Metz, a world-renown manufacturer of high-quality lighting equipment, has just released a new flagship speedlight – Metz Mecablitz 64 AF-1. Having a Guide Number of 64 (at ISO 100, 200 mm zoom), Metz 64 AF-1 is now one of the most powerful hot-shoe flashes on the market, surpassing Canon 600EX and Nikon SB-910. At the moment, Metz 64 AF-1 flash is only available for Canon and Nikon shooters, but Pentax, Sony, and Olympus/Panasonic/Leica models will be following later this year.

The biggest highlight of Metz Mecablitz 64 AF-1 is its new interface. It features an oversized color touch display with an auto-rotation function. Making touch interfaces easy to follow can be tricky, but Metz says that the menus on the new flash are very straightforward. We can't wait to see Metz 64 AF-1 in action, and we really hope it delivers on the promise.

The world's first flash with a touch screen was Metz 52 AF-1 (though is was not a color display). The touch interface was generally well-received, and now Mecablitz 64 AF-1 is building on the success of its little brother. (See how Metz Mecablitz 52 AF-1 compares to its predecessor.)

Metz flashes deliver superb quality and design, and Metz 64 AF-1 promises to be no exception. It is loaded with professional features, and it should appeal to many working professionals and hobbyists alike. Besides the high Guide Number and an impressive, never seen on a flash, display, Metz 64 AF-1 is the company's first flash to have zoom range from 24 mm to 200 mm and the flash head tilt down to 9 degrees.

For more detailed information, please refer to the manufacturer's web-site.