Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL

  • B&H # ME48AF1N
  • Mfr# MZ 48314N

Product Highlights

  • mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 118'/36 m at 50mm) for Nikon i-TTL

Protect Your Purchase

International Pricing Disclaimer
 

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

866.617.4803
Live Chat

The Metz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash is one of Metz's shoe mount flashes that are designed to be compatible with all digital cameras, both current and future models. To better facilitate compatibility with current and future cameras, this flash now features a built-in USB port that allows for future firmware updates via the internet.

The 48 AF-1 is designed to fully support a digital or film SLR camera's TTL system. In addition, it can be operated as a TTL slave unit that can be controlled by the camera's own built-in commander mode, a manufacturer's flash with master capabilities, or from a Metz 58 AF1.

The flash also features an auto zoom head from 24-105mm that can be set to match the camera's sensor, a full bounce and swivel reflector head, a built-in wide angle diffuser for 18mm coverage, and in addition, full manual control with 12 variable power output levels.

Fully compatible with current and future digital cameras, updatable via USB port
High-speed flash synchronization allows flash to be used with any shutter speed (only with appropriate camera bodies)
Wireless full TTL triggering via a camera or flash with commander/master mode
Autozooming head can cover from 24 to 105mm, and 18mm when used with the included wide-angle diffuser
Type Shoe mount
Guide Number 118' (36 m) at 50mm
158' (48 m) at 105mm
Angle of Coverage 84 to 23° (24-105mm lenses in 35mm format)
100° (18mm) with included wide-angle diffuser
Auto Distance Range No
Auto f/Stops Not Specified by Manufacturer
Variable Power Yes, 1/1 to 1/128th
TTL Dedication Yes (i-TTL)
Bounce Head Yes
Swivel Head Yes
Zoom Head 24-105mm (Auto zoom, flash senses focal length & adjusts; Manual zoom)
Off Camera Terminal No
Recycle Time 3.5 Seconds (based on fresh alkaline batteries & full power)
Power Source 4 "AA" 1.5V batteries (alkaline, NiCad, NiMH & Lithium)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 2.8 x 5.8 x 3.9" (71 x 148 x 99mm)
Weight 15.5 oz (440 g) [w/o batteries]

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL
 
4.8

(based on 21 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (17)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (17)
  • Fast recycling (17)
  • Consistent output (15)
  • Durable (13)
  • Good power output (13)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • General purpose (19)
    • Fill flash (14)
    • Portraits (14)
    • Night photography (9)
    • Photojournalism (8)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Photo enthusiast (10)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 21 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-20

    Back to top

    Previous | Next »

     
    5.0

    Great Price

    By planetman

    from baton rouge

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Fast Recycling
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • none

    Best Uses

    • General Use

    Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

    I researched and found this to be the best for my needs. [...]

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    This is my second one of these units.

    By SCgreyguy

    from Greenville, SC

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Fast Recycling
    • Lightweight
    • Powerful Output
    • Versatile

    Cons

    • CLS slave only

    Best Uses

    • Fill Flash
    • General Use
    • Photojournalism
    • Portraits

    Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

    I replaced an SB600 with one of these metz 48 af units. I killed it in about a year and a half of heavy use and drops (wedding photogs aren't known for being nice to gear) I liked it enough that i bought the same unit to replace the one I killed. I also have its big brother unit that acts as a commander... but if I am not using CLS I use the 48 as its menus are MUCH easier than the bigger unit.

    Comment on this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    It's Good !

    By Hyoung

    from San Jose, CA

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Easy To Use

    Cons

    • No bag

    Best Uses

    • General Use
    • Portraits

    Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

    It's simple to use and versatile.
    I used this flash as a slave one as well as master one.

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    Good flash

    By Yuriy

    from Almaty, Kazakstan

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Fast Recycling
    • Lightweight
    • Powerful Output

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Fill Flash

      Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

      I use it with Nikon D90. Good price for this quality.

      Comment on this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Recommended highly

      By smith0699

      from Orlando, FL

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use
      • Powerful Output

      Cons

      • No optical trigger

      Best Uses

      • Fill Flash
      • General Use
      • Night Photography
      • Photojournalism
      • Portraits

      Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

      Works well, with perfect i-TTL integration. In just the first few weeks of use, it has already become evident that this flash (as might any flash, for that matter) improves the quality of my photographs in high-light and low-light situations, while increasing the versatility of my current lenses. Only desire is for optical trigger (so that flash can be triggered by built-in flash on older camera).

      Comment on this review

      (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      A very good unit for the money

      By Believer

      from Pittsburgh, PA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Easy To Use
      • Fast Recycling
      • Reasonalbe price

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Fill Flash
        • General Use
        • Portraits

        Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

        1. fast response and recycle
        2. TTL works very well with Nikon D80
        3. TTL balance mode works well for fill flash operation even though manual fill flash is preferable
        4. I would recommend to anybody with Nikon DSLR's (cannot speak for other brands or models)

        Comment on this review

        (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Works Well with Nikon D90

        By bluetiger

        from Tennessee

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Easy To Use
        • Fast Recycling
        • Powerful Output
        • Versatile

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • General Use
          • Portraits

          Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

          TTL format very easy to use with my Nikon D90
          Batteries keep a charge for quite a while
          A well built flash for a wonderful price!!

          Comment on this review

          (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Best SB600 alternative

          By Prettner

          from Bogota Colombia

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Durable
          • Fast Recycling
          • Powerful Output

          Cons

          • No pouch included
          • No stand included

          Best Uses

            Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

            Nice flash, compatible with Nikon's CLS, Firmware update via usb, German made, more power than SB600
            Not 5 star rating: no pouch included, no stand for remote use and when tilts is not as firm as SB600, but worth the price difference

            Comment on this review

            (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Superior to manufacturers units

            By Colin

            from Clearwater, FL

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Fast Recycling
            • Powerful Output

            Cons

            • Hot shoe lock

            Best Uses

            • Fill Flash
            • General Use
            • Photojournalism
            • Weddings

            Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

            Most portable flash units are similar in output, weight, quality of light, etc., at least those priced in the same neighborhood.

            What sets this unit off is:
            1. The simple to understand LCD panel. Not only is it MUCH simpler than the SB-600 I had. The LCD panel display is larger and much easier to see and to understand the symbols and numbers on the screen. They really thought about using the flash when they designed this panel.

            2. The build quality. It just feel tougher than the equivalent Nikon strobes.

            I am a semi-pro photographer. I trust this Metz unit much more than the Nikon flashes that I have used. I have had several Metz units over 30+ years, and none of them has ever failed me. I cannot say that about Nikon flash units.

            The only negative is the hot shoe lock. I prefer the one on my SB-400 that I use for travel & as backup for the Metz. It's simpler, faster, and just about as reliable.

            Comment on this review

            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            A Great Flash for Nikon D90

            By xopy

            from Rockville, Maryland

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Fast Recycling
            • Lightweight
            • Versatile

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Fill Flash
              • General Use
              • Photojournalism
              • Portraits

              Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

              Metz 48 AF-1 works like charm in all modes I have tested.

              TTL - Direct, Bounce, Swivel modes all work very well and as advertised.

              I have used it together with my other studio lights in SLAVE (TTL) mode and the exposures are great.

              The user's guide that comes with the flash could be better. It needs to be read a few times before things become clear.

              I would definitely recommend the flash to others.

              Comment on this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Great Product- Incredibly User Friendly

              By Kelly

              from Toms River, NJ

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Easy To Use
              • Lightweight
              • Powerful Output

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Fill Flash
                • General Use
                • Night Photography
                • Portraits

                Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                I bought the mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL for my Nikon D40... price was a huge concern for me, but as others compared it favorably to the Nikon S600, and it had loads more power than the Nikon, the choice became a lot less difficult. I was able to use this product right out of the box... it's fast, my photographs have improved drastically, and if anything I'm only upset that I didn't buy this sooner.

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Another great flash by Metz

                By Scott Y

                from Valley Forge, PA

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Easy To Use
                • Fast Recycling
                • Powerful Output
                • Versatile

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Fill Flash
                  • General Use
                  • Night Photography
                  • Portraits

                  Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                  Great all around flash. When a stronger flash or more flexible flash is needed than the built in flash, this baby shines!

                  Comment on this review

                  (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  4.0

                  Great Flash at a Great Price

                  By D. Burke

                  from Shippensburg, PA

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Reviewer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Versatile

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Fill Flash
                    • General Use
                    • Night Photography
                    • Portraits

                    Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                    After owning this flash for a few months I can honestly say it is an excellent flash. It has all the key features I was looking for (swivel/bounce/zoom head, i-TTL metering, reasonably powerful, slave mode) at a very affordable price. The controls and menus are easy enough, though not initially intuitive, which probably brings up the biggest downside to this flash. When you want to cycle through the menu it requires a double button press that (unless you have extraordinarily large hands) requires both hands. Not a big deal if it's mounted on a stand or your camera happens to be on a tripod, but if you are carrying your camera with the flash on the hot shoe it is a bit awkward and annoying. Other than that it is a great flash and I can see myself purchasing other Metz flashes in the future.

                    Comment on this review

                    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Greal Flash

                    By Scott Y

                    from Valley Forge, Pa

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Durable
                    • Easy To Use
                    • Fast Recycling
                    • Lightweight
                    • Powerful Output
                    • Versatile

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Fill Flash
                      • General Use
                      • Night Photography

                      Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                      Easy to set up. Clear instructions. Works great with my Nikon D300s

                      Comment on this review

                      (3 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Great substitute to Nikon SB600 for less

                      By Emistapnow

                      from Las Vegas, Nevada

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Consistent Output
                      • Durable
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Fast Recycling
                      • Lightweight
                      • Powerful Output
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Fill Flash
                        • General Use
                        • Night Photography
                        • Photojournalism
                        • Portraits

                        Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                        I had SB600, sold it and got Metz Mecablitz 48 AF-1. This flash recharge so fast and can cope with my D300 shutter speed. Just like other German technology, this is "First Class". Durability - this will last forever! Easy to use programs with only few buttons to play around.
                        Get yours now! You will not be disappointed.

                        Comment on this review

                        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Good Quality but could use a case

                        By Mini52

                        from Hawaii

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Consistent Output
                        • Fast Recycling
                        • Powerful Output

                        Cons

                        • No case

                        Best Uses

                        • Fill Flash
                        • General Use
                        • Night Photography
                        • Photojournalism
                        • Portraits

                        Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                        Product itself is well made. Very good exposure, bounce works well. Ordering with a Omni Bounce gives a third option. I also own a SB600 which does a great job. But Metz AF48 gives a slightly more pleasing exposure. Also Metz gives a faster recycle over a longer period of use which probably translates into longer battery life although both recycle fast when batteries are fresh. Could use a soft case Metz fits in a Nikon SS600 case without Omni Bounce and SS900 case with Omni Bounce attached

                        Comment on this review

                        (2 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        No red-eye

                        By BJ

                        from Cliffside, NC

                        About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Consistent Output
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Fast Recycling
                        • Powerful Output

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • General Use

                          Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                          Taking pictures at birthday parties I had no red-eyes at a shooting distance of five to ten feet. With my Nikon SB-600 I had to use bounce flash to avoid red-eye. My SB-600 died suddenly and I bought the Metz 48. The Metz puts out very even light. I am pleased with it.

                          Comment on this review

                          (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Excelent Flash!

                          By xenozauros

                          from St.-Petersburg, Russia

                          About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Fast Recycling
                          • Lightweight
                          • Powerful Output

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Fill Flash
                            • General Use
                            • Photojournalism
                            • Portraits

                            Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                            I use this flash for making portraits, for in room photography and for additional light, when making shots on the street.
                            This flash is very silent one - no buzzing charging sounds at all. I hate them. Very quick and powerful. I was choosing between Nikon SB-600 and Metz 48, and preferred Metz because it is faster, quieter and more useful.
                            Screen menu and controls looks unusual in beginning, but after some time they are OK and better ;-)))
                            Built-in reflector is perfect.
                            I love this item ;-)

                            Comment on this review

                            (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Outsanding value

                            By BLP

                            from Wilmington, DE

                            About Me Semi-Professional

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Easy To Use
                            • Fast Recycling
                            • Lightweight

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Fill Flash
                              • General Use

                              Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                              The Metz 48 AF-1 is an outstanding flash in this price range. It exceeded my expectations and has performed flawlessly. TTL metering with Nikon D300 is spot on.

                              Ease of operation and battery life good.

                              Hot shoe attachent could be a bit stronger or be replaced with a quick release.

                              Comment on this review

                              (4 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Robust and powerful.

                              By ARTK

                              from Apopka, FL

                              About Me Semi-Professional

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Consistent Output
                              • Durable
                              • Easily Interchangeable
                              • Easy To Clean
                              • Fast Recycling
                              • Lightweight

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • General Use
                                • Night Photography
                                • Photojournalism
                                • Portraits

                                Comments about Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL:

                                Compact, TTL compatible, has a vertical design that reduces the risk of red eyes. It is very powerful, is equipped with USB connection to update its firmware and its head is rotating, allowing all kinds of rebounds.

                                Comment on this review

                                Displaying reviews 1-20

                                Back to top

                                Previous | Next »

                                Batteries & Power

                                Required item:

                                Pearstone -  AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries (4 Pack)
                                • Price: $8.95
                                • GBP 5.66
                                 
                                Pearstone -  NM-4H26LCD 4 AA NiMH Batteries with 4 Hour Charger (2600mAh,110-240V)
                                • Price: $24.95
                                • GBP 15.77
                                 

                                Flash Diffusers

                                Sto-Fen -  OM-MZ80 Omni-Bounce for Metz 48 & 58 Series
                                • Price: $11.95
                                • GBP 7.55
                                 

                                Brackets

                                Stroboframe -  Quick Flip 350 Bracket
                                • Price: $34.98
                                • GBP 22.11
                                 

                                Sync Cords & Flash Remotes

                                Nikon -  SC-28 TTL Remote Cord - Coiled 3-9'
                                • Price: $49.95
                                • GBP 31.57
                                 
                                Pearstone -  TTL-Off-Camera Flash Cord for Nikon - 6.5' (2 m)
                                • Price: $32.95
                                • GBP 20.83
                                 

                                Flash Pouch

                                LensCoat -  LensCoat FlashKeeper (Black)
                                • Price: $24.99
                                • GBP 15.80
                                 

                                Flash Accessories

                                Sticky Filter -  Sticky Filters for Flash (Large, 2 x 3.25", Set of 5)
                                • Price: $49.95
                                • GBP 31.57
                                 

                                Books & Tutorials

                                Amphoto -  Book: Mastering Flash Photography
                                • Price: $18.82
                                • GBP 11.90
                                 

                                What's in the Box

                                Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon i-TTL
                                • 1-Year Warranty
                                 
                                 
                                See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                                Close

                                Close