Photoolex FK300
Score: 72/100
Meke MK-14EXT-N
Score: 60/100Rankings
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 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 | | |
|---|---|---|
33 mbest | 14 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.8 secondsbest | 3 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 304.9 gbest | 398 g |
8best | 8best | |
5,600 Kbest | 5,500 K | |
3best | 3best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 2.8 seconds | 3 seconds |
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | hot shoe | Nikon DSLR |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wireless Capability | true | false |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Type | Standard | AA |
Design(1) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 304.9 g | 398 g |
Lighting(2) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 33 m | 14 m |
Color Temperature (K) | 5600 K | 5500 K |
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.
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.
“pretty amazing”
“easy to use”
“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.”
