The Meike 85mm f/1.8: Affordable Sharpness for Fujifilm Shooters

The Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro AF provides photographers a compact and budget-friendly choice for taking pictures placing portraits and detailed telephoto photographs. Can it stay alongside of dearer choices?

Coming to you from Dylan Goldby, this sensible video assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro AF, highlighting the considerate compromises Meike made to ship a high quality lens at an available worth. Goldby appreciates the construct high quality, noting its forged really feel and clean dealing with. The composite fabrics used within the lens building are powerful, but the aperture ring feels somewhat free, a element value noting in case you are vulnerable to bumping settings inadvertently. Additionally, regardless of its professional branding, Goldby issues out the most important shortcoming: weather-sealing is restricted to the mount, a notable oversight in case you are regularly taking pictures in difficult stipulations.

The autofocus efficiency in this lens is especially sturdy, making it an interesting selection for taking pictures fast-moving topics like youngsters enjoying or cyclists at the transfer. Goldby’s assessments disclose that the stepping motor using the autofocus isn’t just rapid and quiet but additionally impressively dependable in each unmarried shot and steady monitoring modes. Whether photographing static scenes or dynamic motion, this lens holds its personal, turning in constant effects even in gusty stipulations.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 85mm (complete body identical: 127mm)

• Aperture: f/1.8

• Filter Size: 62 mm (entrance)

• Focus Motor: Stepping motor

• Special Features: Low dispersion glass, minimum chromatic aberration, no center of attention respiring

In phrases of optical high quality, the Meike 85mm presentations commendable sharpness proper from its widest aperture. Goldby observes remarkable heart sharpness, even rivaling Fujifilm’s personal revered XF 90mm f/2. Corner efficiency could also be forged, turning into particularly crisp by way of f/4. Interestingly, standard problems like vital vignetting or distortion are minimum because of the lens’  complete body design tailored for APS-C sensors, which basically makes use of the lens’ optimum central space. Some minor chromatic aberration can seem, although infrequently intrusive.

Goldby does in finding some inventive compromises: the lens produces typically gratifying bokeh, but there’s a noticeable onion-ring development in specular highlights beneath difficult lights stipulations. Flare and ghosting keep an eye on is excellent total, however occasional ghosting can seem, although it is simply mitigated with slight changes in taking pictures angles or by way of the usage of the incorporated lens hood.

On location, this lens shines. Goldby notes how its compact measurement and lighter weight in comparison to Fujifilm’s heavier 90mm lens make it a lens you are much more likely to hold regularly. The tighter framing equipped by way of the efficient 127mm focal period proves precious in setting apart topics and simplifying compositions, making it in particular efficient for portrait, circle of relatives, and match pictures. The minimum center of attention respiring additionally contributes to more uncomplicated, extra intuitive framing, even right through fast autofocus shifts. For Goldby’s complete insights, sensible assessments, and in-depth comparisons, take a look at the video above.