The Metz 54 AF-1C Digital hot shoe flash is a simplified fully automatic dedicated TTL shoe flash that's offered in mounts compatible with all major system digital and film SLR cameras.

The Canon-dedicated version tested also supports the advanced E-TTL flash mode used on many Canon digital cameras. There is a large illuminated LCD on the back that provides most operating information after it's switched on by an on/off switch located on the side of the battery compartment cover.

There are just two large user-friendly controls on the back below the LCD. There is TTL auto zooming to automatically match the camera lens focal length, or the head can be adjusted manually.

It easily slides onto the hot shoe of a Canon EOS A2 and securely locks in place with an extra-large knurled wheel. It's also capable of normal or rear (second) curtain sync and FP high-speed sync, and has a modeling light for accessing the light pattern prior to taking the picture. The total light output can be adjusted to four different light levels, and of course, it can be used as daylight fill flash.

Test prints using the Metz 54 AF-1C Digital hot shoe flash all were properly exposed, had excellent color balance, and the light covered the entire field of the lens at focal lengths from 35 to 105mm. When used in bounce mode, the exposures were correct, as was the amount of fill when tried outdoors in daylight.

Warranty
1 year