Meike vs VILTROX

Overview

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF lens and the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 E lens cater to different photography needs, with the Meike lens focused on portrait photography and the VILTROX lens aimed at wide-angle shots. Each lens brings unique features to the table, making them suitable for different types of photographers. The Meike lens is priced at $229.99, while the VILTROX lens is more budget-friendly at $199.00, making it about 17% cheaper.

Compatibility

The compatibility of a lens is crucial for its usability. The Meike 85mm lens is designed for Canon EF mount cameras, including popular models like the 5D and 6D series, making it versatile for Canon users. Meanwhile, the VILTROX 9mm lens is specifically designed for Sony E mount cameras, including the a6400 and a6500 series. This distinction means that photographers must choose based on their camera systems, as these lenses cannot be interchanged.

Focal Length and Perspective

The focal length significantly affects the type of shots you can capture. The Meike 85mm lens offers a standard focal length ideal for portrait photography, providing a flattering perspective with a diagonal angle of view of 27.8 degrees. In contrast, the VILTROX 9mm lens provides an ultra-wide focal length, delivering a remarkable 113.8-degree field of view. This makes the VILTROX lens more suited for landscape and architectural photography, where capturing expansive scenes is essential.

Aperture and Low Light Performance

A lens's aperture is vital for low-light performance and depth of field. The Meike lens features a wide f/1.8 aperture, allowing for excellent performance in low-light conditions and beautiful bokeh effects. This is particularly beneficial for portrait photographers looking to create a soft background blur. On the other hand, the VILTROX lens has a slightly narrower f/2.8 aperture, which may not perform as well in low-light scenarios but still offers decent depth of field for wide-angle shots.

Minimum Focusing Distance

The minimum focusing distance can dramatically influence a photographer's ability to capture close-up details. The Meike lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.65 meters, which is suitable for general portrait work but may limit macro-style shots. In contrast, the VILTROX lens shines with a very close minimum focusing distance of just 0.13 meters (13cm), allowing photographers to capture intricate details in close-up shots, making it a more versatile option for various shooting scenarios.

Build Quality and Design

Build quality and design are essential for durability and ease of use. The Meike 85mm lens is constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups, which enhances its optical performance and sharpness. It also features a micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface, allowing for online updates to improve functionality. The VILTROX lens, with 13 elements in 11 groups, includes a lotus-shaped lens hood to protect against stray light and reduce dark corners. Both lenses are designed for performance, but the addition of thoughtful design details in the VILTROX makes it a user-friendly choice.

Autofocus and Performance

Autofocus capabilities can greatly influence shooting experience and outcomes. The Meike lens is equipped with an STM stepping motor, providing silent and smooth focusing, ideal for capturing candid moments in portrait photography. Conversely, the VILTROX lens also features an STM motor, ensuring fast and reliable autofocus suitable for various scenarios like street photography and vlogging. Both lenses are equipped for effective autofocus, but the Meike’s design may appeal more to portrait photographers needing silence and precision.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF lens and the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 E lens largely depends on your photography needs. If you're focused on portrait photography and prefer a lens that excels in low-light conditions, the Meike lens is the better choice, albeit at a higher price of $229.99. However, if you're seeking a versatile, wide-angle lens for landscapes or vlogging, the VILTROX lens stands out as a more economical option at $199.00. Ultimately, your camera brand and shooting style will dictate the best fit for you.