Altura Photo Flash
Score: 67/100
Meike MK430C
Score: 62/100Rankings
The Altura Photo AP-UNV2 is a budget manual flash with a versatile head, LCD interface and optical slave, suited for learning and controlled studio work. Its lack of TTL, HSS and reliance on AA batteries limit fast-action and outdoor use.
The Meike MK430C is an affordable, Canon-compatible shoe-mount flash offering a strong guide number, TTL, and HSS in a lightweight metal housing. While it provides solid basic functionality, its limited wireless range and slower recycle with AA batteries make it less suited for demanding professional use.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
38 m | 42 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.9 sbest | 4 s |
| ↓ lower better | 440 g | 275 gbest |
— | 25 mbest | |
8 levelsbest | — | |
5,600 Kbest | 5,600 Kbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0 sbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Flash Modes | Manual, Stroboscopic, S1, S2 | TTL, Manual, Multi, Optical Slave, Master/Slave |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Compatible Brands | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, etc. | Canon |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 440 g | 275 g |
Performance(2) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 38 m | 42 m |
Recycle Time (s) | 2.9 s | 4 s |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | Wide-angle diffuser, bounce card, protective pouch | Flash unit, flash stand, protection bag, bilingual user manual |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers see it as a solid, value-driven entry-level flash with good build and features, but note missing TTL and HSS as major drawbacks for serious shooters.
Everyday users appreciate its affordability and flexibility, while complaining about the lack of TTL, slower recycle and battery compartment durability.
Professional reviewers note that the MK430C delivers surprisingly consistent TTL performance and premium-feel features like a metal hot shoe at a budget price, but caution that the lack of radio wireless and occasional optical slave hiccups limit its suitability for demanding shoots.
Everyday users rate the flash around 4.4 / 5, praising its ease of use, LCD, and value, while noting occasional unit failures and inconsistent optical slave performance.
“High manual power control with 1/128 granularity.”
“Optical slave works well for studio setups.”
“Battery compartment feels cheap and needs frequent AA changes.”
