Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens, RF Mount, Wide-Angle vs Meike

Overview of the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is a lightweight and compact wide-angle lens specifically designed for full-frame cameras. Priced at $299.00, it is a versatile option for both still photography and video work. With its everyday 28mm coverage, it provides a unique perspective that is suitable for various shooting scenarios, making it an excellent choice for travel and street photography.

This lens features three aspheric elements and Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, which help minimize ghosting and flare, thus ensuring excellent image quality. It has a minimum focus distance of approximately 9 inches, allowing for close-up shots, and a maximum magnification of 0.17x. The Canon RF28mm is particularly noted for its smooth and quiet autofocus operation, owing to its leadscrew type STM focus drive, making it ideal for video applications.

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF is a medium telephoto lens designed for portrait and landscape photography. It is priced at $229.99, making it about 17% cheaper than the Canon RF28mm. This lens boasts a large f/1.8 aperture, allowing for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh effects thanks to its 11 diaphragm blades.

Equipped with a re-optimized optical design, the Meike lens offers high-resolution imaging, making it suitable for 8K photography. The lens is constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups, and features a minimum focusing distance of 0.65m. Additionally, it supports silent and smooth autofocus, thanks to its STM stepping motor, and includes a micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface for online lens updates.

Key Features Comparison

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is designed for versatility with its wide-angle capabilities, while the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is tailored for portraiture with its medium telephoto reach. The Canon lens features a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which, while decent, does not match the Meike's f/1.8. This makes the Meike lens more suitable for low-light situations and achieving a shallower depth of field.

In terms of build, the Canon lens is compact and lightweight, making it a great travel companion. On the other hand, the Meike lens, while not overly heavy, is designed with a more robust construction aimed at professional use. Both lenses include features to minimize flare and ghosting, but their design philosophies target different types of photography.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens excels in wide-angle perspectives, thanks to its aspheric elements and advanced coating techniques. This lens is particularly effective in reducing unwanted artifacts such as ghosting and flare, providing clear and crisp images in various lighting conditions.

Conversely, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is engineered for high-resolution imaging, achieving sharpness that is suitable for 8K photography. With its multi-coated elements, it also minimizes flare and enhances color reproduction. While both lenses deliver excellent image quality, the choice between them will largely depend on the type of photography one intends to pursue—wide-angle versus portrait.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus performance is a crucial aspect for many photographers, and both lenses offer impressive capabilities. The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens utilizes a leadscrew type STM focus drive, which is designed for smooth and quiet autofocus operation, making it particularly effective for video recording.

In contrast, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is equipped with an STM motor as well, providing silent and smooth focusing. This feature is essential for capturing portraits without distracting the subject. The addition of a firmware upgrade interface in the Meike lens further enhances its adaptability for evolving photographic needs.

Compatibility and Use Cases

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is specifically designed for full-frame EOS R series cameras but can also be used on APS-C models, offering an equivalent focal length of about 45mm. This makes it versatile for everyday photography and videography, particularly in urban settings.

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II, on the other hand, is compatible with Sony E mount cameras, including popular models such as the A7 series. It is particularly well-suited for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography. The lens's equivalent focal length of 127.5mm on APS-C cameras further enhances its utility in portraiture.

Price and Value

With a current price of $299.00, the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is positioned as a premium product in the wide-angle lens market. In comparison, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is offered at $229.99, making it a more budget-friendly option. This price difference of about $69 demonstrates the Meike lens's appeal to those looking for quality without breaking the bank.

Both lenses provide excellent value within their respective niches, but potential buyers should consider their specific needs—whether they prioritize wide-angle versatility or medium telephoto performance.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens and the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II ultimately depends on your photography style and needs. If you seek a lightweight, compact lens for a variety of shooting scenarios, the Canon RF28mm is an excellent choice with its versatility and great image quality. However, if you are focused on portrait photography and desire a lens with a larger aperture for low-light conditions, the Meike 85mm is the way to go, especially given its lower price point. Consider your primary photography requirements to make the best choice.