I have a Metz 54 MZ 3 and I was lookin for a small flash. Small, dedicated, auto focus iluminator, fits in pocket, basicly something I wont notice on top of the camera or in my pocket. The 220EX looks like it might just work. I was also looking at the Mezt 34 AF 3. Any thoughts or experiences with either would be appriciated.

-- john (mr.-n-mrs.g@att.net), January 18, 2002

Answers

The 220EX would fit the bill. It's realtively small and quite powerfull for it's size. Along with lacking tilt swivel for bouncing it also lacks a zoom head, so it's GN or 22 (in meters) is based on 28mm lens coverage. That power compares quite favorably with the considerably larger 380EX and 420EX at the 28mm zoom setting.

If you have an E-TTL capable body it's a good choice. For older EOS bodies you should consider the smaller, used 200E or even the very tiny 160E.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), January 18, 2002.

The Metz 34 AF 3c has a somewhat higher guidenumber, 28 vs. 22 for the Canon 220 EX. The Canon gives you FP flash if your camera supports this, the Metz doesn't. The Metz flash may be incompatible with still to be released bodies. Both flashes are dedicated E-TTL models without any bells/whistles. I think you can't go wrong with either of these. I have the Metz 34 AF 3c, I take it with me in case I don't want to carry the (larger, heavier and more versatile) Metz 40MZ3i, and I'm quite happy with it.

-- Jos van Eekelen (jos@compuserve.com), January 19, 2002.