When you're in the market for an affordable 85mm f/1.4 lens, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 might catch your attention. It’s currently the cheapest of its kind, making it a tempting choice if you're budget-conscious. But with lower prices come certain compromises, and this lens has some clear pros and cons to weigh before making a decision.
Coming to you from Tom Jurjaks, this excellent video review takes a close look at what the Meike 85mm f/1.4 lens offers and where it falls short. One of the first things Jurjaks notes is that while there aren’t many 85mm f/1.4 lenses on the market, Meike stands out as one of the heaviest, weighing in at 26 ounces (735 g). Despite the weight, the lens feels high quality and durable, with features that include a smooth focus ring, an aperture ring, and a weather-sealed metal mount. However, the aperture ring is clicked, meaning you can’t smoothly change aperture settings during video shoots.
Jurjaks appreciates the image quality the lens delivers, particularly its sharpness at any aperture setting. He notes the great color contrast and detail. Even when shooting wide open at f/1.4, the lens performs well, with sharpness extending to the corners. However, Jurjaks also points out that it struggles with certain optical issues, like noticeable lens flare in backlit scenes and a vignette that requires manual correction in post-processing due to the lack of a built-in profile in Adobe Lightroom.
Another important aspect covered in the video is the lens’ autofocus system. The Meike uses STM (stepping motor) autofocus, which Jurjaks describes as hit or miss. While it’s good enough for many still shots, it can be inconsistent when speed and accuracy are critical, particularly for moving subjects or fast-paced environments like weddings. If video work is on your agenda, the noise from the autofocus and aperture blades might be a dealbreaker. Jurjaks demonstrates the loud clicking and whirring sounds, which could easily ruin audio when recording videos.
The build quality of the lens is a strong point, but its size and weight are considerable drawbacks for some users. Jurjaks mentions that for his style of shooting, he would prefer sacrificing the f/1.4 aperture for a lighter, more compact f/1.8 lens. The heavy, chunky design of the lens may make it uncomfortable to carry around for extended periods, especially if you prefer to travel light.
For those focused mainly on stills and looking for an affordable f/1.4 lens that produces sharp, attractive photos, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 could be a great fit. However, if you plan to shoot videos or need fast, accurate autofocus for paid gigs, this lens might not be the best choice. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Jurjaks.
