Meike 85mm f/1.4 (Autofocus) lens review

Meike inform me that a firmware update to this lens is no available which should improve performance.

Here we have a VERY affordable, full-frame, 85mm f/1.4 for Nikon Z and Sony E cameras - let's put it through its paces. Meike have informed me that the current production version of this lens could be somewhat improved. I've asked them to explain further but they're not replying to my emails any more (!).

All pictures taken by me on a Nikon Z7 camera.

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Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

[christopherfrost]

Meike inform me that a firmware update to this lens is no available which should improve performance.

[thecaveofthedead]

It's not bad considering that corner sharpness is not usually an issue in this kind of lens wide open. But it's also clear that Viltrox is way ahead of the pack in terms of affordability combined with quality. What we really need is for Viltrox to produce an 85mm f1.4 - although currently I reckon their 1.8 is a better buy than this for most people.

[alanaperture]

Thank you Christopher! Was waiting on a test of this lens. Your channel is the best lens testing and has helped me make many informed decisions on what to buy and what not to buy.

[Pian]

is this the final product or still a prototype? i watched this lens review from Authur R back few months ago, he said the motor quite noisy when changing the aperture. I also noticed that the auto focus performance not that incredibly fast but not this slow, perhaps because of sony auto focus since I have no idea about nikon at all.

[skolforce]

Seriously from all the portrait pictures you have taken testing lenses this 0:37 is the most lovely among all, cheers 👍🏼

[KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

Is there coming a test of the new Sirui Aurora 85/1.4 anytime soon?

[ofthenearfuture]

Can you please do a review on their new 55mm f1.4 for Fuji? Thanks!

[edgarthart]

Thanks for this review. Did you use the latest firmware? 8514FF STM-Z-Firmware Upgrade-V1.34

[olesbadio]

Thank you Christopher for your honest review. I think I'm not the only one who would be interested to hear your verdict on the Meike 35mm f2

[nicedward]

Totally unrelated question Chris but have you used the z7ii? I love my 7Riii but thought about trying out the Nikon for their selection of tele glass. Can't really find a comparison of the 2 in terms of AF

[reinerfranke]

It must compete to 15y old used Sigma DG 1.4/85mm HSM at least for other mounts and/or adapters.

[Robin_Polarstern]

Please can you review the Zeiss Batis 135mm 2.8 ? ❤

[sunlbx]

To those using meike 85mm f1.8 - there is an update on their website, the stm and old version for canon mount are compatible. just connect the lens with a cable (it is seen as a disk on your pc) and just copy the file to the lens as you normally copy files to disks

[fondfarewell]

Ya that focus motor is same story with the older 85 1.8. Soo slow and loud, even with an external mic you can still hear it.

[aniruddhabose]

Can you compare this lens with Viltrox 85mm f1.8?

[sda]

how does this compare with the Samyang/Rokinon 85mm f1.4 Mark II ?

[jasonbalenweddingfilm]

400 ussd? might as well get a sony 1.8 or a Samyang 1.4

[pres]

This looks like an excellent low-cost portrait lens where the slow AF shouldn't matter as much as long as it's accurate. I could see considering this for the Z-mount system.

[luisfilipelopes]

I have to say, render and broken is beautiful ❤❤ I think it is the best pleasing 85mm of them all. Sharpness is still quite decent, and the lack of contrast at f1.4 just gives it better look. If they can fix AF and MF, it's not only a bargain, it would be my choice money no object

[zaidanhanif]

Have the photos in the video been edited? or still original ?