Laowa vs Meike

Overview of Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D and Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D is priced at $799.00, offering an ultra-wide angle lens ideal for landscape photography. In contrast, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is significantly cheaper at $229.99, providing a medium telephoto option aimed at portrait photography. While both lenses cater to different photographic needs, their price points and functionality set them apart distinctly.

Design and Build Quality

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D features a compact design, measuring only 7cm in length and weighing 0.93 lb, making it highly portable for photographers on the go. On the other hand, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II maintains a lightweight build while incorporating an optimized optical design. Both lenses are designed with user convenience in mind, but the Laowa’s slimmer profile enhances its portability for travel photography, while the Meike’s robust build offers reliability for studio shoots.

Optical Performance

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D boasts a remarkable 130.4-degree angle of view, allowing photographers to capture expansive landscapes without distortion. This lens is engineered to suppress distortion to near-zero levels, maintaining straight lines across the image. In contrast, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II employs 11 elements in 7 groups, designed to achieve sharp images and a beautiful bokeh effect, thanks to its wide f/1.8 aperture. While the Laowa excels in wide-angle shots, the Meike is tailored for high-resolution portrait photography.

Focus and Usability

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D offers a minimum focusing distance of 12cm, allowing for creative close-up shots with a unique wide-angle perspective. This feature enhances its usability for macro-style photography. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II, equipped with a smooth and silent STM focusing motor, supports autofocus and enables electronic aperture adjustments. This makes it user-friendly for dynamic shooting environments. While both lenses offer distinct advantages in focus capabilities, the Laowa leans more towards wide-angle versatility, whereas the Meike prioritizes portrait-focused usability.

Image Quality

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D is engineered with 15 elements in 9 groups, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion glass, which contributes to its outstanding image sharpness and chromatic aberration control. This lens is especially adept at landscape photography, where clarity and detail are paramount. Conversely, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is designed for high-resolution output, capable of producing images that meet 8K standards. With its multi-coated elements that reduce flare and ghosting, it ensures excellent color reproduction, making it suitable for portrait and architectural photography.

Price Comparison

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D is priced at $799.00, while the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II retails for $229.99. This makes the Meike about 71% cheaper than the Laowa, making it a more accessible option for photographers on a budget. Despite the significant price difference, each lens offers unique features that cater to different photography styles, making the choice dependent on individual needs and preferences.

Target Audience

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D is tailored for landscape photographers, travelers, and videographers who need an ultra-wide-angle lens that excels in capturing grand scenes with minimal distortion. Its portability and optical performance make it ideal for outdoor adventures. In contrast, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II appeals to portrait photographers and those capturing high-resolution images, thanks to its beautiful bokeh and sharp focus on subjects. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the specific photographic requirements of the user.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D and the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II hinges on your photographic needs. If you seek an ultra-wide-angle lens capable of capturing expansive landscapes with minimal distortion, the Laowa is the clear choice, albeit at a higher price of $799.00. However, if your focus is on portraiture and you prefer a more budget-friendly option, the Meike at $229.99 offers excellent performance with a wide aperture for beautiful bokeh. Each lens has its merits, making your decision ultimately based on the type of photography you aim to pursue.