Meike AF 85mm f1.8 SE II STM

Focal length: 85 mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Weight: 369 g
Filter diameter: 62 mm
Min. focus distance: 65 cm
Length: 100.2 mm

Overview

The Meike AF 85mm f1.8 SE II STM is a full-frame autofocus portrait lens for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L mount as well as for Canon EF and Nikon F DSLRs. It is the second generation of Meike's SE series 85 mm and pairs a classic portrait focal length with f/1.8 and a light polymer body. On APS-C bodies the angle of view corresponds to roughly 130 mm.

Optical design

The optical construction has 11 elements in 7 groups. The diaphragm has 11 blades, which Meike links to smooth bokeh, and it closes down to f/16. The minimum focus distance is 0.65 m.

Autofocus and handling

An STM stepping motor drives autofocus, which Meike describes as quiet and responsive. Eye and face detection are supported where the camera offers them. A Type-C port, located at the mount, allows firmware updates that users download from Meike's website.

Build and size

The lens is made from high-strength polymer and uses a 62 mm filter thread. The diameter is 76 mm. On the mirrorless mounts it is 100.2 mm long, on Canon EF 74.55 mm and on Nikon F 71 mm. Weight depends on the mount: about 369 g on Sony E, 379 g on Nikon Z, 369 g on L mount, 369 g on Canon EF and 343 g on Nikon F.

Where it fits

Within Meike, the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 Pro STM is the higher-specification alternative. Other 85 mm f/1.8 lenses in the database include the Sony FE 85mm F1.8, the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S, the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II and the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8 on L mount. For DSLR users, the Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM and the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm F1.8G are the first-party counterparts.

Pros and cons

Pros

Classic 85 mm portrait focal length at f/1.8
11 aperture blades
Light at about 343 to 379 g depending on mount
Covers both mirrorless and DSLR mounts
Type-C port for firmware updates

Cons

Minimum focus distance of 0.65 m
No built-in image stabilisation
Plastic construction instead of metal

Verdict

The Meike AF 85mm f1.8 SE II STM is a low-cost portrait prime that reaches an unusually wide range of cameras, from current mirrorless bodies to older Canon and Nikon DSLRs. It is a sensible choice for portrait shooters who want f/1.8, STM autofocus and a light lens without a large outlay.

Technical Specifications

Min. focal length: 85 mm
Max. focal length: 85 mm
Max. aperture (min. zoom): f/1.8
Max. aperture (max. zoom): f/1.8
Min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 11
Groups: 7
Weight: 369 g (0.81 lb)
Filter diameter: 62 mm
Min. focus distance: 65 cm (25.59 in)
Length: 100.2 mm (3.94 in)
Diameter: 76 mm (2.99 in)

Manufacturer data: meikeglobal.com

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 SE II STM fit?

The Meike AF 85mm f1.8 SE II 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)