Meike vs VILTROX

Price Comparison

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is priced at $229.99, while the VILTROX 20mm f2.8 FE is available for $176.00. This makes the VILTROX about 23.5% cheaper than the Meike, offering a more budget-friendly option for photographers. Both lenses are designed for Sony E mount cameras, yet their focal lengths and intended uses cater to different photographic styles. The price difference may influence buyers who are looking for a wide-angle lens without stretching their budget too much.

Focal Length and Use Cases

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is primarily a medium telephoto lens, ideal for portrait photography, architectural shots, and landscapes, thanks to its standard 85mm focal length. This allows photographers to capture subjects with beautiful bokeh effects, especially in portraiture. On the other hand, the VILTROX 20mm f2.8 FE serves a different market segment as a wide-angle lens, perfect for landscapes, architecture, and street photography. The 20mm focal length allows for expansive compositions, making it suitable for capturing wide vistas or tight indoor spaces.

Autofocus Performance

Both lenses are equipped with autofocus capabilities, but they differ in execution. The Meike 85mm features an STM stepping motor for silent and smooth focusing, making it suitable for capturing candid moments without disturbing subjects. In contrast, the VILTROX 20mm f2.8 FE boasts fast autofocusing performance, which is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, like in sports or wildlife photography. Each lens offers unique advantages in autofocus, catering to different photography styles and needs.

Build and Portability

The VILTROX 20mm f2.8 FE is notably lighter and more compact, weighing only 157 grams. This portability makes it a favorite for spontaneous shooting situations, whether in urban environments or nature. Conversely, the Meike 85mm is designed to be compact and lightweight as well, although specific weight is not provided. However, its medium telephoto design may make it slightly bulkier than the VILTROX. For photographers who prioritize an easy-to-carry lens for travel or street photography, the VILTROX offers a clear advantage.

Optical Design and Image Quality

The Meike 85mm incorporates a re-optimized optical design with 11 elements in 7 groups. This design aims to suppress flare and ghosting, ensuring high resolution and faithful color reproduction. The lens achieves a wide f/1.8 aperture, allowing for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur. The VILTROX 20mm, with its optical structure of 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and aspherical elements, is engineered to deliver crisp and clear images with minimal distortion. Both lenses emphasize high image quality but are optimized for different types of photography.

Special Features

The Meike lens includes features such as a micro Type-C firmware upgrade interface, which allows photographers to keep their lens updated with the latest improvements. It also supports electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission. The VILTROX lens similarly supports EXIF data transmission and USB upgrades. Both lenses offer technological enhancements that improve usability and ensure they remain relevant as camera technology evolves.

Minimum Focus Distance and Magnification

The minimum focusing distance of the Meike 85mm is 0.65 meters, while the VILTROX 20mm has a slightly closer minimum focus distance of 0.19 meters (approximately 0.62 feet). This closer focusing capability allows the VILTROX to excel in capturing details in tighter compositions, such as close-up shots of objects or subjects. Both lenses have a maximum magnification of 0.17x, making them versatile for various shooting scenarios, but the VILTROX allows for more intimate framing.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, the choice between the Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II and the VILTROX 20mm f2.8 FE largely depends on your specific photography needs. If you are focused on portrait photography and desire a lens that provides beautiful bokeh effects and excellent low-light performance, the Meike lens is an excellent choice, albeit at a higher price point. However, if you are looking for a versatile, budget-friendly wide-angle lens that excels in portability and fast autofocus for dynamic scenes, the VILTROX is your best bet. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your photography style and the types of subjects you intend to capture.