Photoolex FK300
Score: 72/100
Meike MK430C
Score: 72/100Rankings
The Photoolex FK300 is a compact manual speedlite offering 8 power levels and wireless S1/S2 triggering, making it suitable for product and portrait work. Its main trade-offs are the lack of TTL and limited low-light reach, as well as dependence on AA batteries. Best for budget-conscious creators who need manual control and portability.
The Meike MK-430C is a compact, lightweight TTL speedlite designed for Canon EOS DSLRs, offering a strong guide number of 36-42 m and versatile head rotation with a 24-85 mm zoom range. Its slower 3-4 second recycle and dependence on AA batteries limit rapid shooting and consistent output. It is best suited for budget-conscious hobbyists and portrait shooters who value power and flexibility over high-speed performance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
33 m | 39 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.8 secondsbest | 3.5 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 304.9 g | 275 gbest |
8 | 22best | |
— | 54.5 mmbest | |
— | 22.5 mbest | |
5,600 Kbest | 5,600 Kbest | |
3 | 5best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 2.8 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | hot shoe | Canon EOS |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 3 | 5 |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | Standard | AA |
Power Levels (steps) | 8 | 22 |
Design(2) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 304.9 g | 275 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 75×58×189 mm mm | 165×74.6×59.2 mm |
Lighting(1) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 33 m | 39 m |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the FK300 for its intuitive control layout, especially the plus/minus buttons, and the innovative continuous blue light mode that aids focusing without firing full power. They note the flash's simplicity and the broad flash duration range as strengths for creative lighting, while acknowledging that it lacks advanced TTL features found in higher-end speedlites.
Everyday users highlight the solid build, easy usability, and the value of the included accessories such as the magnetic filter and stand. The adjustable power levels receive consistent commendation, and the price point is seen as a strong advantage.
While dedicated professional reviews are scarce, editors and product listings highlight the MK-430C as a functional, budget-friendly TTL flash that delivers mainstream performance comparable to Canon's own offerings, albeit without advanced radio wireless or premium build quality.
Consumers generally view the Meike MK-430C as a solid value proposition, praising its portability, TTL operation, and included accessories. The lack of major complaints suggests satisfaction, though users are aware of limitations such as battery dependence and slower recycle times compared to higher-end flashes.
“pretty amazing”
“easy to use”
