Meike vs TTartisan

Overview of the Meike 85mm and TTartisan 27mm Lenses

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF lens is designed for high-resolution portrait photography, while the TTartisan 27mm F2.8 autofocus lens targets everyday photography with its compact form. The Meike lens is priced at $229.99, whereas the TTartisan lens is more budget-friendly at $159.99, making it about 30% cheaper. This price difference reflects their distinct purposes and features, catering to different types of photographers.

Design and Build Quality

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is noted for its robust construction, ensuring durability while maintaining a lightweight profile. It features a re-optimized optical design and incorporates multi-coated lens elements to minimize flare and ghosting. In contrast, the TTartisan 27mm F2.8 lens emphasizes portability with its pancake design, measuring less than 3cm thick. This makes it an ideal choice for photographers on the go. While the Meike lens offers an elegant design suited for professional settings, the TTartisan caters to casual users looking for convenience.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical capabilities, the Meike 85mm boasts an impressive F1.8 aperture, which allows for stunning bokeh and excellent low-light performance. With 11 elements in 7 groups, it promises high resolution, even supporting 8K imaging. The TTartisan 27mm, with its F2.8 maximum aperture and 6 elements in 5 groups, provides decent image quality but is primarily designed for different shooting scenarios, such as street and travel photography. Therefore, for high-end portrait work, the Meike lens outshines the TTartisan in terms of optical performance.

Focal Length and Versatility

The Meike 85mm lens, with its standard 85mm focal length, is particularly well-suited for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography. It offers a maximum magnification of 0.17X and a minimum focusing distance of 0.65m, which gives photographers flexibility in their shooting styles. On the other hand, the TTartisan 27mm provides a 41mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, making it ideal for a variety of genres, including street and travel photography. While the Meike is specialized, the TTartisan shines in versatility for everyday use.

Autofocus and Usability

The Meike 85mm features an STM stepping motor for silent and smooth autofocus, enhancing the shooting experience, especially in quiet environments. This lens also supports electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission, adding to its usability. In comparison, the TTartisan 27mm lens also offers autofocus capabilities with manual focus override, providing photographers with flexibility. However, the Meike's advanced features make it a more robust option for those who prioritize precision in their work.

Price Consideration

At $229.99, the Meike 85mm is positioned as a premium lens, reflecting its advanced features and professional-grade optical performance. In contrast, the TTartisan 27mm, priced at $159.99, appeals to photographers seeking quality at a more accessible price point. This price difference of about $70 makes the TTartisan a great choice for budget-conscious buyers or those new to photography. For professionals or serious enthusiasts, the investment in the Meike lens may be justified by its enhanced capabilities.

Target Audience

The Meike 85mm is tailored for professional photographers or serious enthusiasts focused on portrait and high-resolution photography, particularly in controlled settings. Its construction and optical quality cater to users who demand excellence in their images. Conversely, the TTartisan 27mm is designed for casual shooters who require a lightweight and easy-to-carry lens for daily photography. Its versatility makes it perfect for travel and street photography, appealing to a broader audience.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the TTartisan 27mm F2.8 ultimately depends on your photographic needs. If you're a professional or serious hobbyist looking for a high-quality portrait lens with excellent low-light performance and advanced features, the Meike is worth the investment at $229.99. However, if you want a compact, budget-friendly lens for everyday photography, the TTartisan at $159.99 is a solid choice that provides good functionality without breaking the bank. Each lens serves its purpose well, catering to different segments of the photography market.