Metz mecablitz 64 AF-1 £310/$480

It’s a bit like two flashguns in one

Big, solidly built and featurerich, the 64 AF-1 is capable of plenty of top-end tricks thanks to its serious power output, 24-200mm motorized zoom range, -9 to 90 degrees of bounce, and full commander and slave infrared connectivity.

This pro-level flash looks disarmingly simple thanks to its clutter-free interface, but as with the 52 AF-1, it features a highly intuitive, auto-rotating colour touchscreen.

Along with a full range of flash modes including programmable repeat, the 64 AF-1 also boasts a feature that’s unique to the flashguns on test: namely, a secondary, sub-flash module that works brilliantly for delivering fill-flash when using the main head in bounce mode.

Performance

TTL metering accuracy is very good. There’s just a hint of overexposure that remains very consistent in a wide range of scenarios. Maximum output is impressive throughout the zoom range, but it’s best to avoid alkaline batteries if you want fast recycling.