Meike vs SIRUI Night Walker

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, while the SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35 is more expensive at $279.00, making it about 17% pricier. Both lenses cater to different photography and videography needs, with the Meike emphasizing portrait and landscape photography, and the SIRUI positioned as a cine lens ideal for low-light filming. Understanding the unique features of each lens can help photographers and videographers decide which one aligns better with their creative objectives.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II emphasizes a compact and lightweight design, tailored for portrait and architectural photography. Its multi-coated lens elements help suppress flare and ghosting, while the fingerprint- and oil-resistant coatings facilitate easy maintenance. On the other hand, the SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35 features a robust aluminum cine housing that enhances durability while remaining portable, making it suitable for on-the-go filmmakers. Its aesthetic appeal is underscored by the choice of classic black or fashionable metal gray finishes.

Aperture and Light Performance

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II offers a wide aperture of F1.8, which aids in achieving beautiful bokeh effects and excellent light transmission. This lens is designed to achieve high resolution even in challenging lighting conditions. In contrast, the SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35 boasts a T1.2 large aperture, making it particularly suitable for low-light filming. This capability allows for cleaner night scenes without relying on extremely high ISO settings, which is advantageous for videographers aiming for expressive visuals.

Focal Length and Versatility

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II has a standard 85mm focal length, which is ideal for portrait photography, providing a flattering perspective on subjects. This lens is also compatible with a variety of Sony E mount cameras, extending its usability across different models. Meanwhile, the SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35, with its 35mm focal length, translates to an equivalent of 49mm on full-frame cameras, making it versatile for documentary and portrait filming. Both lenses cater to distinct focal length preferences, depending on the user’s photographic or filming style.

Focus Mechanism

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is equipped with an STM stepping motor that ensures silent and smooth focusing, which is essential for both photography and videography. Additionally, this lens supports electronic aperture adjustments and EXIF information transmission, enhancing its functionality. In contrast, the SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35 utilizes a manual focus mechanism, appealing to filmmakers who prefer tactile control over their focus settings. This difference in focusing systems will significantly influence user experience, depending on whether one values autofocus convenience or manual precision.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups, designed to deliver sharper images and high resolution up to 8K. This makes it suitable for professional portrait photography where detail is paramount. The SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35 also features 11 elements, but in 10 groups, and is engineered to minimize focus breathing while controlling aberrations. This focus on optical quality makes the SIRUI a strong choice for filmmakers who prioritize visual fidelity in their projects.

Compatibility

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is compatible with a wide range of Sony E mount cameras, including popular models like the A7R and A7 III series. This extensive compatibility ensures that users can select from various camera bodies to pair with the lens. The SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35 is also tailored for E mount cameras, including the FX30 and A6500 series, though it is specifically designed for APS-C/S35 formats. This targeted compatibility may influence the choice based on the user's existing camera system.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the SIRUI Night Walker 35mm S35 ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for an affordable lens that excels in portrait photography with a wide aperture and excellent optical quality, the Meike, priced at $229.99, is a great choice. Conversely, if your focus is on low-light videography with an emphasis on manual control and aesthetic appeal, the SIRUI, at $279.00, could be worth the investment. Each lens has its strengths, making the decision largely dependent on your shooting style and budget.