Meike vs VILTROX

Overview of the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and VILTROX 15mm F1.7

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, while the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 comes in at $239.00. This makes the Meike lens about 4% cheaper than the VILTROX, offering a more budget-friendly option for photographers seeking a prime lens. However, both lenses serve distinct purposes, tailored for different types of photography, which we will explore in detail.

Design and Build Quality

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II features a compact and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for portrait, architectural, and landscape photography. Its multi-coated lens elements help reduce flare and ghosting, enhancing color fidelity. On the other hand, the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 is designed with a robust build that supports extensive video shooting capabilities, ideal for vlogging and capturing wide-angle shots. Despite the differences in design focus, both lenses are constructed with quality in mind, catering to their specific photographic niches.

Optical Performance

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II utilizes a re-optimized optical design, achieving high-resolution performance suitable for 8K photography. With an aperture range from F1.8 to F16 and 11 diaphragm blades, it offers beautiful bokeh effects, enhancing portrait shots. In contrast, the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 boasts a slightly larger F1.7 aperture with 9 aperture blades, enabling it to create a dreamy background blur. This is particularly advantageous for capturing landscapes and indoor scenes where depth of field is crucial.

Focal Length and Versatility

The Meike 85mm lens provides a standard focal length that is effective for portrait photography, translating to an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm on APS-C cameras. This makes it a fantastic option for those who primarily shoot portraits or tightly framed subjects. In contrast, the VILTROX 15mm lens offers an ultra-wide angle of view at 84.9 degrees, making it perfect for expansive landscapes and architectural photography. Each lens excels in its category, offering versatility based on the photographer's needs.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience

Both lenses feature advanced autofocus capabilities. The Meike 85mm is equipped with an STM stepping motor, delivering silent and smooth focusing, crucial for portrait photography. It also supports electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission. On the other hand, the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 lens also includes an STM motor, emphasizing quick and precise autofocus, especially valuable for action shots or video recording. This ensures that both lenses cater to different shooting experiences, depending on whether the focus is on stills or motion.

Creative Potential

When comparing creative possibilities, the Meike 85mm lens shines in capturing stunning portrait images with its ability to create beautiful bokeh and rich detail. Its minimum focusing distance of 0.65m allows for good subject isolation and depth. Conversely, the VILTROX 15mm lens excels in capturing wide scenes and unique perspectives, with a closest focusing distance of just 0.23m. This opens up creative avenues for exaggerated depth and dramatic wide-angle shots, making it a great option for landscape and vlog photography.

Price and Value

With the Meike 85mm priced at $229.99 and the VILTROX at $239.00, the Meike lens offers a slight edge in terms of price. The $9 difference may not seem significant, but it reflects a 4% savings that could be beneficial for budget-conscious photographers. Both lenses provide distinct value depending on the user’s photography style—whether they lean more towards portraiture or wide-angle photography.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the VILTROX 15mm F1.7 ultimately depends on your specific needs as a photographer. The Meike lens is an excellent option for those focusing on portrait and landscape photography, delivering high resolution and beautiful bokeh effects at a slightly lower price. Conversely, if your focus is on wide-angle shots or videography, the VILTROX lens with its ultra-wide angle and quick autofocus may be more appealing. Weigh your preferences carefully, as both lenses offer exceptional performance tailored for different photographic applications.