Review Meike 1.8 / 25 Multi Coated

Navigation

1. In short
2. All Meike Lenses
3. Main Specifications
4. Assembly
5. Focusing
6. Image quality
7. Sample Photos
8. My experience
9. All Sony APS-C E cameras
10. All original lenses for Sony APS-C E
11. Price
12. Results
13. User Comments
14. Add your review or question on the lens

Please note that the Meike 1.8 / 25 Multi Coated is available in different mounts. This review shows the Meike 1.8 / 25 Multi Coated version for mirrorless cameras Sony E with APS-C sensor (for cropped cameras). At the same time, Meike 1.8 / 25 Multi Coated is also available with mounts Fujifilm x, Canon EF-M, Micro 4 / 3, Nikon Z and even Nikon 1.

In this review, the Meike 1.8 / 25 Multi Coated lens will be abbreviated as Meike 25 / 1.8.

In short

The Meike 25 / 1.8 is a modern manual high-aperture prime lens for cropped mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor or smaller.

Interesting low price, compact size, all-metal body, 9 aperture blades and convenient focal length. On cameras with an APS-C sensor, this is a moderately wide-angle lens that can serve as a standard prime lens for everyday shooting.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out sharpness drop at F / 1.8 in the corners of the frame and poor performance with bright light sources in the frame. All in all, optically it's still a pretty decent lens, even when used on cameras with a high pixel density.

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 [X, autofocus, 2023, announcement pending]
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: 1.7 [Z, E / FE, RF + X]
3. 50mm 1:1.2 [Z, FE, RF, EF, L]
4. 85mm 1: 2.8 Macro [F and EF / EF-S + Z, E / FE, X, EF-M, M4 / 3]
5. 85mm 1: 1.8 [for Sony E, manual]
6. 85mm 1:1.8 AF STM (overview) [for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, FujiFilm X, autofocus2022]
7. 85mm 1:1.8AF (overview) [only for Nikon F, autofocus2020]
8. 85mm 1:1.8AF (overview) [only for Canon EF, autofocus2018]
9. 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.

Main Specifications Meike 1.8 / 25 Multi Coated

Review Instance Name	Near the front lens: 'Meike 1.8 / 25 Multi Coated Ø49mm 0.8ft / 0.25m' E-Mount Side + Serial Number
Basic properties	The lens uses a Sony E mount and is suitable for Sony mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor Manual focus only Multi-coated optics Metal mount, metal body
Front Filter Diameter	49 mm
Focal length	25 mm EGF for Sony E cameras, Fujifilm xNikon Z with APS-C sensor is 37.5mm EGF for cameras Canon EF-M with APS-C sensor is 40 mm EGF for system cameras Micro 4 / 3 is 50 mm EGF for cameras of the Nikon 1 system is 67 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by	Option from the review for cropped mirrorless Sony cameras. This lens exists with mounts: Sony E Canon EF-M Fujifilm x Micro 4 / 3 Nikon Z Nikon 1
Number of aperture blades	9 rounded petals
Tags	bayonet mount mark (red dot on the bayonet side) focusing distance scale in meters and feet (there are uterus for 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6, 1, 2 meters and an infinity mark) depth of field scale for F / 4, 8, 16 (numbers are indicated explicitly) and for F / 2.8, 5.6, 11 (for these values, only stripes are indicated) aperture scale
Diaphragm	f / 1.8 to f / 16, controlled by aperture control ring. There are labels for F / 1.8, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16. The ring rotates without clicks, smoothly. Any intermediate value can be set.
MDF	0.25 meters, maximum magnification ratio of approximately 1: 6.7 (measured)
The weight	190 grams (according to official figures) 192 grams (lens only, Sony E mount version, measured)
Optical design	7 elements in 5 groups The drawing of the circuit was not found, but most likely it is something planar-like, similar to the optical circuit from 7Artisans 25 / 1.8
Lens hood	Must be screwed into the thread of the front light filter, not included in the delivery
Manufacturer country	Made in China (there is no data on the country of manufacture on the lens itself)
Period	Since about 2018. Versions for different mounts were announced at different times. For example, a Nikon Z version was announced in August 2020.
Price	View on Aliexpress

Many amateur photographers want a fast fix, especially in addition to their full-time / 'whale' lens. Aperture F / 1.8 two or more steps wider f / 4 aperture, which is used in 'dark' kit lenses at 25mm focal length. In numerical terms, this means that Meike 25 / 1.8 is approximately 5 times brighterthan, for example, regular Sony 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS и Sony 16-50mm f / 3.5-5.6 PZ OSSwhich use a maximum relative aperture of only 25: 1 and 4: 1 at 4.5 mm of focal length. The calculation of the difference in the relative aperture (count the aperture) is performed elementarily: (4 * 4) / (1.8 * 1.8) = 4.94, which is rounded to the value '5'.

Assembly

In general, the lens well assembled... Meike 25 / 1.8 has bayonet mount metal and the lens body itself is completely made of metal, it is used.

The front lens is deeply recessed into the body frame to create a 'built-in' hood effect.

The weight of the Meike 25 / 1.8 lens itself is about 200 grams. In the hands, the lens feels like a solid thing.

The filter diameter is 49 mm. The Meike 25 / 1.8 itself is quite compact, well suited for small Sony cameras with an APS-C sensor.

The diaphragm consists of 9 blades (in 7Artisans 25 / 1.8 petals as much as 12) and forms a round hole at any values, while in the photographs in the zone of confusion, rather round discs of confusion are obtained. The diaphragm can only be controlled manually using a special ring. The diaphragm ring rotates smoothly, no clicks and fixed values, you can set any intermediate value in the range of F / 1.8-F / 16, which is very useful during video shooting. The ring rotates rather tightly, it is difficult to accidentally change the set value. However, the ring is very close to the mount, which is not always convenient.

The aperture values ​​on the aperture control ring are strongly piled up, especially in the range of F / 5.6-F / 16, it is quite difficult to set the desired value.

Focusing

The focusing ring is narrow, metal, with alternating smooth ribs and notched ribs, comfortable. The ring spins on 180 degrees (1/2 of a full turn). Focusing is smooth and pleasant.

During focusing, the 'trunk' of the lens runs forward but does not spin... During focusing, the entire lens unit moves. The focus ring has a slight 'infinity hop'.

On the ring there is a scale with a focusing distance in meters and feet and a depth of field scale.

The minimum focusing distance is only 25 centimeters, and the maximum zoom ratio is approximately 1: 6.7, which is quite good (for example, 7Artisans 25 / 1.8 it is 1: 4, which, of course, is better).

Meike 25 / 1.8 has very weak effect 'Focus Breathing' (changes in the angle of view during focusing).

Focus Shift (shift focus, changing the focus distance due to iris) is missing.

Important: focus picking with a Meike 25 / 1.8 on a Sony Alpha 3500 camera works well.

Image quality

The weakest side of the Meike 25 / 1.8 is poor sharpness in the far corners of the frame, however, aperture solves this problem. And also when bright light sources enter the frame, you can get an abundance of glare.

Sharpness

1. at f / 1.8 in the center of the frame, the lens does not cope well with the 20 MP sensor Sony a3500, the resolution can be called moderate
2. good resolution in the center of the frame comes after f / 2.8, excellent - after f / 4
3. there is a drop in sharpness in the far corners of the frame
4. when closing the aperture to F / 5.6, the edges of the frame return to normal
5. when the aperture is closed to F / 11, the corners of the frame return to normal (however, you need to take into account the diffraction)

Distortion

1. there is a slight complex distortion (more like a barrel distortion)
2. in the vast majority of cases, distortion remains invisible and does not impair the perception of the image

Vignetting

1. weak vignetting at f / 1.8 when focusing at long focusing distances
2. vignetting is significantly reduced when the aperture is closed down to f / 2.8-4
3. vignetting decreases during focusing towards MDF

Aberration

1. chromatic aberration fixed quite well and spoil the frame only in very rare cases
2. the strongest chromatic aberration visible in the corners and edges of the frame. In the corners of the frame, they remain even with a strong aperture (example)

Rest

1. bright light sources can produce a large amount of backlight glare (example)
   
2. the lens tolerates side light well, creates images with high contrast
3. the effect of an 18-ray star is easy to obtain (example)
4. slightly curled bokeh with pronounced discs of confusion in the form of 'lemon' or 'cat's eyes' (example)
5. on heavily covered apertures, the confusion discs have a fairly round shape

Important: at the time of writing this review, there was no Meike 25 / 1.8 profile for popular RAW converters. You can create a profile yourself or wait for its release.

7Artisans 25 / 1.8 sharper in the center, but worse in the corners and has much more vignetting. Meike 25 / 1.8 is more even across the frame.

Sample Photos

All photos in the review are shown without processing. Camera used Sony α3500 (Sony ILCE-3500) based on EXMOR APS-C CMOS 20 MP sensor. All photos are on-camera JPEG.

Original JPEG images can be view / download from this link (100 files, Google Drive gallery). Original RAW ('.ARW') images can be view / download from this link (27 files, Google Drive).

The lens does not convey meaning EXIF, and therefore on the pictures I did not imprint the aperture value. If you really want to know the aperture value at which this or that picture was taken, just ask in the comments.

My experience

I have already shot with three similar Chinese lenses: Meike 25 / 1.8, 7Artisans 25 / 1.8 и PERGEAR 25 / 1.8... Each has its own pros and cons.

Subjectively PERGEAR 25mm 1: 1.8 HD.MC I liked it the most. At the same time, it is most convenient to work with Meike 25 / 1.8 because of the smoothest focusing ring with 180-degree steps.

25mm on cameras with APS-C sensor is a very, very convenient focal length.

All Sony E-mount cameras with APS-C sensor

• NEX-3, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, NEX-3Women
• NEX-5, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-5T [fifth series on AliExpress.com]
• NEX-6, NEX-7
• a3000, a3500
• a5000, a5100
• a6000, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500, a6600, a6700 [6000 series on Ali]
• ZV-E10
• FX30
• QX1
• Hasselblad lunar

All Sony E lenses for APS-C

Fix Lenses:

1. Sony 11 mm f / 1.8 [2022, black, AliExpress price]
2. Sony 15 mm f / 1.4 G [2022, black, AliExpress price]
3. Sony 16 mm f / 2.8 [2010, silver, AliExpress price]
4. Sony 20 mm f / 2.8 [2013, silver, AliExpress price]
5. Sony 24 mm f / 1.8 ZEISS ZA [2011, black]
6. Sony 30 mm f / 3.5 MACRO [2011, silver, AliExpress price]
7. Sony 35 mm f / 1.8 U.S.S [2012, black, AliExpress price]
   
8. Sony 50 mm f / 1.8 U.S.S [2011, black/silver, AliExpress price]

Zoom Lenses:

1. Sony 10-18 mm f / 4 U.S.S [2012, black, AliExpress price]
   
2. Sony 10-20 mm f / 4 G PZ [2022, black, AliExpress price]
3. Sony 16-50 mm f / 3.5-5.6 PZ U.S.S [2012, black/silver, AliExpress price]
4. Sony 16-55 mm f / 2.8 G [2019, black, AliExpress price]
5. Sony 16-70 mm f / 4 U.S.S ZEISS ZA [2013, black, AliExpress price]
   
6. Sony 18-50 mm f / 4-5.6 [2014, black]
7. Sony 18-55 mm f / 3.5-5.6 U.S.S [2010, black/silver]
8. Sony 18-105 mm f / 4 G PZ U.S.S [2013, black, AliExpress price]
   
9. Sony 18-110 mm f / 4 G PZ U.S.S [2016, black]
   
10. Sony 18-135 mm f / 3.5-5.6 U.S.S [2018, black, AliExpress price]
    
11. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 U.S.S [2010, silver, AliExpress price]
12. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 U.S.S LE [2012, black, AliExpress price]
    
13. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 PZ U.S.S [2012, black]
    
14. Sony 55-210 mm f / 4.5-6.3 U.S.S [2011, black/silver, AliExpress price]
15. Sony 70-350 mm f/4.5–6.3 G U.S.S [2019, black, AliExpress price]

Third-party autofocus lenses for Sony E APS-C:

• Zeiss Touit Distagon 12/2.8 | Zeiss Touit Planar 32/1.8 | Zeiss Touit Makro Planar 50/2.8M
• Hasselblad E 3.5-5.6/18-55 OSS LF | Hasselblad E 3.5-6.3/18-200 OSS LF | Hasselblad E 2.8 / 16 LF
• Sigma C 16 / 1.4 | Sigma A 19 / 2.8 | Sigma EX 19/2.8 | Sigma C 30 / 1.4 | Sigma EX 30/2.8 | Sigma A 30 / 2.8 | Sigma C 56 / 1.4 | Sigma A 60 / 2.8 | Sigma C 10-18 / 2.8 | Sigma C 18-50 / 2.8
• Tamron 11-20 / 2.8 | Tamron 17-70 / 2.8 VC | Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC | Tamron 18-300 / 3.5-6.3 VC
• Viltrox 13 / 1.4 | Viltrox 23 / 1.4 | Viltrox 33 / 1.4 | Viltrox 56 / 1.4 | felttrox 75/1.2
• Tokina 23 / 1.4 | Tokina 33 / 1.4 | Tokina 56 / 1.4 | Tokina 11-18 / 2.8
• Samyang 12 / 2
• Yongnuo 16 / 1.8, Yongnuo 50 / 1.8
• TTArtisan 27 / 2.8, TTArtisan 35 / 1.8

Many interesting manual solutions are provided by Chinese manufacturers and brands. 7Artisans, TTartisan, Meike, Neewer, PerGear, Kamlan, Brightin star, Mitakon Zhongyi, Venus laowa, Fujian, ARTRALAB, AstrHori other. Autofocus Speed ​​Boosters are also interesting Viltrox Canon EF -> Sony E 0.71X и Metabones Canon EF -> Sony E 0.71X... List of full-frame cameras and lenses Sony FE (Full Frame E) here

Price

Meike 25 / 1.8 worth around $ 70... The easiest way is to buy Meike 25 / 1.8 at AliExpressFor example, at this link.

Results

Meike 25 / 1.8 is an inexpensive lens that can act as a regular fixture for every day. Original autofocus solutions in the face Sony E 24 / 1.8, Fujifilm 23/2WR, Canon EF-M 22/2, Panasonic 25 / 1.7, Olympus 25 / 1.8 MSC и Nikon 1 32 / 1.2 (it is for these mounts that Meike is produced) are many times more expensive. In many ways, Meike 25 / 1.8 is similar to other Chinese counterparts, for example, with 7Artisans 25 / 1.8 и PERGEAR 25 / 1.8.

10 main advantages

1. low price tag (total about 70 dollars)
2. high aperture with maximum aperture of f / 1.8
3. very convenient focal length for working on cameras with APS-C sensor
4. the lens barrel is completely made of metal, including a metal mount
5. during focusing, the front lens with a thread under the filter does not rotate
6. compact size, there is a depth of field scale and focusing distance
7. nine aperture blades that always give a rounded opening
8. the aperture ring rotates smoothly, without intermediate values ​​(useful for video)
9. good sharpness in the center of the frame after f / 2.8
10. low vignetting

10 main disadvantages

1. numbers on the aperture scale are bunched together
2. MDF could be smaller (for example, 7Artisans 25 / 1.8 it is 18 cm, versus 25 cm for Meike 25 / 1.8)
3. no CPU pins to form the correct EXIF
4. a threaded (non-bayonet) hood should be used
5. there is no lens profile for popular RAW converters, the lens is not 'hardwired' into modern cameras
6. it is not known where the lens should undergo warranty service
7. poor resolution in the far corners of the frame at F / 1.8
8. strong chromatic aberration around the edges and corners of the frame
9. poor performance with strong light sources that are in the frame (noticeable glare)
10. no autofocus (and I would like a Chinese full analog Carl zeiss sonnar E 1,8 / 24 ZA T*)

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.com.

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