Meke MK-14EXT-N
Score: 60/100
Godox iM30
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Godox iM30 is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized manual flash offering GN 15 and seven power levels with optical wireless S1/S2. Its fixed head and lack of TTL limit creative control and convenience. Best suited for travel and street photographers who prioritize size over power.
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 | 15 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 secondsbest | 3.6 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 398 g | 78 gbest |
8best | 7 | |
5,500 K | 6,500 Kbest | |
3best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 3 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | Nikon DSLR | Hot shoe |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wireless Capability | false | true |
Features(2) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 3 | 1 |
TTL Support | true | false |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | AA | AAA |
Power Levels (steps) | 8 | 7 |
Design(1) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 398 g | 78 g |
Lighting(2) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 14 m | 15 m |
Color Temperature (K) | 5500 K | 6500 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.
Professional editors praise the iM30 for its unprecedented compactness, solid build, and surprisingly bright output (GN 15) that handles most direct-flash scenarios. They also value its retro styling and the inclusion of optical wireless S1/S2 modes, which bring remote capability to a pocket-size unit. The main criticisms focus on the fixed head and limited power, which constrain creative lighting and performance in bright conditions.
Everyday photographers love how the iM30 slips into pockets and adds just enough light for street, travel and small-studio work. Reviewers repeatedly mention its excellent price-to-performance ratio and practical brightness, while no major complaints appear in the available user data beyond the expected limitation of a non-tilting head.
“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.”
