Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I lamented over whether to get this or pony up the dough for one of the canon macro lights. My decision to go with the Metz was based on compatibility and weight. At .7 lbs plus two AAA batteries (yes AAA) this flash adds less weight than a hot-shoe mounted flash. This is a macro ring flash and not a true "ring light" but used for macro it is everything it should be and more. I am not interested in the fashion application of a true ring light so this minor note doesn't apply to me. On ordering I had the unknown of the wireless compatibility with my Canon 60d. Two minutes after I unboxed the Metz I was out in the field shooting. Worries about compatibility with the canon wireless system were abated quickly.

A special note of value. If you have a lens with a filter size other than 52, 55 or 58mm you will need to get an adapter ring. This light attaches with a specialized filter ring so it is best you get the Metz branded ring.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I have a Canon 7D and I could not get this unit to work as a slave with the Canon. It worked only as a manual flash. While it did work well and it is definitely lightweight and good quality it was not what i was looking for. I exchanged for the pricey Canon MR-14EX which is terrific.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I was thinking about purchasing the Nikon R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System but chose the Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight instead, and I'm glad I did. Straight out of the box, I was able to install and use it on my Nikon AFS 105mm Micro lens and Nikon D700 body without reading the user's manual. I shot maybe 250-300 macro images using a pair of AAA Sanyo Eneloop batteries and there were some more left in the batteries after the shoot. It worked flawlessly with the D700's internal flash, as well as with Nikon's SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander. It is also more portable than Nikon's system which means it weighs less and takes less space in my backpack. Nikon's system requires more expensive CR123 batteries so the Metz is cheaper to operate using regular AAA batteries. Oh, it also works with other brands so I can use it with my Olympus EPL-1 and other future wireless capable cameras. I did not give it 5 stars because there was no 77mm adapter available so I can't use it with any of my 77mm lenses.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I'm using this flash with a Fuji W3 (3D) digital camera and Cyclopital macro attachment. The flash interfaces simply to the camera through the use of the optional 72 mm adapter ring. The bottom line results are excellent, although my hardware only allows me to use the flash in manual (not auto) mode. It delivers excellent lighting, and it's easy to control the overall light output, as well as the balance between the two individual strobes on the unit. Minor quibbles: the flash is powerful, and the lowest manual setting is 1/64 of maximum output - it would be nice to be able to dial it down to 1/128. Also, an automatic exposure mode that doesn't require a compatible (TTL) camera would be convenient. The unit is expensive, but it's a quality product with a fairly rich feature set.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

Perfect sync with Canon EOS 7D ... Dentistry photos with perfectly exposed pictures.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

This product is useful for macro, dentistry and non-macro product photography. I use it for macro and product photos. For macros, I use it with a Canon MP-E 65mm lens. I don't believe it mounts as close to the camera as a Canon ring light, so at very, very close shots ( abt. 1 in. or less), it has difficulty illuminating the subject. Most shots are greater than that and so far, great results. I would definitely buy it again, especially considering it is not camera brand-specific. I use it in remote mode with my Canon speedlite (mostly) as well as with a sync cord.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I use this flash for dental photography. Very convenient.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I bought this unit for wildflower photos, and the only thing obvious at this point is that I need to learn to use it. I'm using a Pentax K20, and this flash fits both the Pentax 50 mm Macro [52 mm] AND my new Tamron 90 mm Macro [55 mm]. Rain for 3 days straight in San Diego is not exactly helping. I just need some time to experiment with various settings to learn what will work best for me. That's the only thing that keeps me from giving 5 stars.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

Very light and easy to use. Easy to get on and off the macro lens. Makes the camera easier to use.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

Have used ring flashes for years. This is the most versatile! Great quality as well.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I bought this with the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro L IS lens. It came with 3 mounting rings but none was the size of my lens I intended to use this flash with. All the mounting rings are in the 50mm's I had to order a 67mm mounting ring for my 100mm lens. But overall I am satisfied with this flash. It gets the job done for its price.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I love shooting macro and I was getting sick of lugging around my tripod and a few Speedlights to get a sharp image. While these items are still useful/necessary, they take me time to setup and I was missing shots. My main objective of buying a ring flash (like this or the Nikon R1) was to obtain a setup that I could walk around with and get the shots I was missing.

I had a lengthy debate on whether to purchase this flash, or the Nikon R1, for use with my Nikon D90 on a 90mm Tamron and 200mm Nikon macro lenses. I ended up purchasing this item because it seemed like I would have fewer things to deal with while walking around shooting macro. I couldn't be happier with the device. I am now able to shoot at f/22 with both lenses and still obtain the image quality I want. It's great! Best of all, it is only one thing I snap onto the end of the lens when I want to shoot; I put the flash in the included pouch when I don't need it.

One topic I didn't consider when deciding which system to buy was how the flash would integrate with the Nikon D90 commander flash. The built-in D90 commander can only control two channels which would mean both channels would be spoken for if I wanted individual control over the two flashes in the R1 system (at least from what I understand). Bad news if I wanted iTTL with a fill flash (three channels required). The Metz system is nice because the flash proportions (between right and left flash) are controlled on the flash unit rather then by the Nikon CLS. This means I can put the Metz on channel A and a fill flash on channel B. It works perfectly!

The system comes with an IR filter for use on the pop-up flash so its light does not affect exposure. After shooting a bunch of test shots, I've found I don't need it if I set my commander flash (pop-up) to zero output. This is another bonus because the clip is something I will likely lose and is a hassle to put on and take off.

The system does have a tendency to over-expose and I find myself setting the flash compensation to -0.7 much of the time. It's not really a big deal if I watch exposure. Another con is I have found myself in situations where I can't turn the flash down far enough. This hasn't happened very often and I end up just changing aperture settings.

The Metz MS-1 is seemingly not as versatile as the Nikon R1 (can't move the individual flash units into arbitrary positions with the Metz) but I will gladly take the simplicity of the Metz for my needs. The only reason for four stars are due to the exposure comments above.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I paired the Mecablitz with the Panasonic micro 4/3rds Macro and a GF-1. The Mecablitz initially had a hard time pairing to the GF-1's flash and sometimes does not fire in synchronicity. As a consequence the picture does not have the flash. Why actually this is I am uncertain. Otherwise, when it does fire properly the pics are wonderful, infact too bright in some instances. I have had to stop down and turn down the flash.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

I was looking for an alternative to the Canon & Sigma ringlights- the battery module that fits on the flash shoe is a weak point and this packs smaller. What I didn't realise was that for shade matching, this is better than a ring light. You don't get large reflections and being a more specular light, the photos look sharper.
Metz is a top-notch company, great build. Highly recommended!

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

Just purhased this ringflash to fit on my Olympus E300 and manual tamron macro 90mm F2,5. As mentioned in other reviews, light overexposure also because I can not stop down the lens. I will try now the diffusor. Light to use. Fast recycling. I have other Metz flashes. I think they are just great. You can fit on any camera with all the endless cords.

Comments about Metz Mecablitz 15 MS-1 Macro Ringlight Digital Flash:

....but it's not a ring flash per se. It's not the ring flash commonly used in fashion photography.

4 stars rated completely on the basis of a macro flash. Good build quality. Light. Good battery performance. Wide choice of trigger modes.

Not 5 stars because it includes only 52, 55 and 58 adapters. Wider ones have to be purchased in addition.