The Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro AF offers photographers a compact and budget-friendly alternative for capturing striking portraits and detailed telephoto shots. Can it keep up with more expensive options?
Coming to you from Dylan Goldby, this practical video assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro AF, highlighting the thoughtful compromises Meike made to deliver a quality lens at an accessible price. Goldby appreciates the build quality, noting its solid feel and smooth handling. The composite materials used in the lens construction are robust, yet the aperture ring feels slightly loose, a detail worth noting if you're prone to bumping settings inadvertently. Additionally, despite its pro branding, Goldby points out an important shortcoming: weather-sealing is limited to the mount, a notable oversight if you're often shooting in challenging conditions.
The autofocus performance on this lens is particularly strong, making it an appealing choice for capturing fast-moving subjects like children playing or cyclists on the move. Goldby’s tests reveal that the stepping motor driving the autofocus is not only fast and quiet but also impressively reliable in both single shot and continuous tracking modes. Whether photographing static scenes or dynamic action, this lens holds its own, delivering consistent results even in gusty conditions.
Key Specs
-
Focal Length: 85mm (full frame equivalent: 127mm)
-
Aperture: f/1.8
-
Filter Size: 62 mm (front)
-
Focus Motor: Stepping motor
-
Special Features: Low dispersion glass, minimal chromatic aberration, no focus breathing
In terms of optical quality, the Meike 85mm shows commendable sharpness right from its widest aperture. Goldby observes exceptional center sharpness, even rivaling Fujifilm’s own respected XF 90mm f/2. Corner performance is also solid, becoming notably crisp by f/4. Interestingly, typical issues like significant vignetting or distortion are minimal due to the lens’ full frame design adapted for APS-C sensors, which primarily utilizes the lens’ optimal central area. Some minor chromatic aberration can appear, though rarely intrusive.
Goldby does find some creative compromises: the lens produces generally pleasing bokeh, yet there is a noticeable onion-ring pattern in specular highlights under challenging lighting conditions. Flare and ghosting control is good overall, but occasional ghosting can appear, though it's easily mitigated with slight adjustments in shooting angles or by using the included lens hood.
On location, this lens shines. Goldby notes how its compact size and lighter weight compared to Fujifilm’s heavier 90mm lens make it a lens you're more likely to carry frequently. The tighter framing provided by the effective 127mm focal length proves valuable in isolating subjects and simplifying compositions, making it particularly effective for portrait, family, and event photography. The minimal focus breathing also contributes to easier, more intuitive framing, even during rapid autofocus shifts. For Goldby's full insights, practical tests, and in-depth comparisons, check out the video above.
