Meike 85mm f/1.4: A Premium Lens at a Surprising Price
As a long-time fan of Meike lenses, I was excited to try out their first autofocus model, the Meike 85mm f/1.4. From the moment I held it, I knew it was something special. With a metal build and satisfying tactile controls, this lens feels much more expensive than it is. In this review, I’ll share my experience using it, alongside some real-world photos. If you’re more of a visual learner, you can also check out a great video review by Toms Jurjaks on YouTube
First Impressions: Quality Build, Heavy Feel
Right off the bat, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 stands out with its premium metal design. Both the aperture ring and focus ring have a solid, clicky feel, adding to the lens’s overall appeal. However, it’s not the lightest lens around—it’s comparable in weight to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 I’ve used in the past. While it balances well on larger cameras like the Sony A7 IV, it might feel front-heavy on smaller bodies.
One of my favorite details is the aperture ring. It’s so satisfying to turn that I found myself playing with it while setting up shots. Combine this with the 12-blade aperture, and you get incredibly smooth and pleasing bokeh, perfect for portraiture.
That Bokeh, Though…
Speaking of bokeh, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 delivers in spades. Most of my shots during testing were wide open at f/1.4, and the results were stunning. There’s a subtle swirl to the bokeh that gives portraits a dreamy, almost cinematic quality, while the subject remains sharp in the center. If you’re into portrait photography, this lens is perfect.
Autofocus Performance: A Pleasant Surprise
When it comes to autofocus, I was curious to see how Meike’s first attempt would hold up. I tested it on my Sony A7 IV, and I was pleasantly surprised. While it’s not quite as fast as some native lenses in burst mode (like when shooting dogs running towards the camera), it performed admirably for portraits. The autofocus locked onto eyes and subjects with ease, even through challenging conditions like flowers obscuring the subject.
For its intended use—portraiture—it’s hard to fault. Plus, the autofocus is quiet, making it a solid choice for wedding photographers or anyone needing discretion.
Comparing with the Competition
Now, let’s talk about price. At the time of writing, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 is an absolute steal at around €420.42. By comparison, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 comes in at over double the price.
So, why should you consider the Meike over these? Well, if you’re after the f/1.4 experience without breaking the bank, the Meike is unbeatable. The Sigma has always been my go-to wedding lens, but in direct comparison, I found the images from the Meike to have less of that “washed-out” look I sometimes get with the Sigma at f/1.4. The Meike’s images pop without the need for heavy post-processing, and the bokeh is just as creamy.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have Portrait Lens
After spending time with the Meike 85mm f/1.4, it’s clear that this lens offers incredible value for money. Everyone I’ve shown it to has been blown away by the quality, assuming it cost much more than it actually does. In short, if you’re in the market for a stunning f/1.4 portrait lens, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 is hard to beat.
For a more detailed hands-on review, you can also check out Toms Jurjaks’ video review above.