Meike AF 85mm f1.4 STM

Focal length: 85 mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Weight: 735 g
Filter diameter: 77 mm
Min. focus distance: 98 cm
Length: 114 mm

Successor: Meike AF 85mm f1.4 II MIX STM

Overview

The Meike AF 85mm f1.4 STM is a full-frame autofocus portrait lens from Meike's MIX series, offered here for Leica L mount. With a bright f/1.4 aperture and a medium-telephoto focal length, it targets portraits and subject separation on L-mount cameras from Panasonic, Sigma and Leica. The model is the first generation of the 85 mm f/1.4 and is distinct from the later Meike AF 85mm f1.4 II MIX STM.

Optical design

The lens uses 13 elements in 8 groups. Meike states that the construction includes low-dispersion and high-refraction glass as well as one ED element, together with dual-sided multi-layer coatings, to suppress chromatic aberration, ghosting and flare. The diaphragm has 12 blades and stops down to f/16. The minimum focus distance is 0.98 m.

Autofocus and handling

An STM stepping motor drives autofocus, which Meike describes as fast, accurate and nearly silent for portraits and video. Meike lists eye AF support and auto aperture support. Metal contacts on the mount carry EXIF data and electronic aperture control, an AF/MF switch provides quick toggling, and a USB-C port on the lens base allows firmware updates from Meike's website.

Build and size

The lens measures 87 mm in diameter and 114 mm in length. Meike specifies a weight of about 735 g, with a gross weight of about 800 g including packaging. The filter thread is 77 mm, and the lens comes with a hood. Meike states that image stabilisation is not supported.

Where it fits

On L mount, the nearby options are the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art, the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 and the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 Pro STM. The Meike AF 85mm f1.4 II MIX STM is the successor with a shorter minimum focus distance and a lighter build.

Pros and cons

Pros

Bright f/1.4 aperture at 85 mm
12 aperture blades
STM autofocus with eye AF support
AF/MF switch and USB-C firmware port
Compatible with 77 mm filters

Cons

Heavier than the f/1.8 portrait lenses at about 735 g
Minimum focus distance of 0.98 m is long
No image stabilisation in the lens

Verdict

The Meike AF 85mm f1.4 STM offers an f/1.4 portrait lens for L-mount users at a much lower cost than the large first-party options. Anyone who wants the closer minimum focus distance and the lower weight of the newer generation should consider the Mark II, while this lens suits those who want a bright 85 mm without a large investment.

Technical Specifications

Min. focal length: 85 mm
Max. focal length: 85 mm
Max. aperture (min. zoom): f/1.4
Max. aperture (max. zoom): f/1.4
Min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 13
Groups: 8
Weight: 735 g (1.62 lb)
Filter diameter: 77 mm
Min. focus distance: 98 cm (38.58 in)
Length: 114 mm (4.49 in)
Diameter: 87 mm (3.43 in)

Manufacturer data: meikeglobal.com

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Meike AF 85mm f1.4 STM fit?

The Meike AF 85mm f1.4 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 128 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)