Meike FC-100
Score: 55/100
Altura Photo Camera Flash
Score: 80/100Rankings
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 Meike FC-100 is a manual LED macro ring flash that offers versatile continuous and flash lighting with a lightweight design and affordable price. Its low 15 GN output and lack of TTL automation limit its usefulness for demanding macro work. Best suited for beginners and video shooters needing basic close-up illumination.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
15 m | 68 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 4 secondsbest |
| ↓ lower better | 230 gbest | 280 g |
7best | — | |
5,500 Kbest | — | |
4 | 5best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | Universal hot shoe | Hot Shoe |
Features(2) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 4 | 5 |
TTL Support | false | true |
Design(2) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 230 g | 280 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 80 x 60 x 120 mm mm | 5 in × 3.2 in × 2.9 in mm |
Lighting(1) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 15 m | 68 m |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the FC-100 for its low price, portability, and versatile lighting modes, especially the flash capability that sets it apart from pure continuous rings. However, they consistently note that its 15 GN output is too weak for true 1:1 macro work and that the manual-only operation can be challenging for users expecting automatic exposure.
Everyday users praise the ring's affordability, easy adapter system, and usefulness for video or basic close-up photography, but they frequently complain about insufficient power for high-magnification subjects, manual exposure difficulties, and limited effective range.
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.
“decent, cheap for portable setups”
“reliable, user-friendly”
“bright with no delays”
