BENOISON vs Meike

Overview of the Lenses

In this comparison, we look at the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens for Nikon and the Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame AF STM Lens for Sony. The Nikon lens is priced at $96.22, while the Meike lens is more expensive at $159.99. This substantial price difference of about 66% raises questions about their features and which lens might better suit your needs.

Compatibility

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is designed specifically for Nikon DSLR cameras, including models like the D3500, D850, D7500, and many more. In contrast, the Meike 50mm F1.8 is compatible with a range of Sony E mount mirrorless cameras, such as the A9 and A7 series. If you own a Nikon DSLR, the 85mm lens is the obvious choice, while Sony users will find the Meike lens tailored to their camera systems.

Focusing Mechanism

A key distinction between these two lenses is their focusing mechanism. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, requiring users to adjust the focus ring manually. This can be challenging for beginners but rewarding for those who prefer full control. On the other hand, the Meike 50mm F1.8 features an auto-focus STM (stepping motor) system, making it easier to capture sharp images quickly and with less noise. For those who prioritize ease of use, the Meike lens may be more appealing.

Aperture and Image Quality

Both lenses feature a wide aperture of f1.8, which is advantageous for achieving beautiful background blur and depth-of-field effects. The 85mm lens is particularly well-suited for half-body and full-body portraits, while the Meike lens can also capture stunning images in darker environments. The Meike lens's construction of 11 groups and 7 elements is designed to deliver sharp images, which could be a deciding factor for those focused on image quality.

User Experience

The user experience varies significantly between the two lenses. The 85mm f1.8 requires users to switch their camera to manual mode if they encounter a "Lens not attached" error, which could be a hassle during shoots. Meanwhile, the Meike lens allows for seamless autofocus operation, although it does have the potential for autofocus failure, which can be remedied by upgrading firmware via a Type-C interface. This higher level of technology in the Meike lens may appeal to those who prefer a more modern shooting experience.

Price Comparison

Pricing is a crucial factor when comparing these two lenses. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is available for $96.22, making it significantly more budget-friendly than the Meike 50mm F1.8, which retails for $159.99. This means that the Nikon lens is about 40% cheaper, making it an attractive option for photographers on a budget or those just starting out with portrait photography.

Target Audience

Each lens caters to different types of photographers. The 85mm f1.8 is ideal for Nikon users who enjoy manual focus and are looking for a lens specifically tailored for portrait photography. The Meike 50mm F1.8, while more expensive, is geared towards Sony E mount users who want the convenience of autofocus and are willing to invest in a lens that can perform well in low-light conditions. Understanding your camera system and shooting style is essential in determining which lens suits you best.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens for Nikon and the Meike 50mm F1.8 for Sony ultimately depends on your camera system and personal shooting preferences. The Nikon lens is significantly cheaper and provides excellent portrait capabilities for Nikon users, while the Meike lens offers modern autofocus technology and sharp image quality for Sony users. If you value budget and manual control, the 85mm lens is the better choice. However, if you prefer the convenience of autofocus and own a Sony camera, the Meike lens may justify its higher price.