Meike AF 55mm f1.8 Pro STM

The Meike AF 55mm f1.8 Pro STM is a full-frame autofocus prime from Meike's Pro series for Sony E, Nikon Z, Leica L and Fujifilm X mount. Its 55 mm focal length sits between a classic fifty and a short portrait lens and corresponds to about 82.5 mm on APS-C bodies, which makes it a flexible choice for portraits, street scenes and still life.

Optical design

The lens has 11 elements in 8 groups. Meike lists one ED element, two high-refractive-index elements and one aspherical element, plus multi-layer coating against flare and ghosting. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes down to f/16. The minimum focus distance is 0.55 m with a maximum magnification of 0.11x. Meike markets the Pro series for 8K sensor resolution.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by a dual-guide stepping motor that Meike calls NanoDrive STM and describes as fast and very quiet. The lens supports eye and animal detection autofocus where the camera offers it, and Meike points to minimal focus breathing for video use. A manual aperture ring and an AF/MF switch are on the barrel. EXIF data are transmitted, and a USB-C port handles firmware updates.

Build and size

The body is made from polymer materials. Weight is about 364 g on Sony E, 370 g on Nikon Z and 365 g on Fujifilm X. The diameter is 74 mm, and the length is 90 mm on E and X and 92 mm on Z. The filter thread is 58 mm. Meike states that dust and moisture resistant seals are fitted, and a petal-type hood is included.

Where it fits

In the full-frame fifty class, the relevant options in the database are the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Zeiss Sonnar T*, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art and the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm F1.8. Within Meike, it is a step above the Meike AF 50mm f1.8 STM thanks to its aperture ring and seals.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Aperture ring and AF/MF switch
• Light at about 364 to 370 g
• Seals against dust and moisture according to Meike
• Eye and animal autofocus support
• Available for E, Z, L and X mount

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/1.8 is a stop slower than f/1.4 fifties
• No built-in image stabilisation
• Minimum focus distance of 0.55 m

Verdict

The Meike AF 55mm f1.8 Pro STM is a light, well-equipped standard prime that mixes a slightly longer perspective than a fifty with a feature set that includes an aperture ring and weather seals. It is a good match for full-frame users who want a compact lens on one of four popular mounts.