Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF review (for Nikon F mount)

The Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount) shown in this review was bought on AliExpress.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount). increase.

Navigation

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. All lenses from Meike
  4. Main Specifications
  5. Assembly
  6. Focusing
  7. Firmware Upgrade
  8. Iris control
  9. Image quality
  10. Sample photos (full frame, crop)
  11. Differences from Nikon 85 / 1.8G
  12. All autofocus 85s
  13. Price
  14. My experience
  15. Results
  16. UPDATE: Review of Meike 85 / 1.8 AF version for Canon EF
  17. User Comments
  18. Add your review or question on the lens

Lens MEIKE 85mm 1: 1.8 AUTO FOCUS LENS in this review I will abbreviate - 'Meike 85 / 1.8 AF'.

It's important: this review shows the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF version for Nikon mount DSLRs Nikon f... At the same time there is version of this lens for Canon EOS SLR cameras with bayonet mount Canon EF / EF-S... And there is also a similar lens for Sony mirrorless cameras with Sony E / FE mount, but in version for Sony the lens is devoid of autofocus.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

In short

Meike 85 / 1.8 AF - short prime telephoto with high aperture.

In general, the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is an alternative to the original Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S IF SWM Nikkor.

In terms of its parameters, Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is a very attractive solution for amateur photographers as creative lens... The Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is primarily intended for for portraiture.

The picture quality is not bad. In general, even at F / 1.8, acceptable sharpness is observed in the center of the frame, practically not inferior to the original Nikon 85 / 1.8G (2012) and higher than the oldies Nikon 85 / 1.8 AF MKI (1987) and Nikon 85 / 1.8D AF MKII (1994)

In many ways, the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is much better than a cheaper and similar lens. Yongnuo 85 / 1.8N... True, the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is quite afraid of the backlight, has tangible chromatic aberration and uses a noisy focusing motor.

The price for a brand new Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is very low and amounts to about $ 170.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

History

Meike 85 / 1.8 AF for Canon EOS SLR cameras with EF / EF-S mount was introduced April 18 2018 years.

Meike 85 / 1.8 MF (MANUAL FOCUS) for Sony mirrorless cameras with Sony E / FE mount was introduced 6 March 2019 year... Most likely this lens uses the same optical design as the previous one, but does not have autofocus.

Meike 85 / 1.8 AF for Nikon SLR cameras with Nikon F mount was submitted August 10 2020 and became the second autofocus lens from Meike. This lens uses the same optical design as version for Canon EOS EF / EF-S.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)


All Meike Photo Lenses:

For APS-C/MFT, manual focus only:

  1. 3.5mm 1: 2.8 Circular Fisheye [only M4 / 3]
  2. 6.5mm 1: 2 Circular Fisheye [E, Z, X, EF-M, M4 / 3, N1]
  3. 7.5mm 1:2.8 Fisheye (overview) [E, Z, X, EF-M, M4/3]
  4. 8mm 1: 3.5 FISH-EYE CS [E, Z + F, EF]
  5. 8mm 1: 2.8 [only M4 / 3]
  6. 10mm 1: 2 [E, Z, X, EF-M, M4/3]
  7. 12mm 1: 2 [E, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
  8. 12mm 1: 2.8 [E, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
  9. 25mm 1: 2 [E, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
  10. 25mm 1:1.8(overview) [E, X, EF-M, Z, M4 / 3, N1]
  11. 25mm 1:0.95 [E, X, EF-M, RF-S, M4/3]
  12. 25mm 1:0.95 [IS]
  13. 28mm 1:2.8(overview) [E, X, EF-M, M4/3, N1]
  14. 35mm 1:1.7(overview) [E, X, EF-M, Z, M4 / 3, N1]
  15. 35mm 1:1.4(overview)  [E, X, EF-M, Z, M4 / 3, N1]
  16. 35mm 1:0.95 (overview)  [E, X, EF-M, RF-S, M4/3]
  17. 50mm 1: 2 [E, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
  18. 50mm 1:0.95 (overview) [E, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
  19. 55mm 1:1.4 AF STM [X, E, Z, autofocus]
  20. 60mm 1:2.8 MACRO (overview) [E, X, Z, EF-M, RF-S, M4/3]
  21. 6-11mm 1: 3.5 Fisheye [EF / EF-S and F + E, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]

Full frame (also suitable for crop):

  1. 8mm 1: 3.5 Fisheye [F and EF / EF-S + E / FE, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
  2. 50mm 1:1.8 [Z, E/FE, RF, autofocus, 2024, announcement pending]
  3. 50mm 1: 1.7 [Z, E / FE, RF + X]
  4. 50mm 1:1.2 [Z, FE, RF, EF, L]
  5. 85mm 1: 2.8 Macro [F and EF / EF-S + Z, E / FE, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
  6. 85mm 1: 1.8 [for Sony E, manual]
  7. 85mm 1:1.8 AF STM (overview) [for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, FujiFilm X, autofocus2022]
  8. 85mm 1:1.8AF (overview) [only for Nikon F, autofocus2020]
  9. 85mm 1:1.8AF (overview) [only for Canon EF, autofocus2018]
  10. 85mm 1:1.4 AF [for Sony E, Nikon Z, autofocus2023]

Video Lenses:

  1. 12mm T/2.2 [M4/3]
  2. 16mm T/2.2 [E, X, M4/3]
  3. 25mm T/2.2 [E, X, M4/3]
  4. 35mm T/2.2 [E, X, M4/3]
  5. 35mm T/2.1 [PL, RF, EF, L, E] Full Frame
  6. 50mm T/2.2 [E, X, M4/3]
  7. 50mm T / 2.1 [PL, RF, EF, L, E] Full Frame
  8. 65mm T/2.2 [E, X, M4/3]
  9. 85mm T/2.2 [E, X, M4/3]

Mounts:

  1. E: Sony E, APS-C, mirrorless
  2. FE: Fony FE, Full Frame, Mirrorless
  3. X: Fujifilm X, APS-C, mirrorless
  4. Ef-m: Canon EF-M, APS-C, mirrorless
  5. RF-S: Canon RF-S, APS-C, mirrorless
  6. Ef-s: Canon EF-S, APS-C, SLR
  7. M4 / 3: Micro 4/3, Kf = 2.0, mirrorless
  8. N1: Nikon 1, Kf = 2.7, mirrorless
  9. F: Nikon F, Full Frame or APS-C, SLR
  10. Z: Nikon Z, Full Frame or APS-C, mirrorless
  11. EF: Canon EF, Full Frame, SLR
  12. RF: Canon RF, Full Frame, Mirrorless

Meike lenses can be found in the official Meike store on Aliexpress.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Main technical characteristics of Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF

Review Instance Name On the lens barrel: MEIKE 85mm 1: 1.8 AF.

Near the front lens: MEIKE AUTO FOCUS LENS 85mm 1: 1.8 3ft / 0.85m Ø67mm

Mount side: Made in China N202820090140

Box: MEIKE 85mm F / 1.8 AUTO FOCUS FULL-FRAME LENS Multi Coated Standard Prime Lens

Basic properties
  • The lens is designed for full-frame cameras. Nikon fx
  • Built micro focus motoranalog Nikon AF-I / AF-S
  • Electromagnetic diaphragm
  • AF / MF (Auto Focus - Mannual Focus) - the lens is equipped with a focus mode switch
  • internal focus
  • continuous manual control of the focus ring
  • Multi Coated - multi-coated optics (type and quality of coating are unknown)
  • Metal mount
  • USB-port for firmware update
  • Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter 67 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length 85 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 127.5 mm
Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by for full-frame digital cameras. In theory, the lens is suitable for all Nikon interchangeable-lens digital cameras
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags
  • bayonet mount mark
  • hood attachment mark
  • a window with a scale of focusing distances in meters and feet, there are values ​​for a distance of 0.85, 1, 1.2, 2, 5 meters and an infinity mark
Diaphragm from F / 1.8 to F / 22 without aperture ring, lens analog Nikon G / Nikon E
MDF 0.85 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:7.7
The weight
  • 420 grams according to the official website
  • 365 grams without caps according to my measurements
  • 423 grams with two caps and a lens hood according to my measurements
Optical design 9 elements in 6 groups

Optical design drawing not found. The diagram drawing from the lens-club website is incorrect.

The lens uses 1 ED element.

Lens hood Bayonet-type lens hood, included in delivery, Meike LH85-P73 marker
Manufacturer country MADE IN CHINA (China)
Period From 10 August 2020 of the year
Instructions not included in the package
Price

The actual aperture values ​​(T-stop) are quite large, and are at the T / 2.0 level.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Assembly

The lens came to the review new in an original box. The cardboard of the box is made with embossed “snakeskin” type and feels very pleasant in the hands.

The box contains a warranty card, a fabric case, the lens itself with front and rear covers, as well as a hood. This time the set included 2 (two!) Meike bayonet covers for Nikon F mount and microfiber for cleaning the lens lenses. But the package contains no instructions and no USB cable for updating the firmware. The lens itself 'sits' in the box only in one lower foam seal.

Meike 85 / 1.8 AF has metal mount... The focusing ring is also metallic, with veins, not rubberized. The weight of the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is about 370 grams (about the same as Nikon 85 / 1.8G). The lens barrel is made of plastic. The part of the body, which is closer to the mount, has a dark gray color and a matte, slightly rough surface, reminiscent of the velvet coating on old Sigma lenses.

The assembly is high-quality, however, the focusing ring has a lateral micro-play, which is almost invisible and does not cause any discomfort. The lens feels good in the hands.

A durable plastic hood is included in the package. Bayonet type hood, easily snaps onto the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction (for transport mode), but in this case, access to the focus ring is completely lost.

The diaphragm consists of 9 blades. At F / 1.8-F / 4, the hole takes on a fairly round shape. At F / 8-F / 22, the aperture is shaped like an irregular nine-sided. The diaphragm works quickly, does not stick or create excessive noise.

Meike 85 / 1.8 AF easily survived shooting in a little frost for two hours.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Focusing

The lens has built-in focus motor DC-type (DDirectly Current Motor is a conventional DC electric motor). To be precise, the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is the analogue of Nikon lenses in the series AF-I... Unlike lenses Nikon AF-Sthat use ultrasonic focusing motors Nikon SWMold lenses Nikon AF-I use a built-in buzzing micro-focus motor similar to the one used by the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF.

The lens will automatically focus on all Nikon DSLR cameraseven on amateur series models Nikon DXthat do not have a built-in focus motor: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600as well as mirrorless cameras Nikon Z with adapter FTZ / FTZ II.

When focusing the motor is very noisy... Meike 85 / 1.8 AF makes even a little more noise than a non-motorized one Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor. Noise unpleasant and annoying.

Auto focus speed averagecloser to slow. The focusing speed is sufficient for comfortable work in most photographic tasks. Auto focus speed is slightly slower than original Nikon 85 / 1.8G.

I did not find any particular problems with focusing, but I must note that focusing tenacity is lower than that of the original similar lenses.

On camera Nikon D700 I checked the presence of the back and focus front at different focusing distances (infinity and MDF as well). Pictures taken using the Live View mode (which does not suffer from back / front focus) were used as a measure. Focusing accuracy using phase sensors completely coincided with the Live View mode.

The focusing ring is metallic, with veins, in manual focusing mode it rotates approximately 135 degrees. When the extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate freely. Focus ring rotates easily enough... During manual focusing, you can hear the 'plastic rubbing against plastic or metal'. Due to the fact that the lens is very chubby, manual focusing is sufficient conveniently... Focus ring travel is heavily 'bunched up' in the two to five meter range, requiring more careful focusing at these distances. The direction of rotation of the focusing ring is not the same as the original Nikon 85 / 1.8G.

There is a 'AF-MF' (auto focus / manual focus) mode switch on the lens body.

The lens supports mode continuous manual focus control. This function only remotely resembles native functions. Nikon 'M / A' or Nikon 'A / M'... The mode is more similar to Canon's analogue - Canon FTM, or to the 'A' mode for some Nikon DX lenses, for which it is described in detail here... In short, manual focusing in autofocus mode 'AF' (switch position on the lens) is only possible if the camera is using focus mode 'AF S'or' AF-A 'and only after successful focusing. In focus mode 'AF-C'the camera may oppose manual focus control. Meike 85 / 1.8 AF does not turn off autofocus when you start rotating the focusing ring manually, which can cause various incidents.

During auto focus focus ring remains stationary.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The lens has a window with a focus distance scale in meters and feet. The number of values ​​on the scale is small, the scale itself is not very useful. There are values ​​only for 0.85, 1, 1.2, 2, 5 meters and an infinity mark.

The minimum focusing distance is 85 cm, and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 7.7 (0.13 X magnification, slightly better than Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM).

Focus Features:

  1. Important: The quality of focusing operation of the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF in Live View mode is highly dependent on the camera used.
  2. The Meike 85 / 1.8 AF has a very pronounced 'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in the angle of view during focusing). When focusing towards the MDF, the angle of view decreases (usually, the angle increases with lenses with internal focusing).
  3. Focus Shift (focus shift, changing focus distance due to iris)
  4. Meike 85 / 1.8 AF does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop), which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any external temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you cannot just bring the focusing ring to its extreme position.
  5. The lens transmits the distance to the subject in the camera and is Nikon D-lens equivalent... How exactly this function works is unknown. Focus distance transmission affects metering performance, especially when using flash. Nikon flash for simple situations SB-900 in i-TTL modes with this lens worked correctly.
  6. Important: The Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is a third party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some cameras. Details on this issue have been reviewed by me here.
  7. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
  8. Very important: Meike 85 / 1.8 AF does not work correctly on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras using the original Nikon FTZ adapter. When the lens is attached, the aperture is stuck at F / 11 and is not adjustable, autofocus works fine. Perhaps a firmware update will save the lens from this disadvantage.
  9. Unknown compatibility with Nikon FT1 adapters for Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras.
Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Firmware Upgrade

I was unable to find any instruction on the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF firmware method. I couldn't even find any firmware for this lens or a file to update the firmware. On the official website there is only the firmware file 'MK8518C_APP_V1.0_20180903.sky' (you can download here) for Canon EF / EF-S mount versions.

The lens is equipped with a port USB Micro-B 2.0 (a common port used by many older smartphones and other devices). When connected to a computer, the lens is recognized as a 108KB STM Product USB Device (view). Most likely, you need to upload the firmware file to this drive and perform some actions. If someone knows about the method of updating the software for Meike 85 / 1.8 AF - please write about it in the comments.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Iris control

The Meike 85 / 1.8 AF uses an electromagnetic diaphragm control. Only some Nikon digital cameras can work correctly with this lens.

It's important: general list of Nikon camerasthat support the use of electromagnetic aperture lenses are not applicable to the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF.

It's important: Meike 85 / 1.8 AF works without problems on older cameras Nikon D40, Nikon D80 (updated) and Nikon D90who, in theory, cannot control aperture with lenses E-type. Nikon D90 correctly closes and opens the aperture on Meike 85 / 1.8 AF, while the depth-of-field preview function works, the aperture also closes to the set value when switching to Live View mode (but in Live View itself, the petals are always at the same value). Iris closing lever Nikon D90 remains stationary, and only the electromagnetic diaphragm drive that is built into the lens works (this is clearly audible when you press the depth of field preview button). How, why and why? Most likely Meike engineers somehow managed to achieve from old cameras such as Nikon D40, D80, D90 and other control of the electromagnetic diaphragm.

Electromagnetic iris control has several advantages over the older method of controlling aperture through mechanical camera and lens levers. These advantages are described in my review. Yongnuo 85 / 1.8N.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Image quality

In general, the image quality of the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is not bad, but there are some serious problems.

Sharpness

  • in the center of the frame at F / 1.8 in terms of resolution, the lens is not bad and is very close to Nikon 85 / 1.8G and noticeably better Nikon 85 / 1.8 AF
  • there is a slight drop in sharpness to the edges of the frame at f / 1.8
  • at the edges of the frame, sharpness becomes good after f / 4
  • good / excellent resolution in the center of the frame on covered apertures after F / 2.5
  • there is a small coma

Distortion

  • small pincushion distortion
  • the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
  • the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor

Vignetting

  • the overall level of vignetting is at a level typical for such lenses
  • noticeable vignetting is observed only at F / 1.8-F / 2.5
  • vignetting almost disappears at F / 2.8-F / 4
  • vignetting is easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

  • open apertures have a lot of chromatic aberration
  • the strongest chromatic aberration visible at the edges and corners of the image
  • Yes strong milling (HA in the blur zone example)
  • aperture down to f / 4 significantly reduces the amount of HA

Rest

  • the aperture opening at F / 1.8-F / 4 is quite round and even, at F / 8-F / 22 it is poorly rounded and is an incorrect nine-headed
  • the lens is very afraid of side and backlight (example). May be tangible drop in contrast in side light. Backlighting can produce halos
  • in many scenes, the lens can create a pleasant / neutral bokeh

There is no lens profile for the lens in popular RAW converters, but most likely the profile will appear shortly or you can create it yourself.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Sample Photos on Nikon D700 (FX)

Full-frame shots Nikon D700... Convert original RAW files with the original Capture NX-D converter without making any additional adjustments. Sample photos with original RAW files were helped by the photographer Natalya romanenko (instagram).

Original RAW ('.NEF') photos can be download from this link (50 photos, 700 MB). Original photos in JPEG format ('.jpg') can be download from this link (130 photos, 1 GB).

Sample photos on crop (DX)

A few of my examples on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro (Nikon DX) you can see here.

A few of my examples on Nikon D40 (Nikon DX) you can see here.

UPDATE: photos in processing

Many photos with little or no creative processing on the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF lens with Nikon F mount can be viewed in the Facebook group in the following notes:

  1. 07.05.2021 portraits
  2. 13.02.2021
  3. 12.05.2021 portraits
  4. 19.02.2021
  5. 03.03.2021 portraits
  6. 06.03.2021
  7. 13.03.2021 portraits
  8. 16.05.2021
  9. 16.03.2021 portraits
  10. 17.05.2021
  11. 23.03.2021 portraits
  12. 05.06.2021
  13. 17.04.2021 portraits
  14. 30.05.2021
  15. 27.04.2021 portraits
  16. 06.05.2021 portraits
  17. 08.05.2021
  18. 10.05.2021 portraits
  19. 11.05.2021
  20. 22.06.2021 portraits
  21. 04.06.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX night shots
  22. still on instagram: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The EXIF ​​data is imprinted at the bottom of each photo.

More sample photos can be found in this gallery is 500px and in a brief overview on Nikon Rumors... Most of the photos in the links above were taken by the photographer. Natalya romanenko (instagram), which uses this lens as its main creative / portrait solution (Meike 85 / 1.8 AF became a replacement for its Nikon 85 / 1.8D AF due to noticeably better sharpness at F / 1.8).

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Differences from Nikon 85 / 1.8G

In terms of its characteristics, Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is most similar to the original Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S IF SWM Nikkor.

Nikon 85 / 1.8G advantages over Meike 85 / 1.8 AF:

  1. Nikon 85 / 1.8G focuses much quieter
  2. Nikon 85 / 1.8G focuses slightly faster
  3. Nikon 85 / 1.8G uses ultrasonic focusing motor Nikon SWMwhile the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF uses a conventional micro motor
  4. Nikon 85 / 1.8G has a full feature continuous manual focus control Nikon M / A
  5. Nikon 85 / 1.8G has infrared label
  6. Nikon 85 / 1.8G has depth of field scale
  7. Nikon 85 / 1.8G has more familiar rotation directions of the focus ring
  8. Nikon 85 / 1.8G uses high-quality SIC enlightenment (Nikon Super Integrated Coating). The specific type of Meike 85 / 1.8 AF multi-coating is unknown
  9. Nikon 85 / 1.8G has rubber mount sealproviding basic protection against dust and moisture
  10. MDF for Nikon 85 / 1.8G a little less (in real photo tasks it's hard to notice)
  11. Nikon 85 / 1.8G profile sewn into modern camerasthat can automatically correct some kind of distortion, for example, distortion or vignetting. Also, the profile for Nikon 85 / 1.8G is present in almost all modern RAW converters and allows you to quickly get rid of some distortions.
  12. Nikon 85 / 1.8G has better resolution at the edges and corners of the frame
  13. Nikon 85 / 1.8G uses a more complex optical design

Advantages of Meike 85 / 1.8 AF over Nikon 85 / 1.8G:

  1. Meike 85 / 1.8 AF 9 years newer. The original Nikon 85 / 1.8G was introduced in 2012.
  2. Meike 85 / 1.8 AF costs about 2.5 times cheaper
  3. The Meike 85 / 1.8 AF uses an aperture on 9 petals, Nikon 85 / 1.8G has a diaphragm of only 7
  4. Meike 85 / 1.8 AF can close the aperture up to f / 22, Nikon 85 / 1.8G up to f / 16 only
  5. Meike 85 / 1.8 AF uses electromagnetic aperture control

In general, the Nikon 85 / 1.8G is slightly better than the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF in terms of both image quality and lens handling. Optically, the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF in the center of the frame is close enough to the Nikon 85 / 1.8G.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)


All autofocus 85s

Choosing a good 85mm portrait lens is very important for a large number of photographers. I pay a lot of attention to this issue, therefore I have prepared this list of all such autofocus lenses for full frame cameras with F <= 2 and a focal length of about 85 mm.

Nikon (F, Z mounts)

  1. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor [December 1987]
  2. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor [March 1994, Thailand/Japan]
  3. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4D AF Nikkor [November 1995]
  4. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4GN AF-S Nikkor SWM IF Nano Crystal Coat [August 2010]
  5. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S IF SWM Nikkor [January 2012]
  6. Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm 1: 1.8 S [July 2019]
  7. Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm 1: 1.2 S [January 2023]

Canon (EF, RF mounts)

  1. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1:1.2 L USM [September 1989
  2. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1: 1.8 USM [July 1992]
  3. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1:1.2 L II USM [March 2006]
  4. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1:1.4 L IS USM [November 2017]
  5. Canon lens RF 85mm F1.2L USM [May 2019]
  6. Canon lens RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS (DEFOCUS SMOOTHING) [October 2019]

Yongnuo/YnLens (different mounts)

  1. Yongnuo YN85mm F1.8 (YN85mm F1.8) [9/6, Canon EF, February 2017]
  2. Yongnuo YN85mm F1.8 (YN85mm F1.8N) [9/6, Nikon F, May 2019]
  3. Ynlens YN85mm F1.8S DF DSM (YN85mm F1.8S) [9/8, Sony E, August 2020]
  4. Ynlens YN85mm F1.8R DF DSM (YN85mm F1.8R) [9/8, Canon RF, May 2021]
  5. Ynlens YN85mm 1:1.8Z DF DSM (YN85mm F1.8Z) [9/8, Nikon Z, March 2022]
  6. Yongnuo 85F1.8S DF DSM [9/8, Sony E, August 2022]

Sony / Sony Zeiss ZA / Minolta (E / FE, A mount)

  1. Sony FE 1.4/85 GM (SEL85F18GM) [February 2016]
  2. Sony FE 1.8/85 (SEL85F18) [February 2017]
  3. Sony SAL85F14Z / Carl Zeiss Planar 1,4 / 85 ZA T* [June 2006]
  4. Minolta AF 85mm 1:1.4 (22) (AF lens 85) / Minolta Maxxum / Dynax / G / G+D / G+RS / G+D+LE and other versions of the same lens, A mount [1987]

Sigma (different mounts)

  1. Sigma EX 85mm 1: 1.4 DG HSM (two sub-versions with different body finishes, for Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, February 2010)
  2. Sigma 85mm 1: 1.4 DG | A [Art] (for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony E, Leica L, September 2016)
  3. Sigma 85mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A [Art] (for Sony E, Leica L, August 2020)

Viltrox (different mounts)

  1. Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm F1.8 STM (Sony E/FE + Fujifilm X, 2018)
  2. Viltrox AF 85/1.8 STM ED IF (Nikon Z, Canon RF, December 2020)
  3. Viltrox AF 85/1.8 II STM ED IF (Sony E/FE + Fujifilm X, July 2020, light version XNUMX)

Pentax (K mount)

  1. SMC Pentax-FA* 1:1.4 85mm IF AUTO FOCUS PENTAX 85 [1992]
  2. HD PENTAX-D FA * 85mm 1: 1.4 ED SDM AW [May 2020]

Samyang / Rokinon (different mounts)

  1. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 EF (for Canon EF, scheme 9/7, June 2018)
  2. Samyang AF 85/1.4F (for Nikon F, scheme 9/7, April 2019)
  3. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 FE (for Sony E, scheme 11/8, March 2019)
  4. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 RF  (for Canon RF, scheme 11/8, May 2020)
  5. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 FE II (for Sony E, scheme 11/8, July 2022)

Meike (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Nikon Z, FujiFilm X)

  1. MEIKE 85mm AF 1: 1.8 [review] (Canon EF / Canon EF-S, April 2018)
  2. MEIKE 85mm AF 1: 1.8 [review] (Nikon F, Aug 2020)
  3. MEIKE 85mm 1:1.8 Auto Focus Lens FF STM [review] (for Sony FE/E + Nikon Z, Canon RF, FujiFilm X, June 2022 + March 2023)
  4. MEIKE 85mm 1:1.4 Auto Focus Lens FF STM (for Sony FE/E + Nikon Z, September 2023)

Zeiss (various mounts)

  1. Zeiss Sonnar 1.8 / 85 T * (Batis 1.8 / 85) [April 2015, built-in stabilizer, Sony E/FE mount, 11/8]
  2. Carl Zeiss Planar 1,4/85 ZA T* (Sony SAL85F14Z) ​​[June 2006, Sony A/Minolta A mount, 8/7]
  3. Carl Zeiss Planar 1,4 / 85 T * [November 2002, Contax N mount, 10/9]

Tamron (different mounts)

  1. Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD Model F016 (for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A [without VC function], March 2016)

Tokina (Sony E / FE mount)

  1. Tokina atx-m 85mm F1.8 FE (for Sony E, most likely a complete analog Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm F1.8 STM, January 2020)

AstrHori (Sony E/FE mount)

  1. AstrHori AF 85mm 1:1.8 [December 2022]

Panasonic (L mount)

  1. Panasonic LUMIX S 1: 1.8 / 85mm [November 2020]

Separately, you can still highlight non-classic 85s:

  1. macro lens Canon Lens RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM [2020, RF]
  2. longer LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-SL 1: 2/90 ASPH. (2018, Leica l)
  3. less aperture Sony 85 / 2.8 SAM (SAL85f28) [2010, A]
  4. shorter SMC PENTAX FA 1:1.8 77mm Limited (1997, K)
  5. shorter HD Pentax-FA 1: 1.8 77mm Limited (2021, K)
  6. shorter Samyang AF 75 / 1.8 FE (2020, E) + Samyang AF 75/1.8X (2023, X)
  7. cropped Samsung Lens 1:1.4 85mm ED SSA i-Function [2011, NX]
  8. cropped and longer FUJIFILM FUJINON LENS SUPER EBC XF 90mm 1: 2 R LM WR [2015, X]
  9. cropped and shorter Viltrox AF 75/1.2 XF STM ED IF [2022, X, E, Z]
  10. cropped, less aperture, macro lens Nikon DX AF-S Micro Nikkor 85mm 1: 3.5G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 [2009, F]
  11. many 90/2.8 class macro lenses

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Prices

Prices for Meike 85 / 1.8 AF on Aliexpress can look at this link и at this link.

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)


My experience

Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is a rather primitive, but at the same time quite a good lens for amateur photographers. Many times better than a similar budget Yongnuo 85 / 1.8N.

Natalia (instagram), the owner of this lens, changed her old Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor on Meike 85 / 1.8 AF. The main reason for the move is that the Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is noticeably better at F / 1.8.

On Nikon DX cameras EGF Meike 85/1.8 AF lens will fit around 128mm due to crop factor. On the crop, this is almost a real 135-tka, such EGF convenient enough for portrait shooting in open locations.

The new Meike 85 / 1.8 AF costs less than the cheapest portrait original lens Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor in a condition B. at.

  1. Information on choosing a portrait lens can be found in the 'Portrait Fixed Lenses for Nikon Cameras'
  2. A list of cheap portrait lenses for Nikon can be found under 'Budget portraits under Nikon DSLRs'
  3. How to achieve maximum background blur with Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is described in section 'Blurred background'
Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF (for Nikon F mount)

Results

Meike 85 / 1.8 AF is a simple and straightforward classic 85-cloth, has a very attractive price tag. The image quality is quite good. True, the lens still has some significant drawbacks.

main advantages

  1. low cost, only about $ 170
  2. high aperture
  3. electromagnetic control of the diaphragm. The lens additionally controls the aperture correctly with some older cameras with which Native 'E' type lenses they can't do that
  4. there is a window with a scale of focusing distances
  5. internal focus
  6. built-in focus motor (important for owners Nikon DX cameras without focus motor and Nikon Z / Nikon mirrorless camera owners 1). This is the main advantage over the old original Nikon 85 / 1.8D AF
  7. fixed focus ring during auto focus (e.g. Nikon 85 / 1.8D AF the ring rotates and cannot be touched)
  8. continuous manual focus control (but not a complete analogue Nikon 'M / A' or Nikon 'A / M'more like Nikon 'A' mode for some lenses from this article)
  9. AF / MF focus mode switch (old Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor there was no such switch)
  10. good build quality: metal bayonet, reliable and convenient covers, bayonet-type hood
  11. there is a USB port for updating the firmware
  12. cloth bag included
  13. nine-petal diaphragm, smooth aperture in the range of F / 1.8-F / 4.0
  14. nice / neutral drawing, which can be used as a good artistic technique during portraiture
  15. good sharpness in the center of the frame already at F / 1.8

main disadvantages

  1. strong and unpleasant noise from the focus motor
  2. conventional micro focus motor (y Nikon 85 / 1.8G SWM motor used)
  3. the direction of rotation of the focus ring does not match the original Nikon 85 / 1.8G
  4. continuous manual focus control is not as convenient as the modes Nikon 'M / A' or Nikon 'A / M'
  5. focus tenacity is worse than the original Nikon 85 / 1.8G
  6. there is no tag for working in the infrared spectrum and the depth of field scale, the focusing distance scale is small
  7. lack of basic dust and moisture protection (in Nikon 85 / 1.8Gfor example, there is at least rubber lens mount seal)
  8. tangible effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changes in viewing angle during focusing)
  9. aperture opening at F / 8-F / 22 is poorly rounded
  10. very poor compatibility with Nikon FTZ adapters
  11. lack of data about the lens in modern cameras and converters, which makes it difficult to automatically correct some types of optical distortion (distortion, vignetting etc.)
  12. lack of data to update the firmware
  13. lack of normal warranty support
  14. strong chromatic aberration
  15. I would like to highlight separately the weak resistance to back and side light

UPDATED: appeared on Radozhiv Meike 85 / 1.8 AF review for Canon EF or EFS mount cameras.

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Michael

 

 

Comments: 42, on the topic: Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF review (for Nikon F mount)

  • Victor

    Looked at test raves, in the vast majority of cases, front focus.

    • in

      I looked too, noticed only a couple and that was insignificant. The good news is that adjusting the focus shows + - 0. Apparently the girl did not deal with this issue, if she puts +5 on d700, she will get an advantage over 1.8d even more

  • Trueash

    Good news. And then everyone rushed to try for Sonya, but forgot about the Nikonists :)

  • Michael

    It's strange that they didn't do AF under Sony

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Meike has now done AF only for 2 lenses and both SLRs. Perhaps a mirrorless Sony will do it later

      • Michael

        For Sony, the protocol does not seem to be closed and it is easier to make it easier for it, this is what causes bewilderment

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Apparently it's still a matter of time. The same Viltrox initially released their first autofocus 85 / 1.8 under the FujiFilm X mount. The Sony E version appeared much later.

  • Eugene o

    Arkady, and he with such, sorry, groats, will he stand on the crop of the camera? In the photo, the outer diameter of the lens appears to be huge. Not the same as SLR lenses, but all

    • Arkady Shapoval

      at first it seemed to me that it would not sit on the crops of the d3000 and d5000 series, but it sits right next to it

  • Jury

    Interestingly resolves D800e

  • Oleg

    And where is the announcement of the pentax, or has it already been written off?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It was still on October 27, 2020 https://radojuva.com/2020/10/pentax-k-3-mark-iii/
      In general, it has been announced and re-announced 100 times already. Personally, it pissed me off. They have been talking for more than a year about the release of this camera.

  • Volodimir

    The price is adaptable, ale not rizikuvatimu.
    It was not smart to show yourself through the pik + active victorian.

    I have a Tamron 17-50 pid Nikon. The first rik is ideal. Risky and smart. And then it seemed ...

  • Vadim

    I bought one. In a studio with pulsed sources, compared to Nikon 85 / 1.8D AF e meike, the picture is very gray and faded. It's okay outside.

    • Alexey

      amusing. due to flares? does the enlightenment hold no backlight at all?

      • Arkady Shapoval

        under certain conditions, in side light, it can significantly lose contrast

  • koba

    Chinese companies are already making good products, but this lens has so many significant flaws that they, in my opinion, outweigh its merits. Maybe the next version with a normal motor and corrected optical characteristics (resistance to back light for a portrait lens is a very popular feature) will be a good option.

  • Yuri Molchanov

    Thanks for your review. The more lenses the Chinese release, the more reasons Nikon has not to overcharge prices.

  • Not a bot

    Nobody, absolutely nobody.
    Meike: releases 85k on Nikon F.

  • Sergei

    It would be relevant to test the lenses for FTZ compatibility. As far as I understand, you have no opportunity?

    Need to come up with something)

  • Alexey

    I bought one after I saw nice photos to answer it by Arkady. It would be better if Arkady posted something worse. The colors "gouged out his eyes" from him. Acid! Everything is oversaturated, how disgusting. The color of the skin is pale pink whatever you say it, and no matter how little light is on the face of the model, there is always overexposure, and does not disappear. Bokeh is certainly not for everybody. Flat as glass. Of course, I slightly corrected the colors in the editor, but so far the impression is ambiguous.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      And what kind of camera is so horrible?

  • Nikita

    Pro "somehow managed to get from older cameras such as Nikon D40, D90 and others to control the electromagnetic diaphragm."

    Earlier there were tilt-shift lenses from Nikon, which had an electromagnetic diaphragm by design (earlier == long ago, at the time of D40 / D90). Maybe Meike and other manufacturers use the "old" communication protocol, as opposed to Sigma, which uses the "new" protocol (and therefore does not work on the D90 like my Art 24-70)?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      But relatives don't work on d40 and d90, that's the point

  • to the to the

    Thank you so much for your review! I've also been looking at this lens for a long time ... And now I realized that this was not my choice! Sorry, the portraits are just disgusting ... The woman's face is continuous ditches, and the background in the trash is muddy!)))

    • Rodion

      Not your choice - a woman, as I understand it? What about the lens?

  • piss

    is this compatible with nikon d3200?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes

  • Dmitriy

    I tried to put it on the D200. The diaphragm does not work, constantly remains open. On the D700 everything is ok.

  • Pedro Garcia

    Tengo esta lente desde principio del año 2021 y la tuve que guardar, porque con las luces del estudio, las fotografías, me salen como con un velo o mejor dicho con niebla, me imagino que le entrara luz, y tampoco he sido capaz de encontrar como actualiz ar el firmware de esta lente para Nikon, les envié un email y nunca tuve respuesta.

    • B. R. P.

      Creo que el firmware no tiene nada que ver con eso. Intente fotografiar de forma que la luz del equipo de estudio no incida directamente en el objetivo y utilice un parasol.

  • a guest

    I own this lens. Everything written about him is true. And my cases at 1,8 turned out to be completely non-working-soap. Covering up to 2,8 can work. Backlight does not transfer to the spirit. When shooting in a studio, it is impossible to use backlight - the lens catches. Photos come out overexposed, without contrast. It makes a terrible noise ... it focuses for a long time and this noise does not stop. Sometimes it can glitch and buzz hysterically. Saves turning off the camera. Sometimes it can knock down the settings in the camera for a second (shooting mode from M to switch to S). In general ... a very strange and mysterious lens. I'm still using it, but I think it will break soon)))

  • Rodion

    Something tells me that the lens design for Sony E is completely different. In any case, the one shown in the sketch will not fit on the mirror because of the cut.

  • Vladimir

    Here https://www.nikon-fotografie.de/community/threads/meike-85mm-1-8-af-designfehler.298076/?amp=1
    the German comrades found out the cause of the flashes - the shiny housing of the diaphragm motor. and suggested a way to fight. They also claim that the STM lens has motors for aperture and focus. STM motors were still in Canon's first EF fifty-fifty 1.8, which is reflected in Canon's technical documentation. It’s just that Canon’s marketers in those years didn’t trumpet this from every iron.

  • Nazar

    Hello. There is already nikon d700 + nikon 80-200 2.8 II, + tamron 28-75 2.8, 50 1.8d. Everything is used as a hobby. Tell me, do you need another meike 85? Or an unnecessary toy and will gather dust on a shelf?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      80-200 replaces 85tku. Generally not needed

  • Anton

    Good day.
    Help solve the problem (Meike 85 1.8 Canon mount).
    After downloading the new firmware MK8518C_APP_V2.1, having connected the object to the computer, it marked it as a flash drive, uploading the firmware, downloading the decal of the wind.
    And here came the objective death), now electronics do not work in the new, becoming more manual, the computer is not recognized as a computer.
    How can you get information, how to drive it into the recovery mode, so that you can fill in the front firmware?
    Thanks for the help.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      most likely everything is on this lens

    • Andrii

      more manual - in terms of focusing.
      and with the diaphragm how is it there? Seeking from the cameras.

      • Anton

        Aperture is visible in mode 1.8 and does not change because the photo does not saturate electronic storage.

        I think here, as in all wise outbuildings, there can be a combination of switching contacts, but there is no information (((

        • Andrii

          pichalka

  • Andreas

    Regarding the firmware update via USB, I copied the file “MK8518C_APP_V2.1_20221112.sky” to the USB drive of the lens and waited some minutes. Other than with Sony version, there is no confirmation, the file is still visible after the update and no text file with version number will appear. It is a little bit strange. Just wait a few minutes and then it should be done.

    If not waiting long enough, there will be a problem with the update, and you will have to repeat the procedure.

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