Rankings
The Voking VK750II is a budget-friendly TTL speedlite with a strong 58 m guide number and versatile bounce head. It lacks high-speed sync and is bulkier than native Nikon units, which may deter fast-action shooters. Ideal for Nikon APS-C users who need solid TTL performance without premium pricing.
The Yongnuo YN968N II provides Nikon-compatible TTL and 1/8000 s high-speed sync in a budget-friendly package, featuring a built-in LED modeling light and master wireless control for up to five groups. Drawbacks include a noisy zoom motor, sensitive switches, and incompatibility with Nikon Z-mount TTL. Best suited for Nikon D-series users seeking affordable TTL/HSS performance.
The Nissin MF18 is a professional-grade macro ring flash with a strong 16.2 m guide number, dual tubes, and fine-macro power control. Its drawbacks include limited wireless slave capability and variable recycle times that can hinder burst shooting. It is best suited for Nikon macro photographers who need precise control and are willing to manage AA battery power.
The Meike MK-430N is a compact TTL speedlite providing a 36 m guide number, built-in LCD and wireless slave capability for Nikon and Canon shooters. Its modest power, relatively slow recycle time and uncertain HSS support may restrict fast-action or high-power scenarios. Ideal for hobbyists seeking an affordable on-camera flash with TTL and wireless features.
The Neewer Q120 is a compact 120 Ws battery-powered strobe offering high-speed sync and built-in 2.4 GHz wireless control. Its modest power and fixed 5600 K color temperature may restrict larger studio applications. Suited for traveling photographers and on-location shooters who value portability and wireless features.
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 | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 m | 16.2 m | 58 m | 36 m | 60 mbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 secondsbest | — | 3 secondsbest | 4 seconds | 3 secondsbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 398 g | 446 g | — | 275 gbest | 630 g | 671 g |
— | — | — | — | — | 3,000 mAhbest | |
8 | — | — | 22best | — | — | |
— | — | — | — | 105 mmbest | — | |
— | — | — | 25 m | — | 100 mbest | |
5,500 K | 5,600 Kbest | 5,600 Kbest | 5,600 Kbest | 5,600 Kbest | 5,600 Kbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||||||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 3 seconds | 0.1-5.5 seconds | 3 seconds | 4 seconds | 3 seconds | 0.01-1.5 seconds |
General(1) | ||||||
Compatible Mount Types | Nikon DSLR | — | Hot shoe | Nikon, Canon, others | Hot shoe | Bowens |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||
Wireless Capability | false | true | true | true | true | true |
Wireless Range (m) | — | — | — | 25 m | — | 100 m |
Features(1) | ||||||
High‑Speed Sync | — | true | false | true | true | true |
Battery & Power(2) | ||||||
Battery Type | AA | AA | AA | AA | AA | Lithium |
Power Levels (steps) | 8 | — | — | 22 | — | — |
Design(2) | ||||||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 398 g | 446 g | — | 275 g | 630 g | 671 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | — | 115 × 65 × 85 mm mm | 200x75x57 mm mm | 165 x 74.6 x 59.2 mm (extended) mm | 101x92x222 mm | 81x81x143 mm mm |
Lighting(2) | ||||||
Guide Number (m) | 14 m | 16.2 m | 58 m | 36 m | 60 m | — |
Color Temperature (K) | 5500 K | 5600 K | 5600 K | 5600 K | 5600 K | 5600 K |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“praises the MK-14EXT's flexibility in TTL/Manual/A:B modes, brightness for stopping down to f/16 at ISO 100/1/250s, and side power programming, calling it useful for macro control but noting the jury is "out" after brief testing-potentially too bright without adjustments.”
“very satisfactory results”
“worked fine at events”
Professional reviewers commend the MF18 for its robust build, intuitive hot-shoe controller, and comprehensive feature set that includes TTL, manual, fine-macro, HSS, and curtain sync. They especially value the granular power steps in Fine Macro mode, calling the lighting accuracy exceptional, though they note the lack of slave wireless capability and the inflexibility of the full-automatic mode.
Everyday users praise the flash for delivering precise, repeatable macro lighting and appreciate the dual tubes, modeling LEDs, and memory function that streamline their workflow. Common complaints revolve around the effort required in manual mode, occasional setting reverts, and the limitation of wireless operation to Master only.
Professional reviewers consider the Voking VK750II a solid, feature-rich alternative to Nikon's own flashes, praising its strong TTL performance, versatile bounce and zoom, and intuitive LCD interface. However, they note its lack of high-speed sync and its relatively large size as drawbacks that keep it from being a full-feature replacement for higher-end units.
Everyday users generally view the flash positively, highlighting reliable TTL output, good value for money, and useful accessories like the bounce card and diffuser. Recurring criticisms focus on its bulkier form factor, occasional firmware hiccups, limited wireless range, and faster battery drain in multi-flash modes.
Professional reviewers note that the Meike MK-430N offers solid specifications for its class, delivering reliable TTL performance, a useful LCD panel, and decent wireless range, but they caution buyers to verify version-specific features such as high-speed sync and to be aware of possible configuration differences.
Everyday users appreciate the flash's affordability, lightweight form factor, and the inclusion of essential accessories, though they commonly mention the limited power output and the need to manage AA battery life during extended shoots.
Professional reviewers commend the YN968N II for delivering Nikon-class TTL and HSS performance, solid wireless master functionality, and useful built-in LEDs at a price that undercuts Nikon's own SB-900/800. They highlight its fast recycle, consistent output, and overall value, while noting drawbacks such as a noisy zoom motor, overly sensitive switches, mid-tier plastic construction, and lack of Z-mount TTL support.
Everyday users appreciate the flash's reliability for events, its affordability compared to brand-name units, and the convenience of LED modeling and wireless control. Common praise centers on value, output, and battery life, while recurring complaints focus on loud zoom noise, inconsistent recycling on AA cells, sensitive switches, plastic build scuffing, and incompatibility with newer Nikon Z cameras.
No dedicated professional reviews or editorials were found for the Q120; related Neewer promotional material for the Q300 suggests praise for stable output and portable wireless control, but no specific expert quotes address the Q120 directly.
User feedback is not present in the source data. Typical sentiment for Neewer portable strobes highlights value and portability, with occasional concerns about battery longevity and limited power for demanding shoots.
