Meike AF 56mm F1.7 Air STM

The Meike AF 56mm F1.7 Air STM is a lightweight autofocus portrait prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z mount. On APS-C bodies, 56 mm corresponds to about 84 mm in full-frame terms, the classic medium-telephoto portrait perspective. The Air name refers to the very small and light build.

Optical design

The lens has 11 elements in 7 groups. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes down to f/16, and the maximum aperture is f/1.7. The minimum focus distance is 0.55 m. Meike describes the medium-telephoto focal length with a fast aperture as delivering flattering compression and shallow depth of field for portraits, and the f/1.7 aperture as giving smooth, creamy bokeh.

Autofocus and handling

An STM stepping motor drives autofocus, which Meike describes as fast, accurate and silent and suited to street photography, portraits and vlogging. Meike also points to almost no focus breathing for video use and to reliable subject tracking without jitter or hunting.

Build and size

The lens is very small: 66.5 mm in diameter and 59.2 mm long. Meike states a weight of about 190 g. The filter thread is 52 mm. The lens is offered in black and in white.

Where it fits

The nearest APS-C competitors in the database are the Viltrox AF 56mm F1.7, the Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4, the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and, on Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 50mm F2 R WR. Inside Meike's range, the Meike AF 55mm F1.4 STM is the brighter and larger alternative with an aperture ring, while this Air lens trades speed for size and weight.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very light at about 190 g
• Compact at 59.2 mm in length
• Medium-telephoto portrait perspective at f/1.7
• 9 aperture blades
• Available for Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/1.7 is dimmer than f/1.4 competitors
• Minimum focus distance of 0.55 m
• No built-in image stabilisation

Verdict

The Meike AF 56mm F1.7 Air STM is a small and very light portrait prime for APS-C systems. It suits photographers who want an unobtrusive lens for portraits and travel and who value low weight more than the largest possible aperture.