Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C, a $200 autofocus lens that promises bang for the buck

Image: Meike Meike Global has released its first APS-C lens for Fujifilm, Sony and Nikon cameras. The new 55mm F1.4 targets photographers looking for a fast prime lens. At $200, the lens could be a sound budget alternative to similar lenses available on the market.Recent Videos Buy now:$200 at B&H Photo$200 at Meike The 55mm F1.4 uses 11 elements in 8 groups and has nine aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m (23.6”) and weighs 286g (10.1oz). Along the barrel, there is an AF/MF switch, a manual focus ring and an aperture ring. Meike has included a USB-C port at the rear of the lens, which it says will be used to install future firmware updates. The $200 asking price is notably cheaper than other fast, APS-C prime lenses around the 55mm focal length. Image: Meike Meike’s 55mm lens has a de-clicked aperture ring, which may present an issue for users seeking a tactile response or greater precision. Meike also confirmed to DPReview that the lens isn’t weather-resistant, which may not be a surprise at this price point, but it’s good to know exactly what you’re buying. Another consideration: although the company has a large catalog of manual focus lenses, this is only the Hong Kong-based manufacturer's fifth autofocus lens. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s good to keep in mind that the company is relatively new to implementing the technology. The Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C is now available.

Mar 27, 2024 - 20:30
 0  8
Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C, a $200 autofocus lens that promises bang for the buck
Image: Meike

Meike Global has released its first APS-C lens for Fujifilm, Sony and Nikon cameras. The new 55mm F1.4 targets photographers looking for a fast prime lens. At $200, the lens could be a sound budget alternative to similar lenses available on the market.

Recent Videos

The 55mm F1.4 uses 11 elements in 8 groups and has nine aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m (23.6”) and weighs 286g (10.1oz). Along the barrel, there is an AF/MF switch, a manual focus ring and an aperture ring. Meike has included a USB-C port at the rear of the lens, which it says will be used to install future firmware updates.

The $200 asking price is notably cheaper than other fast, APS-C prime lenses around the 55mm focal length.

Image: Meike

Meike’s 55mm lens has a de-clicked aperture ring, which may present an issue for users seeking a tactile response or greater precision. Meike also confirmed to DPReview that the lens isn’t weather-resistant, which may not be a surprise at this price point, but it’s good to know exactly what you’re buying.

Another consideration: although the company has a large catalog of manual focus lenses, this is only the Hong Kong-based manufacturer's fifth autofocus lens. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s good to keep in mind that the company is relatively new to implementing the technology.

The Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C is now available.