Meike vs VILTROX

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and VILTROX 20mm F2.8

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is designed for portrait and architectural photography, while the VILTROX 20mm F2.8 serves as a versatile wide-angle lens. Each lens caters to different photography needs, showcasing unique strengths and characteristics. With the Meike lens priced at $229.99 and the VILTROX at $176.00, the VILTROX is about 23% cheaper, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious photographers.

Compatibility with Camera Systems

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is compatible with a range of Canon EF Mount cameras, including popular models like the 5D, 6D, and T8i. This extensive compatibility allows users with Canon systems to enhance their portrait photography significantly. In contrast, the VILTROX 20mm F2.8 is designed specifically for Nikon Z Mount cameras, such as the Z8, Z9, and Z6 series. This targeted compatibility ensures that Nikon users can leverage the lens's capabilities for wide-angle shots but limits its usability for those with other camera systems.

Focal Length and Aperture

The Meike 85mm features a standard focal length of 85mm, which is ideal for portrait photography due to its flattering compression and depth of field. Its wide aperture of F1.8 allows for beautiful bokeh effects, making it suitable for isolating subjects against blurred backgrounds. On the other hand, the VILTROX 20mm offers a much wider focal length of 20mm, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural shots. Its F2.8 aperture, while not as wide as the Meike's, still provides decent low-light performance and depth of field control.

Autofocus Performance

Both lenses boast autofocus capabilities, but their performance varies. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II features a STM stepping motor that ensures silent and smooth focusing, making it an excellent choice for portrait shoots where noise can be a distraction. The VILTROX 20mm F2.8 also emphasizes fast autofocus, designed to capture fast-moving subjects effectively. This makes it a better option for action or street photography, where quick focusing is essential, although it does not specify the motor type used.

Optical Quality and Construction

The optical design of the Meike 85mm includes 11 elements in 7 groups, promising high resolution, including 8K quality images. This construction aims to produce sharp images with minimal distortion, appealing to serious portrait photographers. In comparison, the VILTROX 20mm boasts an optical structure of 10 elements in 8 groups, including two ED lenses and aspherical elements, ensuring crisp, clear, and distortion-free images. While both lenses are designed for high optical performance, the Meike's claim of 8K resolution may attract those prioritizing the highest image quality.

Minimum Focus Distance

The Meike lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.65m, allowing photographers to capture subjects relatively close, which is beneficial for detail-oriented portrait work. Conversely, the VILTROX 20mm offers a minimum focus distance of 0.19m (approximately 0.62 feet), enabling photographers to get even closer to their subjects, which can be particularly advantageous for wide-angle photography. This difference may influence the type of shots each lens can effectively capture, with the VILTROX being more flexible for close-up wide-angle compositions.

Weight and Portability

The VILTROX 20mm is notably lightweight at 173g, making it a portable option for photographers on the go or those who prefer to travel light. This feature is especially appealing for street photographers or anyone needing to carry their gear for extended periods. In contrast, while the weight of the Meike 85mm is not specified, medium telephoto lenses typically weigh more, which can affect handling during extended shoots. The VILTROX's compact size enhances its usability for spontaneous shooting situations.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the VILTROX 20mm F2.8 ultimately depends on your specific photography needs. If you are a Canon user focused on portrait photography and seek a lens capable of delivering high-resolution images with beautiful bokeh effects, the Meike lens is an excellent choice, despite its higher price of $229.99. However, for Nikon users looking for a versatile, lightweight wide-angle lens at a lower price of $176.00, the VILTROX provides excellent value without sacrificing optical quality. Each lens has its strengths, catering to different styles and preferences in photography.