I am about to purchase a Nikon system (probably F90X-based), and was wondering whether Metz or Nikon is a better long-term investment. 1. Metz (e.g. 40MZ-3) can be used on other brands -- not a current consideration but may be in the future. Also has cordless TTL, again of possile future utility. 2. Nikon (SB-28) may have better dedication in terms of advanced features (3D-matrix fill-in, etc.), though Metz usually catches up with its modules, eventually. Also cheaper than comparable Metz set-up.

I suppose that my real question is: Do the advanced features on Metz flashes -- when available -- work as advertised, or are they noticeably less reliable (consistently inaccurate, or erratic) in real-life?

I'd be happy to hear from actual users of the two systems.

-- David Nortman (david.nortman@utoronto.ca), April 28, 1999

Answers

Although the SB 28 is a very good flash, I vote for the Metz 40. I use the Metz 40 MZ-2 for 7 years now (first with Minolta Dynax, later with a F90X). A friend of me uses the SB 28.

Over the years I've learned to see the differences between the two flashes: 1) the Metz 40 has a better coverage than the SB 28 (especially at the wide end 28 and 24 mm) - 2) the announced GN of the Metz is more accurate - 3) dedecation is no problem with both flashes - 4) consumption of the Metz is higher (as a result of the higher GN perhaps?) - 5) The Metz 40 has a secondary flash (very interesting for clearing up nasty shadows) - 6) the Metz 40 is rather cumbersome to take with on a longer trip - 7) Metz 40 has a lot of interesting accessoires: powerpack, powergrip, very useful bouncescreen etc...

All in all, both flashes work without hesitation. Exposure is always correct. And don't be confused by to many gadget functions: most of the time (= 99%) you will never need them. If you travel a lot I suggest the SB28, for its compactness. Closer to home, the Metz 40 has a few more advantages (the extra power, better coverage and a whole lot of useful accessoires to turn this flash into a real winner). Ivan.

-- Ivan Verschoote (ivan.verschoote@rug.ac.be), April 29, 1999.

I have two SB-28's and they've been very consistant so far(over a 1000 shots). They are smaller and more convienent. The 3-D? I would have agreed with the previous poster before I did a shoot of my daughter's wind ensemble group. I shot it with a N90s(F90x) and 80- 200 AFD zoom. Some of the members that were in the back row I had to shoot between two individuals in the row in front of them. The two individuals in front were consistantly over-exposed while the subject in focus was perfectly exposed as I wanted. That's what 3-d can do. The flash knew from the lens the distance of the subject that was in focus and exposed for that distance regardless of what ever else was around. FYI I was using Portra 400VC(shot at 320). I had several shots like the prior one and all were exposed correctly.

-- Gary Wilson (gwilson@ffca.com), April 29, 1999.