Meike AF 50mm f1.8 STM

Focal length: 50 mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Weight: –
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 63 cm
Length: –

Overview

The Meike AF 50mm f1.8 STM is a full-frame standard prime with autofocus for mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L mount. It covers the classic normal focal length with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and targets portrait, street and landscape work on full-frame bodies. On APS-C cameras the angle of view corresponds to roughly 75 mm.

Optical design

The lens is built from 11 elements in 7 groups. According to Meike, this includes one ED element and one high-refractive-index element, which are meant to suppress chromatic aberration, ghosting and flare, and the elements are multi-coated. The diaphragm has 9 blades, and Meike gives the minimum focus distance as 0.63 m.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by an STM stepping motor, which Meike describes as fast, accurate and nearly silent and suitable for both stills and video. A dedicated AF/MF switch sits on the barrel. Metal contacts on the mount transmit EXIF data and allow electronic aperture control, and a USB-C port on the lens is used for firmware updates that are distributed through Meike's website.

Build and size

The filter thread measures 58 mm, which is shared with several other Meike lenses in this price class. The lens ships with a petal-type hood. Aside from the AF/MF switch, the lens is operated entirely from the camera body.

Where it fits

The Meike is a budget alternative to first-party fifties such as the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 or the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S, and to the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm F1.8 on L mount. Within the same price tier, the 7Artisans AF 50mm F1.8 covers Sony E and Nikon Z. Meike also offers a Pro series fifty-five, the Meike AF 55mm f1.8 Pro STM, with an aperture ring and a longer feature list.

Pros and cons

Pros

Fast f/1.8 aperture on a classic full-frame focal length
STM autofocus with AF/MF switch
9 aperture blades
USB-C port for firmware updates
Available for Sony E, Nikon Z and L mount

Cons

No built-in image stabilisation
Minimum focus distance of 0.63 m limits close-up work
At f/1.8 it is not as bright as f/1.4 standard lenses

Verdict

The Meike AF 50mm f1.8 STM is a straightforward standard prime for photographers who want a bright normal lens on E, Z or L mount without a large outlay. It offers the expected basics: f/1.8, STM autofocus, EXIF transmission and firmware updates. Those who want an aperture ring or a closer minimum focus distance can look at the Pro series or at first-party alternatives.

Technical Specifications

Min. focal length: 50 mm
Max. focal length: 50 mm
Max. aperture (min. zoom): f/1.8
Max. aperture (max. zoom): f/1.8
Min. aperture: –
Elements: 11
Groups: 7
Weight: –
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 63 cm (24.8 in)
Length: –
Diameter: –

Manufacturer data: meikeglobal.com, meikeglobal.com, meikeglobal.com

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Meike AF 50mm f1.8 STM fit?

The Meike AF 50mm f1.8 STM is a full-frame lens for L-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C L-Mount cameras its field of view equals 75 mm in full-frame terms.

L-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Leica SL3-P, Leica SL3-S, Sigma BF, Panasonic Lumix S1II, Panasonic Lumix S1IIE, Panasonic Lumix S1RII, Leica SL3, Panasonic Lumix S9, Blackmagic PYXIS 6K, Panasonic Lumix S5II, Panasonic Lumix S5IIX, Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, Panasonic Lumix BS1H, Leica SL2-S, Panasonic Lumix S5, Sigma fp L, Leica SL2, Panasonic Lumix S1, Panasonic Lumix S1R, Panasonic Lumix S1H, Sigma fp, Leica SL (Typ 601)
APS-C:: Leica CL, Leica TL2, Leica TL, Leica T (Typ 701)