Meike vs Tamron 70-

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and Tamron 70-300mm

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, while the Tamron 70-300mm comes in at $399.00, making the Meike about 43% cheaper. This price difference highlights an important factor for budget-conscious photographers looking for quality lenses. Both lenses cater to specific photography needs but offer different focal lengths and features that appeal to various shooting styles.

Build Quality and Design

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to handle for portrait photography. Its multi-coated lens elements enhance light transmission and reduce flare, ensuring high-resolution images. In contrast, the Tamron 70-300mm is also known for its lightweight portability, weighing just 19.2 oz, which promotes ease of use during extended shoots. However, it comprises 15 lens elements in 10 groups, indicating a more complex optical construction aimed at correcting aberrations. Both lenses feature moisture-resistant designs, but the Meike focuses more on a compact build tailored for portrait work.

Focal Length and Versatility

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II has a fixed focal length of 85mm, making it ideal for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography. This lens provides a maximum aperture of F1.8, allowing for beautiful bokeh effects. Conversely, the Tamron 70-300mm offers a much broader focal range from 70mm to 300mm, making it suitable for various scenarios, including landscapes, wildlife, and sports photography. This versatility enables users to capture a wider array of subjects without needing to switch lenses frequently, though it sacrifices the shallow depth of field that the Meike can achieve.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience

The Meike 85mm features an STM stepping motor that ensures silent and smooth focusing, enhancing the shooting experience, especially in quiet environments. It also supports electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission, which can be beneficial for more technical photographers. On the other hand, the Tamron 70-300mm is equipped with a Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive (RXD) that provides high-speed and quiet autofocus, making it a suitable choice for capturing fast-moving subjects. Both lenses cater to different shooting experiences, with the Meike emphasizing portrait photography and the Tamron focusing on action and versatility.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is designed to deliver sharp and high-resolution images, boasting capabilities for 8K photography. Its optimized optical design and multi-coating help in producing vibrant colors and reducing ghosting. The Tamron 70-300mm also emphasizes image quality, featuring a construction aimed at minimizing chromatic aberration and other optical issues. The lens is designed for high-resolution output, making it ideal for both casual snapshots and professional work. While both lenses provide excellent image quality, the Meike may have an edge for portrait-focused applications due to its wider aperture.

Price Comparison and Value

With the Meike priced at $229.99 and the Tamron at $399.00, the Meike represents a significant savings of approximately $169, or 43%. This price difference can be a deciding factor for photographers who may not require the extensive versatility of a zoom lens. While the Tamron offers more range and flexibility, the Meike provides excellent value for those focused on portrait photography and seeking a high-quality prime lens without breaking the bank.

Compatibility and Use Cases

The Meike 85mm is compatible with a range of Sony E Mount mirrorless cameras, making it a solid choice for users of these systems looking primarily for portrait capabilities. The lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.65m, which can be limiting for some types of photography. In comparison, the Tamron 70-300mm is designed for full-frame as well as APS-C mirrorless cameras, providing a longer equivalent focal length of 105-450mm on APS-C bodies. This makes it more versatile for a variety of photography styles, including wildlife and sports, where distance may be necessary.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the Tamron 70-300mm largely depends on your specific photography needs. If you are primarily focused on portrait photography and desire a lens that offers excellent image quality at a lower price, the Meike is the clear choice. However, if you require versatility and the ability to capture a wide range of subjects, the Tamron's zoom capabilities may be more beneficial despite its higher price. Ultimately, both lenses have their strengths, making them suitable for different types of photographers.