Altura Photo Camera Flash
Score: 80/100
Meke MK-14EXT-N
Score: 60/100Rankings
The Altura AP-UNV2 is an affordable speedlite with a strong 68 m guide number and a feature-rich LCD interface. Its main trade-offs are slower recycle with alkaline batteries and limited high-speed sync capability. Best suited for beginner to intermediate Nikon shooters who need portable power without the cost of OEM units.
The MEKE MK-14EXT-N is a TTL macro ring flash for Nikon DSLRs offering a high 14 m guide number and versatile dual-tube ratio control. Its lack of wireless operation, heavy weight, and limited compatibility with newer mirrorless bodies constrain its use in professional studio or outdoor macro work. It is best suited for hobbyist macro photographers using compatible Nikon DSLRs who need affordable, high-contrast ring lighting.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
68 mbest | 14 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 seconds | 3 secondsbest |
| ↓ lower better | 280 gbest | 398 g |
— | 8best | |
— | 5,500 Kbest | |
5best | 3 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 4 seconds | 3 seconds |
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | Hot Shoe | Nikon DSLR |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wireless Capability | true | false |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 5 | 3 |
Design(1) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 280 g | 398 g |
Lighting(1) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 68 m | 14 m |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Altura AP-N1001 a solid entry-level option that delivers impressive output and intuitive controls at a low price. They commend its reliable i-TTL performance, useful LCD interface, and wireless slave capability, while noting that it falls short of OEM flashes in terms of full HSS support and advanced features.
Everyday users consistently praise the flash's bright power, easy TTL synchronization via the LCD, and sturdy construction, seeing it as great value for beginners. Recurring complaints focus on slower recycle times with alkaline batteries, the need for manual adjustments on mirrorless bodies, and limited high-speed sync functionality.
“reliable, user-friendly”
“bright with no delays”
“build quality (no damage/firing issues after heavy use)”
Professional reviewers commend the MK-14EXT for its versatile dual-tube ratio control, strong 46′ guide number and reliable i-TTL performance, which together deliver precise, high-contrast macro lighting. However, they also point out that its brightness can be excessive, it lacks wireless triggering, and its support is limited to older Nikon DSLRs, leaving its suitability for serious professional macro work uncertain.
Everyday users praise the flash for delivering even, shadow-free illumination ideal for jewelry, product and dental photography, and for its long battery life and included adapter rings. Recurring complaints focus on the absence of wireless control, occasional over-brightness, and limited compatibility with newer Nikon mirrorless bodies.
