Meike vs Tamron
Updated July 2026 — Meike wins on weight and aperture, Tamron wins on length and price.
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II excels in portrait photography with its high-resolution capabilities, while the Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD offers versatility and portability for various shooting styles.
Why Meike is better
Optical Quality
Supports up to 8K resolution for detailed portraits.
Aperture Range
Wider aperture of f/1.8 allows for better low-light performance.
Bokeh Effect
11 diaphragm blades create beautiful background blur.
Why Tamron is better
Weight
Lightweight design at 7.6oz makes it portable.
Close Focus
Minimum object distance of 4.7 inches for macro shots.
Price
More budget-friendly at $199.00.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Meike | Tamron |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85mm | 24mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Focus | 0.65m | 0.12m |
| Magnification | 0.17X | 1:2 |
| Compatibility | Canon EF | Sony E-Mount |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, while the Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD is more budget-friendly at $199.00, making it about 17% cheaper. Both lenses cater to different photography styles, offering unique features tailored to their respective focal lengths. The Meike lens is optimized for portrait photography with its medium telephoto capabilities, while the Tamron lens excels in wide-angle photography, suitable for landscapes and close-ups.
Design and Build Quality
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II features a robust design compatible with Canon EF mount cameras, offering a professional feel suitable for serious photographers. It is equipped with 11 elements in 7 groups, ensuring sharp images and beautiful bokeh effects. In contrast, the Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD stands out for its compact and lightweight design, measuring just 2.5 inches in length and weighing only 7.6 ounces. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers on the go or those who prefer a more portable setup.
Optical Performance
When it comes to optical performance, both lenses deliver impressive results tailored to their focal lengths. The Meike 85mm F1.8 lens is designed for high-resolution photography, supporting up to 8K quality, making it ideal for capturing detailed portraits and architectural shots. Its wide f/1.8 aperture allows for exceptional low-light performance and stunning depth of field. On the other hand, the Tamron 24mm F/2.8 lens features a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, which is excellent for macro-style photography, allowing for expressive close-ups.
Focus and Aperture Capabilities
The Meike 85mm lens supports auto focus, electronic aperture adjustment, and EXIF information transmission, making it user-friendly for photographers who want to focus more on composition than on technical details. Its aperture range spans from f/1.8 to f/16, providing versatility in various lighting conditions. Conversely, the Tamron 24mm lens has a fixed f/2.8 aperture, which, while slightly less versatile than the Meike, still offers a good level of control over depth of field and bokeh.
Versatility in Photography
In terms of versatility, the Meike 85mm lens shines in portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, thanks to its standard 85mm focal length and wide aperture. This makes it a go-to lens for portrait photographers looking to create stunning images with beautiful background blur. Meanwhile, the Tamron 24mm lens caters to a broader range of styles, including landscape, city scenes, and everyday moments. Its unique ability to focus as close as 4.7 inches allows photographers to capture intricate details often overlooked, enhancing the lens's versatility.
Outdoor Performance
Both lenses are designed with outdoor photography in mind, but they do so in different ways. The Meike 85mm lens features a micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface, allowing for online upgrades, which can be beneficial for long-term use and optimization. The Tamron 24mm lens, however, is built with a moisture-resistant construction and a dirt-resistant Fluorine Coating, enabling photographers to shoot confidently in various outdoor conditions. This makes the Tamron a more reliable choice for those who frequently shoot in unpredictable weather.
Price Comparison
The pricing of these lenses reflects their target audiences and functionalities. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II retails for $229.99, while the Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD is priced at $199.00. This price difference of $30 might influence buyers looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. The Tamron lens offers excellent features for its price, making it an appealing choice for entry-level photographers or those who need a versatile lens without breaking the bank.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD largely depends on your specific photography needs. If you're focused on portrait photography and require a high-resolution lens with a wide aperture, the Meike lens is worth the investment. However, if you prefer a versatile, lightweight option for a variety of photography styles, the Tamron lens is the better choice, especially considering its lower price. Both lenses are excellent in their own right, catering to different photographic demands and preferences.