Meike is one of many newer lens companies who have specialized in inexpensive manual focus lenses (though they also have a lineup of slightly higher end cine lenses). I’ve spent time with three Meike manual focus lenses in the past, including a very inexpensive 50mm F1.7 and a more expensive 50mm F1.2. I’ve also tested no less than 10+ 85mm options on Sony E-mount, but none as inexpensive as the first autofocus lens from Meike that I’ve ever reviewed – the Meike 85mm F1.8 STM. The Meike 85STM (as I’ll call it for brevity in this review) can be had for only $200 USD despite having a decent build quality, fairly good autofocus, and fairly good image quality as well.

The previous cheapest autofocusing 85mm option that I’ve reviewed on Sony has been the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 STM, but that lens will set you back more than double the cost of the Meike, making this a tempting option if you are looking for a seriously inexpensive portrait lens and don’t want to mess with manual focus.

The Meike 85STM can’t compete at the top levels with some of the best 85mm options on Sony FE, but it’s a surprisingly competent lens at this price point, capable of producing some lovely images. Is it enough lens for you? You can get the full picture by either watching my video review, reading the text review, or just enjoy the photos below.

Thanks to Meike for sending me a review loaner of this lens. As always, this is a completely independent review. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the Sony a7IV along with the Sony Alpha 1 which will serve as my benchmark camera for the foreseeable future (my review here).

Photos of the Meike 85mm F1.8 STM

Photos taken with the Meike 85mm F1.8 STM

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