7artisans 7. vs Meike

Overview of the 7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 II Fisheye Lens and Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II

The 7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 II Fisheye Lens is priced at $139.00, while the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is available for $229.99, making the Meike lens about 65% more expensive than the 7artisans lens. Each lens serves distinct purposes in photography, with the fisheye lens focusing on ultra-wide angles and the portrait lens excelling in medium telephoto shots. This article will compare their features, build quality, performance, and intended use to help you decide which lens is right for you.

Intended Use and Creative Applications

The 7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 II is designed for creative photography styles that require an ultra-wide field of view. Its 190° angle makes it ideal for landscape, travel, and 360° VR panorama photography, as well as underwater scenes and astrophotography. In contrast, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is tailored for portrait and architectural photography, thanks to its medium telephoto focal length. This lens excels in capturing detailed facial expressions with beautiful bokeh effects, making it a great choice for portrait photographers.

Optical Design and Image Quality

The optical design of the 7artisans lens features 9 groups and 11 elements, utilizing a new HOYA lens technology along with 2 ED lenses to minimize chromatic aberration. With its F2.8 aperture, it allows ample light for vibrant image quality. In comparison, the Meike lens boasts a re-optimized design composed of 11 elements in 7 groups, achieving an F1.8 aperture that enhances low-light performance and light transmission. This means the Meike lens has the upper hand when it comes to producing sharp images with excellent color fidelity, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Build Quality and Design

Both lenses showcase impressive build quality, but they differ in materials and design focus. The 7artisans 7.5mm lens features an all-metal body with a petal lens hood and laser engraving, which enhances its durability and aesthetic appeal. The compact size makes it a portable option for photographers on the go. On the other hand, the Meike 85mm lens is designed for ease of use, incorporating a lightweight build that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its multi-coated elements also reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring cleaner images.

Focusing Mechanism and Usability

The 7artisans 7.5mm lens is a manual focus lens, which may appeal to photographers who prefer hands-on control over their focus settings. This can be particularly beneficial in creative photography where precise focus adjustments are required. Conversely, the Meike 85mm lens features an STM stepping motor for autofocus, providing silent and smooth focusing, which is particularly advantageous for video work and fast-paced shooting scenarios. Additionally, the Meike lens supports electronic aperture adjustment, enhancing its usability further.

Compatibility and Versatility

Both lenses are compatible with a range of Sony E-Mount cameras, including popular models from the A7 series. The 7artisans lens is specifically designed for APS-C format cameras, making it suitable for a variety of Sony models, though users with full-frame cameras will need to switch to APS-C format to use it effectively. The Meike lens, however, is fully compatible with both APS-C and full-frame Sony cameras, offering greater versatility for photographers who may switch between different camera types.

Price Comparison and Value for Money

The 7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 II is priced at $139.00, while the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II comes in at $229.99, indicating a price difference of $90.99. This makes the 7artisans lens about 39% cheaper than the Meike lens. For photographers on a budget or those just starting, the 7artisans lens offers a compelling value proposition with its unique fisheye capabilities. However, the Meike lens justifies its higher price with advanced features and better optical performance, particularly for portraiture.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 II Fisheye Lens and the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II ultimately depends on your photography needs. If you require an ultra-wide angle for creative shots and landscapes, the 7artisans lens provides a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. On the other hand, if portrait photography is your primary focus and you need a lens that excels in low light with beautiful bokeh, the Meike lens is worth the investment despite its higher price. Consider your shooting style and subject matter to make the best choice for your photography toolkit.