Today, Meike announced their latest full-frame E-mount lens with the 85mm f/1.8.
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a manual focus lens constructed of nine elements in six groups. It has a minimum focusing distance of 2.78 feet (0.85 meters) and accepts 67mm filters on the front. It measures 3.93 inches (100 millimeters) long and has a diameter of 3.14 inches (80 millimeters). Product photos supplied by Meike show it with a lens hood, so it is possible that it will come with one although I haven't seen confirmation.
Pricing of the new Meike 85mm f/1.8 is currently unknown, but it joins two other full-frame lenses they have developed, the $99.99 50mm f/1.7 and $269.99 85mm f/2.8 Macro. Meike does sell a similar 85mm f/1.8 lens in Canon EF mount, and is priced at $189.99. Knowing this, it is predictable that the new E-mount lens will be much less expensive than Sony's own $573 85mm f/1.8.
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 has not been listed on B&H as of publication, however using this search link should take you to the listing once it becomes available. The shipping date has not been revealed at this time.
More sample images are available on the Meike website.
Is a budget 85mm something that interests you? What do you think this lens should be priced at? Let us know your opinions in the comments.
I'm just glad that they printed "Manual Focus Lens" on the front. Countless hours saved.
I suspect within 10 years time the Chinese will own what's left of the camera industry.
Those sample photos aren't doing them any favors.
I'm building my kit from the ground up and will eventually pick up a dedicated 85 f1.8 portrait lens. That said, I cringe at the though of "cheaping-out" on a manual focus, third party, budget lens only to eventually try to sell it at a loss and jump to the outstanding Sony 85 f1.8.