Please note that I have noticed some problems with this flash on my Fujifilm X-T3 some time after making this video. I have also gotten a couple of reports of similar problems from my viewers. The problems are mostly that the flash is unreliable on some cameras - reporting low battery when the battery is almost fresh etc. and firing at lower power than it should. These problems only seem to happen on certain cameras - it has worked perfectly for years on my Sony cameras.

I bought this flash 6 months ago based on the strength of your recommendation. It has been a dream to use. Thank you so much for this video.

Thank you for your info! At last I got my copy of this flash and started to use. I'm still waiting for the diffuser to come. Now using copy paper instead. Before I tried several different settings of macro flash - twin flash and larger speedlite holding on the left hand. Finally I found this way is currently the best way for me. Meike 320 is light enough to attached to camera and it makes me use my left hand to hold grass or branch or whatever on the way to the subject. And Meike 320 is low enough not to lose balance of the camera.

My mk320 arrived yesterday can’t wait to start using it with the Olympus 60mm macro on my G85. Super small rig now

Hi Micael. This post is a bit of a "cry for help". Let me first start of saying, that I'm thankful for how you have helped me through your videos and responses to my comments. Since I got more interested in macro some months back, I have followed you along and gotten more inspired. It's not my profession, nor my main genre of focus, none is, but it opens up another niche of details, and I'm all in to details of any genre. I always look for certain structures in nature and architecture. Okay, now to the frustrations. It's about the Meike MK320 Speedlite: a) Since the day I received it (purchased new), I always had to put a lot of force in to attaching and deattaching it (I use the a7R IV). Recently, it cracked in the hot shoe, when I attempted to deattach it, leaving a piece of the flash in the hot shoe. So, the flash is gone for sure, and I'm not certain how severe the damages are on that camera. Not sure why it was so tough to get it on and off. b) I always get 2-3 black frames every time the flash has successfully fired 2 off. I first purchased the GP ReCyko Pro 2000, which was a mistake, and these don't provide enough power. Then, I purchased the GP ReCyko Pro Photo Flash 2000, but achieved the same results (aren't these the ones you recommend?) c) The flash exposures the image unless I'm all the way down to f/16 - f/22, 1/250 and ISO 50, and other times I must use the widest aperture, ~1/30 and a few hundred ISO to expose an image correctly (this is anywhere between a few metres to 2x magnification (I use the Laowa 85, but had the same issues with the Sony 90). Whenever I use the Laowa 25, I'm always at max power. Perhaps this is a defected copy. With all of this in mind, I'm just not sure what to do. I know the Godox V1 works fine, which I previously owned but broke when I fell during a walk. It's too heavy for me, though. Not sure if I should get a smaller Godox or another copy of the Meike. I have visited a lot of sites to get more informed, but they seem to misinform a lot. Also confused about defusers; I just use a cheap round one, and I always have to hold it, as my lenses are too thin (Laowa 25 and Laowa 85). Is there one that fit snug on them both? I'm in a bit of a hurry, as I'm travelling to USA the 15th December, and want to do a bit of macro as well. Thank you in advance, and keep up the great content!

I bought this flash. Used one for around 50 bucks. Love it. Good addition to my A6600. Thank you for the recommendation.

Thanks for this great video Micael! You "sold" me this flash and the Laowa 65mm as well (matched to a Sony A6400). I am a beginner at macro and with your advise my gear is spot on. I am having a lot of fun.

In my opinion better choice in this price point is Godox TT350. I was very disappointed using Meike MK-320 on Sony A6400. (Flash didn't shoot every time it was needed).

I recommend using the godox f350 , u can buy two models one with 2 AA batteries, and a other with a rechargable battery. I used in rainforests of Malaysia for macro with the Fuji xt3 and the Fuji 80 mm macro and a diffuser similar to what u use on the lens, it's an amazing setup. The flash is fantastic, reliable, and very powerful but also tiny

Thank you for the info! I'm using a FujiX-T4 with a Laowa 65mm and a Godox TT350 mini flash, which I have enjoyed. But the Meike flash is, thankfully, a reasonable distance from the camera now. My diffusors work better, and it makes a much more compact rig.

I was looking for a good flash to macro, and I bought today Meike MK-320 for my Canon. After Yours recommendation I feel even more happy that I picked up this one. :)

Canon 600 ex rt greatest flash ever. I use 10 of these for my photography plus three 430 ex rt iii and two es 2 rt remotes. I use 3 to 5 for most of my macro work even in the field. I can control all from the rest of my cameras.

I picked up a second-hand Nikon SB-80, it may be old but it is super powerful and super reliable... It is only manual on my A7iii but it lasts forever between charges

Any GODOX TTL with the rubber diffuser on it is great for macro...already tested Godox 520 and is perfect...with 2 synced, you get perfect results at F20.

I like simple stuff. The yongnuo flashes for canon I found are excellent especially when paired with their remote system. My favorite is setting the power output to low and making handheld focus stacks - or gelling one flash (For blue or green I use a clear bottle of detergent!) for background and then using a gary fong flash modifier for the subject.

With the flash mounted directly to the camera a lot of the light is wasted because the flash is not pointed at the subject and with some flash units you're probably firing at full power and that's why they're not cycling fast enough, and they seem to be eating the batteries. Get the flash off of the camera and pointed directly at what you're shooting and you'll get better performance out of them. Also helps to keep the duration of the flash as short as possible so it's easier to freeze motion and get sharp images.

Just bought it. My usual Flash is very good already, just a Neweer, but it's so bulky. I think this fits my needs much better.

Hi Micael, that is a very nice introduction of this Meike speedlight.

Hello from the future (July 24th, 2023). I bought this flash a week ago, put some fresh AA batteries in, and they drained in about 5 minutes. Put some new batteries in and did something else for about 20 mins. Came back, picked up the flash and it felt really hot, I could barely hold the batts in my hands. Tried again with fresh Alkaline AA's, same heat issue, so it's going back. This is all with power off. Replacement will be here this Tues. Hopefully the new one works right. Thanks for your Videos, I watch them all! :)

I used to have probs with flash not always firing until I got some Eneloop Pro batteries and threw away the old ones..expensive but so worth it for fast recycle and prolonged use

Micael--I have the Sony version of the MK-320 and am using it on a Sony A1. The Meike hot shoe was just a little too tight in the Sony camera shoe. I had to file off a tiny bit of material on the plastic Meike shoe to get it to go snugly on and off the camera. I think the Sony mount requires very close tolerances to make sure the electrical contacts remain in the proper location, but my flash was just too tight to get on and off. Even a finger nail file would have worked to trim a little bit of material off the bottom of the Meike shoe. Mine is fine now, fits just as well as my Godox Sony trigger.

I chose the Nissin i40 flash, i have had it for a few years now and i love it, manual control with decent power and small in size.

Always enjoy your videos Micael. 👍👍👍

just bought this flash.. i have a ASPC sony zv-e10 and the defuser you have and gunna buy a Laowa lens soon! you have inspired me man! I can't wait to get bit by bugs!

I have the Neewer version of that flash (NW320). I have been looking for a diffuser like that. I did not know what to call it: "On Lens Diffuser" Thank thee :-)

Great video, I'm using an amazon basic flash with a little softbox diffuser on top of it, mainly using it off camera with some neweer triggers, that's sitting on top of a d750 I find the flash gives great results for such a cheap price!

Sure any flash will do given if you angle it correctly and light your subject and cover it as you invasion it. Some shadow shows dimension and directional light such as life. It depends on how you wish to tell your story

Very beautiful photography, love your work, cheers from Australia.

Your approach to macro photography is magical, MAGICAL. Does this flash have HSS ? P.S. Try Capture One, in my opinion it`s infinitely better for Fuji files.

I just switched from Nikon to Panasonic MFT and am still trying to dial in my setup. I too like to lift the shadows and I think I have found a solution, though I need to do some more testing. On top of using the diffuser on the lens (mine is similar to yours but I made it myself) I am also using a plastic diffuser over the flash. I don't know the proper name for them but I know that some flashes come with them. Mine did not, so I made one by cutting the bottom off of an alcohol bottle and it slides right over and stays on the flash pretty well. I have to use a higher setting on the flash but the light is much softer and more even this way. This was inspired by platydracus on instagram who uses two types of diffuser as well and takes beautiful photos of salamanders. He has a story showing how he makes his diffuser but I wanted something much smaller and much more compact than his setup (part of the reason I switched to m43 to begin with). You are more experienced than me when it comes to macro but maybe this would help you with the issue you mentioned. Its getting cold here and the insects are disappearing which sucks because I just got this new camera system and I'm itching to use it! I looked at the meike flashes but didn't know much about them. Now that I have some confirmation from you that they're good, I might buy one! My flash takes too long to recharge and I also end up with a lot of black photos, even using it at 1/4 power.

we have the same camera (but mine is one generation older), flash and lens..the LED lights in the flash help to illuminate in the dark and also when you are using small aperture which cause the viewfinder to be laggy when its too dark

Hi , I just tested the new Jinbei hi-5. very nice. With usbc charge …. Cheers

Thanks a lot for this video. I have a X-Pro3 and I got a Fringer adapter to use my Canon EF lenses on it, I have a Canon 100mm macro that I plan using for macro. Your setup looks neat and compact, that's important. I bought a used flash from KEH, the Metz 44 AF-2, I got it used for $80, I feel the lamp is bigger, which provides more power, but I also feel it's bad because it's bigger and the lamp head gets far from the diffuser. I got the same diffuser as you on Amazon.

Hi Michael. I wonder if you can tell me, does the Fuji X-T3 and Mieki 320 setup allow you to do continuous, sequential flash shots? (for photo stacking) PS. I really enjoy your work. Beautiful shots.

Can you give a deeper detail on how you set the flash to the camera in macro photography, please? I bought this flash on my a6300 according to your review. But when I use the flash. It's not working well on TTL mode. I have to use the M mode with 1/32 setting to have a perfect light on subject.

I guess without using the diffuser the Flash sits low enough that a lens hood might block it from the subject. I have ordered one of those diffusers and I think that will work well with a small Flash. Thanks for the tips and information!

I think the MK-320 has a fixed focal length of 24mm (full frame), which gives it a horizontal angle of around 74°. This might not be enough to light up most of the diffusor when the flash is so close to it. Maybe a flash with a wide angle diffusor might help. For instance, the Godox TT350 has a focal length of 14mm with the diffusor flap, which results in a horizontal angle of around 105°. I would be interested in any experience with the Godox or a similar flash and the Dörr diffusor.

Thank you so much for discussing this flash. I'd been trying to figure out the smallest flash option for travel incase I wanted to do some macro. I now technically have the same setup as you, I had purchased the Laowa 65mm for my XT3 as soon as it was announced and I love it. After your video and seeing the price I decided it couldn't hurt to try this little flash. It arrived yesterday and I took a few test shots and am already impressed. Adding that it uses AA batteries means I can leave a charger behind, and buy AAs if I need them. Do you use the small plastic diffuser in addition to the over-the-lens diffuser? I'm going to do some tests over the weekend and see if it makes much of a difference.

I might have gotten a bad sample which ceased flashing several days after purchase. Luckily that after sale service is available and I am now paying attention on how long the replaced flashgun can last.

Another problem that I encountered, is that the Flash can still sleep but the camera is not. In this case the camera doesn't wake the Flash and it stay asleep. Pressing the shutter just takes a photo. Any workaround for that?

had this.flash for a few yrs already, nice！

I am purchasing one of these from ebay brand new. The seller just countered my offer of 40 pounds to 45 so have accepted it. I am looking for a lighter and smaller flash than my speedlight. At that price i cant complain.

This also sells under the brand Neewer NW320 on Amazon, I purchased one for my Sony A6000 but had major problems. It would only fire in TTL mode but only ever produce very dark photos, no other modes worked, seems to be a common problem with the A6000 and these flash units.

Hi Michael I see the MK320 comes out with a diffuser, do you find the one in your video better for macro photography?

Thank you so much for your videos, I've learned so much watching them! Do you ever use off-camera flash in combination with on-camera flash or do you generally just choose one or the other?

Thanks a lot Micael. I will order one :-)

Got this speed lite after your recommendation for 22€ used but almost new off eBay! Great flash for the money! I also like that I can charge the Panasonic batteries inside the flash using a standard Micro USB cable :) Works great in combination with my GX80, a cheap diffuser and an old 35mm vintage lens (17€) with extension tubes. No need to buy a dedicated macro lens for now 😍

How does it compare to Godox TT350? The Godox is a little more expensive, but still reasonably priced

Really great shots hand held - often one handed ! I presume you are shooting at a pretty fast shutter speed? The form factor of this flash is very similar to the Nikon SB400 (discontinued now) which I use for my amateur macro shooting. Sits low on the camera. I had noticed the Meike a while ago and was tempted but the SB400 is so similar I haven't bought one (yet). I like your diffuser - I might try to get one of those.

Thank you for this review!

Thank you. I am happy with this recommended flash. I am trying to figure out why the shutter speed on the Sony cameras are now limited (TTL mode flash, Sony A6xx SS 1/160, A7xx 1/250 or slower but not faster) ?

My Meike MK-320 just became faulty. The symptom is it wont flash in manual mode. In ttl mode only the measurement flash will fire but not the actual flash, therefore it seems to shot too early. The root couse is dont use it in swivel mode because the internal ribbon cable will crack. :-( Not easy to replace.

Hi Micael, what is the recycle time like? If I wanted to shoot a focus stack would the flash keep up with a rapid number of shots in your opinion.

How to use this off camera? Which triggers work for Sony A7IV? Does it need a trigger on the camera or has the Sony a built in one?

Are you using this simple setup with that shield diffuser or the Pringles can one nowadays? I am new to macro photography and am trying to collect the materials I will need to get some decent shots.

Hi Micael, Do you use multiple MK-320 with different mounts for different camera brands (like Sony Or Fuji) or you just use one MK-320 Exp: with Fuji mount for Fuji and Sony body, because if you are using flash on manual setting IMHO you would be able to use one flash on different camera bodies. I want to get this flash with Canon mount and use it on Sony A7III because Canon mount has better hot shoe then Sony

Would be great if they used 18650 Li-ion battery. That would give superior recycle time and battery life.

Really great video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Which camera settings you use? Shutter speed? Really great pictures 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Hi, thank you for suggesting this. I have a question about using flash for macro. I use sony a6000, lens laowa 65mm, external flash Godox TT600. If I use built-in flash, the live preview in the screen is bright and that males me convenient to see what I want to capture. But when I use godox tt600 on my camera as the source of flash, the live preview is dark, and then if I use trigger X2t + godox tt600 the live preview is bright as if I use built in flash. Does it also happened with Meike MK320? How to deal with dark live preview when using godox flash on camera? Thank you in advance!

Great video Micael, I'm searching for a good flash for macro photography to put on my Fuji X-T20+samyang 100mm f2.8 macro+diffuser like yours. It would be fenomenal if you made a deeper review on this flash with recycle speed, full power capacity, duration of batteries, etc. But I know this is to much to ask :-) I just have some concerns if this flash will have enough power to light dark scenes and if I can do focus bracketing with it...I may go with the GODOX TT685F, I feel this is a more capable flash for a lot of contexts...what do you think? Thank you for your help and great shots!

Thanks for the info !

Hello Micael, i realy enjoy watching your videos! I bought the laowa 60mm for my nikon D500, do you think this flash Mk-320 will pair good with my d500? And will i be able to use the maximum magnification without the shade of the lens because its so close working distance? Greetz Thomas

Got a mk320 too. The only negative I don't like that it easily overheats, right after 5-6 shots. It's so annoying when you try to photograph and the flash won't fire because of TP HI error message

Hey Micael, thank you one more time for each of your videos. I wanted to ask, you recommended to get the V350, unfortunately I can't afford it yet, however I also saw lots of advertisements for the TT350 F, Do you think is smart? or between tt350 and meike 320 I should just choose Meike. Thank you!!!

This flash is so cool, especially the compactness of it! Unfortunatly I had to discover, that it does not work with the Sony a6400 with ttl, it only works with the Sony a6000 with this feature, which does not make any sense to me tbh. :/

after watching many of your videos i just can't decide what to buy. (really like your channel). my options are as followed: Godox TT685s II. Godox TT350s. Meike mk320. i have Sony RX10M3 + Nisi Close up lens and i am just lost. this camera has a pop up flash but i don't think it's strong enough. please help.

Hi Michael should I buy the Meike MK-320S or the Meike NW320 flash for my Sony A7r3 camera, I think both of these variants (320S and NW320) are for Sony camera's and don't know which one to choose?

I know this is an old vid but I used your lens guide and bought laowa 85 mm and have neewer flash. It seems the lens is so short the flash shoots over it. Do you still recommend Meike MK-320? PS I have the same diffuser, but hole is too big for 85mm. I will have to tape it on.

Hi there, is this HSS compatible? I can't seem to get the shutterspeed faster than 1/160 with this flash on my A6400, I want to achive that blacked out background. But I can confirm that the flash works great 👍🏻

nice collection !! .. 🙂👍

I have a MK-320 for Sony A7iii coming tomorrow. With it on the camera hot shoes does enough light get to the subject? Or does the long lens and its closeness to the subject prevent this?

Michael, have you used or tested the Fujifilm 80mm F2.8 macro w OIS? If so, do you find the Laowa better for insects?

Thanks for the video! You never mention ring-flashes, why so? Not usable for macro, or what? Would be interesting to hear your opinion!

Would really like to see some manufacture to make a good flash that you can point more towards a subject who is closer to the lens, a macro feature on the flash of some sort. Well there are ring flashes and macro flashes, but those are too specific, and the picture becomes to flat.

Hello Micael I just subscribed. What kind of camera and lens are you using? I love the fact that it is lightweight. I have a Nikon d-5300. Is it much lighter than that. But I have a big Nikon 105mm macro lens that is very heavy. I'm thinking of going much smaller so it will be more comfortable. Thank you Mic.

Hi Micael! I'm your follower from the Philippines for several months now as I am into macro photography as well. I have watched tons of reviews about flash and I'm unsure what to buy. Does this Meike flash can be used for other photography genre (ex. Portrait) as well? I am using a Meike product too which is Meike extension tube on my Fujifilm XA-3. Thank you!

Good review. Quick question though, does it allow for the LED to be on and trigger the flash at the same time? As some macro flashes do? Or is it one thing or another? That's very useful to focus in low light with a stopped down lens.

Has anyone else had issues with the flash not firing with the correct timing after a few days of moderate use? I've had two of these do this on me after only one to three days. Works fine in M and S modes but in TTL it fires too soon.

Hello. I recently got this flash and the same GP Photo Flash batteries as you, but I still get a recycle time every other shot. Everything is in manual from both camera and flash. The batteries are fully charged. Does the flash itself also have to be charged; it shows a charging symbol when I insert the charger, even when there are no batteries in it. I'm not sure how to fix this issue; could it be some camera settings? Most of my images are also overexposed at 1/128 strength, 50-100 ISO and 1/250 shutter speed on the a7R IV with the Laowa 85. Perhaps the universal cheap diffuser I got don't do it. It's too big for the lens any way. Previous when I had the 90 G, I was almost always at 1/4 and above. Thanks! Keep up the great work!

Hi Micael, can you tell me,how many shots can you take fast behind each other (series of pictures) with strength of 1/16 without any loss of flash power? Best regards!

Thanks for the video! Do you think this flash would still be good for a physically larger DSLR setup with Nikon 105mm lens which looks quite a bit longer than yours. I have bought a second hand Nikon SB-700 but its massive and heavy for use in the field

Whats your current opinion, 7 months in? Some reviews say the hot shoe pins break off, or the whole hot shoe portion can break off on the camera.

Can I ask which lens you are using on the Fuji ? I recently jumped into the Fuji system and have the Fuji macro but would be interested to know of other suitable lenses.

Hi Michael, does this flash work flawlessly with Sony a7IV? Still your recommended flash for macro photography with Sony a7IV?

6:18 With the dynamic range concern, do you have a favorite macro flash for the A7III ? I like the compact size.

Are you still using the Meike MK-320 flash on your X-T3? Also, I'm trying to figure out which one to purchase from Amazon for my X-T4, I must buy the Fuji specific one, right?

Amazing man. Will u stick with fuji or come back to a7iii???

I bought a canon mount copy to use on a pentax body. Its a good flash when it's on and I'm not sure if my issues are just because I'm using it with a camera body it can't communicate with. Does anyone know if there's a way to turn off or adjust the sleep timer? Mine sleeps after 60s and if I don't wake it up it by pressing a button it shoots one full power flash and then shuts off. If it shuts off (which it does either way after about 120s) it forgets all my settings. I've missed a lot of small bugs because I spent a little too long between shots.

Several people write on the Internet that this flash is not compatible with the Nikon Z5 and doesn't recognize it. Or that only manual mode works. If I use a Laowa 100mm lens for macro photography, can manual mode be enough for me? Or if the Z5 is not recognized won't the flash work at all?

I am using a Godox TT600 currently and i feel that the flash sits too high on the camera? The Meike 320 has its folding hinge much lower, bringing the light much lower and closer to the lens? I need considerably higher flash power settings than you, and of course the pictures aren't as good :-)

What about Godox TT350? Haven't you used that as well (perhaps not on the same body)? How do they compare?

Hi, I like your macro photos. May I know how you can take these very sharp photos without using tripod? Or special camera any settings? Thanks!

Hi ,thanks for the tip ! i like to the Meike MK-320 . I have few photos .i would like to show you about dragon fly ! How Can i send you ?

What is the name of this diffuser? Possible to provide link to purchase it? Thanks

Macro Noob here: How should I set up the flash to pair well with a Fuji (XT-2)? Would highly appreciate any help

Hi Micael, I looked on Amazon with intention of buying the MK320f to use with my X-T20 after seeing your KZfaq post. But all the descriptions from the suppliers only list compatibility with older models such as X-T1 and X-T10. I messaged two suppliers but only one have replied and they say it's not compatible. This seems strange, have you any ideas on this and what model is your Fuji Camera. Regards Ron H.

I am interested in buying mk320 flash, but i have read that the TTL is not working with Sony A7 III or IV, do you have any experience about that issue?

Hi Micael, I bought this flash for my Sony a7iii based on your recommendation. However, I can't get it to work! When I switch the flash on, there is no writing on the screen and nothing happens when I press "mode". The flash does fire if I press the flash button and my camera is enabled for wireless flash. Do you have any idea why it's not working?

1/60 sec? How did you not get any motion blur? I'm so confused. I usually need to use at least 1/160 sec. or else half my photos will be blurry.

Hi, I am using this Flash with Fuji-XT3 and Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO. I am setting the camera on manual. Shutter is 1/60 and Aperture is F8 and above. The flash is on TTL F5.6. The viewfinder is practically black, so it is impossible to see what I am shooting (not to say focus). Any workaround for that? In addition, are these settings OK? Any better settings for combining Flash and Camera? Thanks.