Meike vs Sony - FE

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II and Sony FE 50mm F1.8

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II is priced at $229.99, while the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is slightly more expensive at $248.00. The difference in price is approximately 7.8%, making the Meike lens the more budget-friendly option. Both lenses are designed for Sony E-mount cameras, but they cater to different photographic needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II features a compact and lightweight build, making it easy to handle during extended shooting sessions. Each lens element is multi-coated to suppress flare and ghosting while improving light transmission. The lens also includes fingerprint- and oil-resistant coatings for easier maintenance. In contrast, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 has a compact, lightweight design ideal for full-frame e-mount cameras, which emphasizes portability. Both lenses showcase excellent attention to detail in their design, ensuring durability and ease of use.

Aperture and Bokeh

One of the standout features of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II is its wide f/1.8 aperture, which comprises 11 diaphragm blades, allowing for stunning bokeh effects. This aperture size is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, where background blurring is essential. The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 also boasts a large f/1.8 maximum aperture with a 7-blade circular design, producing beautiful defocused bokeh as well. While both lenses excel in this regard, the Meike's additional blades may give it a slight edge in achieving smoother bokeh.

Focal Length and Versatility

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II's focal length of 85mm is ideal for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, providing an excellent working distance for capturing subjects. This lens effectively translates to an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm when used on APS-C frame cameras. On the other hand, the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 offers a standard focal length of 50mm, making it a versatile choice for various subjects including portraits and street photography. While the Meike lens is specialized for portraits, the Sony lens provides broader adaptability for a variety of shooting situations.

Autofocus and Performance

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II is equipped with an STM stepping motor, which allows for silent and smooth focusing—an advantage for both still photography and video work. Additionally, it supports AF, electronic aperture adjustment, and EXIF information transmission, enhancing the overall shooting experience. The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 also features reliable autofocus capabilities, thanks to its double-gauss configuration, which suppresses field curvature and distortion. Both lenses perform admirably in terms of autofocus, but the Meike's STM motor may offer a quieter operation in sensitive environments.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II is engineered for high resolution up to 8K, ensuring that images are sharp and detailed. It utilizes a re-optimized optical design with 11 elements in 7 groups, which contributes to its superior performance. The Sony FE 50mm F1.8, while also delivering impressive image quality, relies on its aspherical element to control spherical aberration and coma, ensuring high standards of sharpness. Both lenses promise excellent image quality, but the Meike's emphasis on high resolution may appeal more to professionals seeking the best possible detail.

Price Comparison

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II is available for $229.99, while the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is priced at $248.00. This makes the Meike lens about $18.01 cheaper than the Sony, translating to a price difference of approximately 7.8%. For budget-conscious photographers, the Meike lens represents a more attractive investment without sacrificing essential features or performance.

Which should you buy?

When deciding between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE II and the Sony FE 50mm F1.8, your choice largely depends on your photographic needs. If you are focused on portraiture and desire a lens that excels in creating beautiful bokeh and high resolution, the Meike lens is the better option, especially considering its lower price. However, if you are looking for a versatile, all-around lens suitable for various shooting scenarios, the Sony lens may be more appealing. Ultimately, both lenses offer excellent performance, but the Meike's value and specialization in portrait photography make it a compelling choice for many photographers.