Details have reportedly been leaked for two new Mecablitz flashes from Metz, slated to be on show at Photokina this September. The rumoured 50 AF-1 and 58 AF-2 system flashes (both accidentally listed on the Metz web site a few weeks ago) will replace the 48 AF-1 and 58 AF-1 respectively.
There will be models for Nikon, Canon, Four Thirds (Olympus and Panasonic), Pentax and Sony, released in that order2.
58 AF-1 vs 58 AF-2
According to the specifications, the new 58 model will be, quantitatively speaking, almost unchanged. The guide number, zoom head and recycling speed are identical in the spec sheet for both models. However, the AF-2 will have a 12mm diffuser (vs 18mm on the AF-1) and the secondary flash will have two possible settings (formerly three). Another feature is a “new metal [Iso] foot”. In addition, the net weight will increase from 355g to 363g.
48 AF-1 vs 50 AF-1
As suggested by the model name, the guide number of Metz’s second rumoured flash will be boosted from 48 to 50 (metres, Iso 100 at 105mm zoom). The dimensions and weight will be the same. As with the 58 model, the 50 AF-1 will also have a 12mm flip-down diffuser and a new metal foot.
Since we don’t have any photographs, it is impossible to tell at this point what changes (if any) have been made to the interface of either flashgun. We haven’t seen any indications that any other Metz Mecablitz models are to be replaced.
References
- Official Metz data sheets: Mecablitz 48 AF-1 and 58 AF-1
- LinkDelight: Gomez will release new flash
- Master Foto listings:Ă‚Â Metz 50 AF-1 and 58 AF-2 (Latvian)
- Canon-Board: nowe lampy METZ 58 AF-2 i 50 Af-1 (Polish)