Meike vs TTartisan

Overview of the Lenses

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF lens is designed for Canon EF mount cameras, while the TTartisan 27mm F2.8 Autofocus lens caters to Fuji X-mount cameras. The Meike lens, priced at $229.99, offers a standard 85mm focal length ideal for portrait photography, whereas the TTartisan lens is priced lower at $159.99, providing a compact and lightweight option suitable for everyday shooting. Both lenses have unique strengths, making them appealing to different types of photographers.

Design and Build Quality

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II features a robust design with a focus on high-resolution imaging, constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups. This lens is built for durability and performance, ideal for those serious about portrait and architectural photography. On the other hand, the TTartisan 27mm F2.8 is ultra-portable, with a pancake form factor that measures less than 3cm in thickness. This compact design makes it easy to carry for street and travel photography, emphasizing convenience over bulk.

Focal Length and Versatility

The Meike 85mm provides a classic medium telephoto experience, making it perfect for isolating subjects and creating beautiful bokeh effects, thanks to its wide f/1.8 aperture. This lens is particularly suited for portrait photography, allowing photographers to capture stunning images with a maximum magnification of 0.17X. In contrast, the TTartisan 27mm offers a versatile 41mm equivalent focal length, which is great for various genres, including street and travel photography. Its 56° angle of view allows for more inclusive framing, making it a fantastic all-rounder for daily use.

Aperture Performance

The Meike lens boasts a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which is beneficial for low-light conditions and creates a shallow depth of field, enhancing the subject's isolation against a blurred background. With 11 diaphragm blades, it promises pleasing bokeh effects. Comparatively, the TTartisan lens features a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is still good for low-light scenarios but does not offer the same level of subject separation as the Meike. The TTartisan’s aperture is manually adjustable from f/2.8 to f/16, providing greater control over exposure but lacking the same low-light performance as its competitor.

Autofocus Capabilities

Both lenses support autofocus, but they cater to different user preferences. The Meike 85mm is equipped with an STM stepping motor, ensuring silent and smooth focusing, which is crucial for video work or discreet photography. Additionally, it features electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission, enhancing its functionality for Canon users. In contrast, the TTartisan 27mm also includes autofocus with a manual focus override, allowing users to switch to manual focus easily when needed. This flexibility appeals to photographers who enjoy having control over their shooting.

Image Quality and Sharpness

The Meike lens is designed for high-resolution imaging, claiming compatibility with 8K photography standards. With its construction of 11 elements in 7 groups, it promises sharper images with minimal aberrations. This lens is particularly effective for portrait and architectural photography, delivering images with great detail. The TTartisan lens, while offering versatile optics with 6 elements in 5 groups, focuses on delivering sharp images while controlling chromatic aberrations. Its 7-blade diaphragm contributes to smooth bokeh, although it may not match the sharpness of the Meike in more demanding scenarios.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two lenses is notable, with the TTartisan 27mm at $159.99, making it approximately 30% cheaper than the Meike 85mm, which retails for $229.99. This lower price point makes the TTartisan a more accessible option for casual photographers or those just starting out. However, the Meike lens justifies its higher price with advanced features and superior performance in specific photography areas, particularly for portraiture.

Which should you buy?

The choice between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the TTartisan 27mm F2.8 largely depends on your photographic needs. If you're a portrait photographer looking for a high-quality lens capable of producing stunning images with beautiful bokeh and excellent low-light performance, the Meike lens is the better choice. However, if you're seeking a lightweight, versatile lens for everyday photography, particularly for street or travel shots, the TTartisan is an excellent option, especially at its lower price point. Ultimately, consider your shooting style and budget to determine which lens will best serve your photographic journey.