7Artisans vs Meike

Overview of the Lenses

The 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle Lens and the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto Lens cater to different photography needs and styles. While the 7Artisans lens is designed for wide-angle shots with a unique fisheye effect, the Meike lens excels in portrait and medium telephoto photography. The two lenses are priced at $149.00 and $229.99, respectively, making the 7Artisans lens about 35% cheaper.

Intended Use and Compatibility

The 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 is compatible with Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, including popular models like the A6300 and A7RIII. This lens is ideal for those looking to capture expansive landscapes or dynamic architectural shots with its impressive 225° field of view. Conversely, the Meike 85mm F1.8 is designed for Canon EF mount cameras, such as the 5D and 6D series, making it a solid choice for photographers who focus on portraits and require a lens capable of producing beautiful bokeh effects thanks to its wide aperture of F1.8.

Image Quality and Performance

In terms of image quality, the 7Artisans lens offers a unique perspective with its fisheye design that reduces internal reflections like flaring and ghosting, which can enhance overall image quality. The construction features 10 glass elements, ensuring clarity and sharpness in images. On the other hand, the Meike lens boasts a high resolution suitable for 8K photography, with 11 elements arranged in 7 groups. The minimum focus distance of 0.65m allows for detailed close-ups, while the 85mm focal length is perfect for capturing subjects with a pleasing depth of field.

Build and Design

The 7Artisans lens is compact and lightweight, weighing only 201g (0.44 LB) and measuring 60mm in diameter. This portability makes it an excellent choice for travel photography. The lens is constructed from metal, providing a sturdy feel and professional look. The Meike lens, while slightly heavier and larger, maintains a solid build quality, featuring a smooth STM stepping motor for silent and smooth focusing. Both lenses are designed with user experience in mind, but the Meike lens includes a firmware upgrade interface via micro Type-C, allowing for future enhancements.

Autofocus and Usability

The 7Artisans lens is a manual focus lens, which may appeal to photographers who enjoy the hands-on approach to focusing, while the Meike lens supports autofocus, making it more user-friendly, especially for fast-paced shooting environments. The ability to electronically adjust the aperture and support EXIF information transmission in the Meike lens can be a significant advantage for users who prioritize ease of use and quick adjustments in their workflow.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two lenses is notable, with the 7Artisans lens priced at $149.00 and the Meike lens at $229.99. This makes the 7Artisans lens about 35% less expensive than the Meike option. For photographers on a tighter budget or those just starting in photography, the 7Artisans lens presents a cost-effective option without compromising on unique visual effects.

Customer Support and Warranty

The 7Artisans lens comes with a one-year free repair service from the date of purchase, which provides peace of mind for buyers. In contrast, specific warranty details for the Meike lens are not mentioned, which could be a consideration for potential buyers. Customer support can be a crucial factor, especially for those investing in photographic equipment, making the added warranty of the 7Artisans lens a valuable feature.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens and the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II Lens ultimately depends on your photography style and requirements. If you're looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly lens that captures wide-angle shots with a unique perspective, the 7Artisans lens is an excellent choice at $149.00. However, if you need a versatile lens for portraiture and desire high resolution and autofocus capabilities, the Meike lens, priced at $229.99, may be the better investment despite its higher cost.