Meike AF 85mm f1.4 II MIX STM

The Meike AF 85mm f1.4 II MIX STM is the second generation of Meike's full-frame 85 mm f/1.4 portrait lens, available for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L mount. It combines the classic portrait focal length with a bright f/1.4 aperture and adds a full set of manual controls. On APS-C bodies the angle of view corresponds to about 127 mm.

Optical design

The lens has 15 elements in 11 groups and an 11-blade diaphragm that stops down to f/16. The minimum focus distance is 0.81 m. Meike markets the optics as capable of 67 megapixel resolution and as correcting chromatic aberration at an APO level, and it says the lens keeps sharp edges and low distortion even at very high resolutions.

Autofocus and handling

A Hyper STM stepping motor drives autofocus, which Meike describes as fast, accurate and silent for stills and video, with eye and face detection support where the camera offers it. The barrel has an AF/MF switch, a click switch to turn the aperture clicks on or off, an aperture lock for the A position and a customisable Fn button. EXIF data are transmitted, and a USB-C port handles firmware updates.

Build and size

The lens measures 85 mm in diameter and 110 mm in length. Meike states a weight of 648 g on Sony E, 656 g on Nikon Z and 653 g on L mount, and notes the use of polymer materials. The filter thread is 77 mm, and Meike mentions compatibility with magnetic filters. The lens is offered in black, in a Panda edition and in white, and the Panda and white editions come with both a black and a white hood.

Where it fits

Meike's first-generation Meike AF 85mm f1.4 STM is the direct predecessor and weighs more with a longer minimum focus distance. Other options include the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro on Sony E and Nikon Z, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM and GM II, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art on L mount and, for a lighter and less expensive f/1.8 route, the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 Pro STM.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Bright f/1.4 aperture with 11 aperture blades
• Aperture ring with click and de-click switch and aperture lock
• Custom Fn button and AF/MF switch
• Shorter minimum focus distance than the first generation
• Weight of about 650 g, lower than the first generation

Cons

• About 650 g is still substantial for a portrait prime
• Minimum focus distance of 0.81 m
• No built-in image stabilisation

Verdict

The Meike AF 85mm f1.4 II MIX STM updates the original with a more complete set of controls and a lighter body. It is aimed at portrait and video shooters on E, Z or L mount who want an f/1.4 85 mm with an aperture ring and a custom button at a price well below the first-party lenses.