Meike vs VILTROX

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and VILTROX 9mm F2.8

When comparing the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the VILTROX 9mm F2.8, you are looking at two distinct lenses designed for different photography needs. The Meike lens is a medium telephoto lens ideal for portraiture and low-light situations, while the VILTROX lens offers an ultra-wide angle that excels in capturing expansive landscapes and dynamic scenes. Each lens brings unique strengths to the table, catering to photographers with varying styles and requirements.

Price Comparison

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, while the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 comes in at $199.00. This makes the VILTROX about 17% cheaper than the Meike, offering a more budget-friendly option for those looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank. Given the significant price difference, photographers on a budget may find the VILTROX to be the more appealing choice.

Lens Type and Purpose

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is a medium telephoto lens designed primarily for portrait and architectural photography. With its standard 85mm focal length and wide f/1.8 aperture, it excels in creating beautiful bokeh and enhancing subject isolation. In contrast, the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 serves as an ultra-wide prime lens, boasting a 113.8° field of view. This lens is perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes, tight interiors, and group selfies, making it a versatile choice for vloggers and travelers alike.

Autofocus Capabilities

Autofocus systems differ notably between these two lenses. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II features a stepping motor for smooth and silent focusing, ideal for both still photography and videography. It also supports electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission. Meanwhile, the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 integrates advanced Eye and Face Detection autofocus, ensuring your subjects remain sharp and clear, especially in dynamic situations. This makes the VILTROX particularly suitable for action shots and street photography.

Minimum Focus Distance

The minimum focusing distance is a critical factor in lens performance. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II has a minimum focus distance of 0.65m, allowing for decent close-up shots with a good amount of background blur. On the other hand, the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 boasts an impressive minimum focusing distance of just 0.13m. This allows photographers to emphasize dramatic foreground-background relationships and capture intricate details in confined spaces, making it an excellent choice for creative compositions.

Optical Design and Quality

Both lenses feature advanced optical designs aimed at delivering high-quality images. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups, designed to provide sharp and high-resolution images, suitable for 8K photography. In comparison, the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 consists of 13 elements in 11 groups, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements, ensuring excellent distortion control and minimal vignetting. This optical superiority makes the VILTROX a reliable lens for wide-angle shots where edge-to-edge sharpness is crucial.

Bokeh and Depth of Field

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is particularly renowned for its ability to create stunning bokeh due to its wide f/1.8 aperture and 11 diaphragm blades. This characteristic is essential for portrait photographers who aim to achieve a beautiful background blur that highlights their subjects. Conversely, the VILTROX 9mm F2.8, with its narrower aperture, focuses on depth of field management for landscapes and group shots rather than bokeh effects, making it less suitable for portraiture but highly effective in wide-angle photography.

User Experience and Firmware Upgrades

User experience can be influenced by additional features such as firmware upgrades. The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II includes a micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface, allowing users to enhance the lens's performance over time. This feature is particularly beneficial for photographers who want to keep their lens up-to-date with the latest advancements. The VILTROX 9mm F2.8, while lacking this upgrade capability, offers a straightforward experience with its reliable autofocus and optical performance, catering to users who prioritize ease of use.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the VILTROX 9mm F2.8 hinges on your specific photography needs. If you're focused on portrait photography and desire a lens that offers stunning bokeh with high resolution, the Meike lens is an excellent choice despite its higher price. However, if you're looking for an ultra-wide lens that delivers versatility for landscapes and vlogs while being more budget-friendly, the VILTROX is hard to beat. Each lens has unique attributes that cater to different styles, making your personal preferences crucial in making the final decision.