Meike vs Sony E 55-

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and Sony E 55-210mm

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 lens cater to different photographic needs. The Meike lens, priced at $229.99, is a prime lens designed for high-resolution portrait photography, while the Sony lens, priced at $328.00, offers a versatile zoom range ideal for capturing sports and nature. Choosing between these two lenses depends largely on your specific photography style and requirements.

Optical Performance

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II boasts a large aperture of F1.8, which is advantageous for creating beautiful bokeh and performing well in low-light situations. This lens incorporates a re-optimized optical design and is constructed with 11 elements in 7 groups, ensuring sharp and high-resolution images, even at 8K. On the other hand, the Sony E 55-210mm features a variable aperture ranging from F4.5 to F6.3, which can limit its performance in low-light conditions. However, the Sony lens provides a maximum focal length of 210mm, making it suitable for capturing distant subjects.

Autofocus and Focusing Mechanism

When it comes to autofocus, the Meike lens employs an STM stepping motor that allows for silent and smooth focusing, which is particularly beneficial for video recording. This feature is complemented by the lens' electronic aperture adjustment capabilities. Conversely, the Sony E 55-210mm lens also features internal focusing for quiet operation, making it a viable choice for videographers. The direct manual focus capability of the Sony lens allows for precise adjustments, which can be advantageous in various shooting situations.

Build Quality and Design

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is designed to be compact and lightweight, which is a significant advantage for those who prioritize portability. It also features fingerprint- and oil-resistant coatings on the front and rear elements, facilitating easy cleaning. In contrast, the Sony E 55-210mm lens has a more robust build with a stylish aluminum alloy exterior, adding to its overall quality feel. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding weight and aesthetics.

Compatibility

The Meike lens is specifically designed for Sony E mount mirrorless cameras, including the popular A7 series. It is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C cameras, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios. The equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras is 127.5mm, which is excellent for portraits and close-up shots. The Sony E 55-210mm lens is also designed for Sony E mount cameras and offers an equivalent focal length of up to 315mm on APS-C models, making it highly suitable for wildlife and sports photography. This added versatility makes the Sony lens appealing to a broader range of photography styles.

Price Comparison

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, making it about 30% cheaper than the Sony E 55-210mm lens, which retails for $328.00. This significant price difference may sway budget-conscious photographers towards the Meike lens, especially if they primarily shoot portraits. However, the investment in the Sony lens could yield broader utility due to its zoom range, which can justify the higher price for users needing flexibility in their shots.

Image Stabilization

The Sony E 55-210mm lens features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps achieve stable images and video, particularly in low-light conditions or when zooming in on distant subjects. This feature is particularly valuable for outdoor photography, where camera shake can be a concern. The Meike lens does not mention any image stabilization, which could be a drawback if you're frequently working in dynamic settings or low-light environments.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 comes down to your photographic needs. If you are focused on portrait photography and require sharp images with beautiful bokeh, the Meike lens offers excellent optical performance at a lower price point. However, if you seek versatility and the ability to photograph a wide range of subjects, from wildlife to sports, the Sony lens may be worth the additional investment. Each lens has its strengths, making them suitable for different types of photographers.