Meike vs VILTROX

Introduction to the Lenses

In the realm of photography, selecting the right lens can significantly influence your creative expression. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 are two distinct options catering to different photographic needs. The Meike lens is ideal for portrait and medium telephoto photography, while the VILTROX lens excels in ultra-wide-angle shots. Understanding the strengths of each can help photographers choose based on their specific requirements.

Pricing Comparison

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, making it about 4% cheaper than the VILTROX 15mm F1.7, which retails for $239.00. While the price difference may seem minor, it could sway budget-conscious photographers looking for high-quality lenses. Both lenses have consistent price averages over the past 90 days, with the Meike averaging $225.98 and the VILTROX at $235.16, indicating stable market positioning for both products.

Focal Length and Angle of View

The Meike 85mm lens offers a standard focal length, making it ideal for portraits and architectural photography with a diagonal angle of view of 27.8°. In contrast, the VILTROX 15mm lens provides a much wider angle of view at 84.9°, perfect for landscapes, architecture, and VLOG photography. This significant difference in focal length and angle means that the Meike lens is suited for isolating subjects with a pleasing bokeh effect, while the VILTROX excels in capturing expansive scenes and tight spaces.

Aperture and Depth of Field

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II boasts a maximum aperture of F1.8, enabling beautiful bokeh effects and excellent low-light performance. It features 11 diaphragm blades, which enhance the quality of the out-of-focus areas. Meanwhile, the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 offers a slightly larger maximum aperture of F1.7, also contributing to a dreamy background blur with its 9 aperture blades. The difference in aperture size is minimal, but it gives the VILTROX a slight edge in low-light conditions and creative depth-of-field control.

Autofocus Capabilities

Both lenses are equipped with STM motors for autofocus, but their applications differ based on their design. The Meike 85mm is optimized for portrait photography, providing silent and smooth focusing that captures the finer details of a subject. The VILTROX 15mm, on the other hand, features eye/face autofocus that is particularly beneficial for capturing moving subjects, pets, or quick scene changes. This distinction makes the VILTROX more versatile for video shooting and dynamic environments, while the Meike lens shines in controlled portrait settings.

Minimum Focus Distance

The Meike 85mm has a minimum focus distance of 0.65 meters, allowing photographers to create intimate portraits with a comfortable working distance. Conversely, the VILTROX 15mm excels with a much closer minimum focus distance of 0.23 meters. This capability enables creative compositions that emphasize depth and perspective, making it easier to capture unique angles and details in tight spaces. The VILTROX's proximity advantage allows for more experimentation in wide-angle photography.

Build Quality and User Experience

The Meike 85mm is designed for Canon EF mount cameras, offering compatibility with a range of Canon DSLRs, ensuring a solid build quality that professional photographers can rely on. It also includes a micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface for online updates, reflecting a modern approach to lens technology. The VILTROX 15mm, tailored for Sony E-mount cameras, pairs well with various Sony models, ensuring a snug fit and reliable performance. Both lenses provide a user-friendly experience, but the choice may depend on the camera system already in use.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, the decision between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 ultimately hinges on your specific photographic needs. If you're focused on portraiture and need a lens that excels in creating beautiful bokeh effects with an emphasis on detail, the Meike is an excellent choice at $229.99. However, if you're looking for versatility, particularly in landscape and video shooting, the VILTROX at $239.00 offers superior wide-angle capabilities and fast autofocus, making it well worth the investment. Choose based on your preferred style and the types of photography you plan to pursue.