Sony E Autofocus

Meike AF 23mm F1.4 STM

Focal length: 23 mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Weight: 298 g
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 25 cm
Length: 81 mm

Overview

The Meike AF 23mm F1.4 STM is a bright wide-angle autofocus prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z mount. On an APS-C sensor, 23 mm corresponds to about 35 mm in full-frame terms, which is a classic reportage and street view. Meike also markets the lens as AF 23mm F1.4 Neo.

Optical design

The lens has 13 elements in 11 groups. The diaphragm has 9 blades and closes down to f/16. The minimum focus distance of 0.25 m is short for a lens of this focal length and allows close subjects with a wide view. Meike also lists ultra-low distortion and minimal focus breathing as design goals, the latter being relevant for video.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM stepping motor that Meike describes as quiet and highly responsive, with high-speed eye and face detection where the camera supports it. Meike markets the lens for both stills and video. A petal-type hood is included in the package together with front and rear caps.

Build and size

The lens measures 66.5 mm in diameter and 81 mm in length. Weight is about 298 g on Sony E and Fujifilm X and about 302 g on Nikon Z. The filter thread is 58 mm.

Where it fits

Comparable fast wide-normal lenses for APS-C in the database include the Viltrox AF 23mm F/1.4, the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary, the Tokina atx-m 23mm F1.4 and, on Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R LM WR. Meike's range continues with the Meike AF 33mm F1.4 STM and the Meike AF 55mm F1.4 STM for longer focal lengths.

Pros and cons

Pros

Bright f/1.4 aperture at a classic 35 mm equivalent
Close minimum focus distance of 0.25 m
9 aperture blades
Light at about 298 g
Available for three APS-C mounts

Cons

No built-in image stabilisation
Designed for APS-C only

Verdict

The Meike AF 23mm F1.4 STM is a straightforward wide prime for APS-C cameras. It brings f/1.4, a very short minimum focus distance and STM autofocus at a modest weight, and it fits street and documentary photographers who want a bright 35 mm equivalent for Sony E, Fujifilm X or Nikon Z.

Technical Specifications

Min. focal length: 23 mm
Max. focal length: 23 mm
Max. aperture (min. zoom): f/1.4
Max. aperture (max. zoom): f/1.4
Min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 13
Groups: 11
Weight: 298 g (0.66 lb)
Filter diameter: 58 mm
Min. focus distance: 25 cm (9.84 in)
Length: 81 mm (3.19 in)
Diameter: 66.5 mm (2.62 in)

Manufacturer data: meikeglobal.com

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Meike AF 23mm F1.4 STM fit?

The Meike AF 23mm F1.4 STM is designed for APS-C sensors. On APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 35 mm in full-frame terms. Full-frame bodies use it in APS-C (crop) mode, recording only part of the sensor and fewer megapixels.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame (in APS-C mode):: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3