his external packs to shoe-mount strobes. He replaces the RCA connector with a 4-pin DIN connector, which he considers superior. As he discusses on his site, getting the batteries out of the unit removes a potential source of overheating: Run AA NiMH batteries hard and they can get uncomfortably warm. Whether you're using an overheat-prone SB-900 or not, replacing these batteries with a plastic block terminating the cable that transmits power from the external pack cannot but help the heat issue.

I shot a party with an SB-600 a few years ago. After 150+ bounce flash shots in less than an hour, lengthening recycle times prompted me to swap the AA's for a fresh set. OUCHIE! The set I removed was uncomfortably warm - almost too hot to touch. The combination of rapidly lengthening recycle times and concern about cooking strobes from the inside out renewed my interest in external power supplies. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) lead acid batteries (what Al's packs use) provide excellent energy density, reasonable cost, and good longevity - when taken care of properly.

hth,

Larry

[haring]

Thanks!