Meike vs YONGNUO
Updated July 2026 — Meike leads on price and weight.
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II excels in portrait photography with its longer focal length and superior bokeh, while the YONGNUO 35mm F1.8 offers versatility and affordability for everyday use.
Why Meike is better
Focal Length
Meike's 85mm is better for portraits.
Bokeh Quality
Meike's 11 diaphragm blades create superior bokeh.
Build Quality
Meike offers higher resolution performance.
Why YONGNUO is better
Price
YONGNUO is significantly cheaper.
Weight
YONGNUO is lighter and more portable.
Versatility
YONGNUO's 35mm is better for street photography.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Meike | YONGNUO |
|---|---|---|
| Max Aperture | F1.8 | F1.8 |
| Min Aperture | F16 | F22 |
| Auto Focus | STM | Stepping Motor |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Minimum Focus | 0.65m | 0.35m |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the Lenses
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the YONGNUO 35mm F1.8 Art Auto Focus Lens offer distinct advantages tailored to different types of photography. While both lenses are designed for specific camera mounts, their focal lengths and features cater to varying photography styles. The Meike lens is priced at $229.99, while the YONGNUO lens is more budget-friendly at $128.00, making it about 44% cheaper.
Focal Length and Versatility
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is a medium telephoto lens, ideal for portrait photography, architectural shots, and landscape scenes. Its standard 85mm focal length allows for beautiful background compression and bokeh effects, making it a favorite among portrait photographers. On the other hand, the YONGNUO 35mm F1.8 is a standard prime lens that offers a versatile field of view suitable for street photography and wide-angle shots. Its 35mm focal length mimics the human eye's perspective, making it great for capturing everyday moments.
Aperture and Light Performance
The Meike lens boasts a wide aperture range from F1.8 to F16, which is beneficial for low-light situations and achieving a shallow depth of field. The 11 diaphragm blades contribute to its ability to create aesthetically pleasing bokeh. Conversely, the YONGNUO lens also features a large aperture of F1.8 but extends to F22. This means while both lenses perform well in low light, the YONGNUO offers more versatility for deeper depth of field when needed.
Auto Focus and Usability
The Meike 85mm lens is equipped with an STM stepping motor, which provides silent and smooth autofocus. Additionally, it supports electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission, enhancing its usability for users who require quick adjustments. In contrast, the YONGNUO lens is designed for quiet autofocus and incorporates a stepping motor that ensures smooth operation. Both lenses prioritize user experience, but the Meike offers slightly more advanced features for those who need detailed control.
Build Quality and Design
In terms of build quality, the YONGNUO 35mm lens has a metal bayonet and outer shell, which provides durability. It also includes a dustproof and waterproof rubber ring, making it suitable for various environments. The Meike 85mm lens, while lacking specific details on weather resistance, emphasizes its high-resolution performance with 11 elements in 7 groups. Both lenses appear solid, but the YONGNUO may offer an edge for photographers working in less controlled conditions.
Compatibility and Use Cases
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is compatible with a wide range of Canon EF Mount cameras, including models like the 5D and 6D series, making it a suitable choice for Canon users focused on portrait and landscape photography. The YONGNUO 35mm F1.8, however, is designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, supporting a variety of models from the A7 series to the ZV-E1. This compatibility makes the YONGNUO more versatile for those within the Sony ecosystem, particularly for street and casual photography.
Price Comparison
The price difference between these two lenses is significant. The Meike 85mm F1.8 is priced at $229.99, while the YONGNUO 35mm F1.8 comes in at $128.00. This gives the YONGNUO an approximately 44% lower price point, making it a more accessible option for photographers on a budget or those just starting out. The lower price of the YONGNUO does not compromise its quality, as it still offers decent performance and features for everyday photography needs.
Which should you buy?
Ultimately, the choice between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the YONGNUO 35mm F1.8 depends on your specific photography needs and equipment. If you are a Canon user focused on portrait and architectural photography and can invest a bit more, the Meike lens offers excellent resolution and bokeh. However, if you are a Sony user looking for a versatile and budget-friendly lens that performs well for casual photography, the YONGNUO lens is a compelling choice. Each lens has its strengths, and your decision should align with your camera system and photographic style.