Meike vs Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, while the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter is significantly more expensive at $598.00. This price difference of about 160% highlights the different market segments these products cater to. The Meike lens is designed primarily for portrait and general photography, whereas the Sony teleconverter is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of specific Sony lenses.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a key distinguishing factor between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter. The Meike lens is specifically designed for Canon EF Mount cameras, making it suitable for a wide range of Canon DSLR models including the 5D, 6D, and Rebel series. In contrast, the Sony teleconverter is only compatible with select Sony E-mount lenses such as the SEL70200GM and SEL100400GM. This limited compatibility with the Sony teleconverter may restrict its usability for photographers who own a broader range of lenses.

Optical Performance

Both the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter boast impressive optical performance but in different contexts. The Meike lens features a standard focal length of 85mm with a wide f/1.8 aperture, allowing for beautiful bokeh effects, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography. On the other hand, the Sony teleconverter enhances the focal length by 1.4 times, which is particularly beneficial for wildlife and sports photography. It maintains full optical quality and operability, ensuring that image quality is not compromised, even with a 1-stop light loss.

Build Quality and Design

In terms of build quality, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups and features a micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface. This design allows for electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission. Conversely, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter is dust and moisture resistant, providing reliability for outdoor shooting conditions. While both lenses are built for durability, the weather-resistant design of the Sony teleconverter may appeal more to photographers who often shoot in challenging environments.

Autofocus and Focus Mechanism

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is equipped with an STM stepping motor that offers silent and smooth focusing, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in quiet settings. It also supports autofocus (AF), making it user-friendly for both amateur and professional photographers. The Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, while not primarily focused on autofocus features, retains the full autofocus performance of the lens it is paired with. This means that users can expect seamless integration with compatible lenses, ensuring that focus accuracy is maintained.

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is currently available for $229.99, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, which retails at $598.00. This represents a substantial price difference of about 66% more for the Sony product. For photographers on a budget or those just starting, the Meike lens offers great value without sacrificing essential features.

Use Case Scenarios

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is ideal for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, allowing for stunning images with a focus on subject isolation thanks to its bokeh capabilities. It is particularly suited for those who own Canon cameras and require a reliable, high-quality lens for various shooting situations. On the other hand, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter is specifically designed for photographers who need to extend their focal range without losing image quality, making it more suitable for sports and wildlife photography. This lens is particularly advantageous for those who use compatible Sony lenses and often work in dynamic outdoor environments.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter largely depends on your specific photography needs and equipment compatibility. If you are a Canon user looking for an affordable, high-quality portrait lens, the Meike lens is an excellent choice at $229.99. However, if you are a Sony user needing to extend the focal length of your compatible lenses while maintaining optical quality, the Sony teleconverter, despite its higher price of $598.00, is worth considering. Ultimately, your choice should align with your camera system and the type of photography you wish to pursue.