CameraReview
Meike AF 85mm f/1.8 SE II
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Meike · 85 mm · f/1.8

Meike AF 85mm f/1.8 SE II

From $199.99 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandMeike
Announcement dateNov 2025
Released2025
Production started2025
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Outstanding sharpness and resolution, particularly in center at f/1.8
+Exceptional value at $230, less than half the price of first-party OEM alternatives
+Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel and hand-holding
+Smooth, natural bokeh with 11 diaphragm blades for pleasing background separation
+Fast and accurate autofocus with STM stepping motor providing silent operation
+Low chromatic aberration and excellent flare control across aperture range
Worth Knowing
Edge and corner softness wide open at f/1.8, improving only at f/2.8 and beyond
Poor close-up image quality at f/1.8-f/2 (only improving when stopped down)
Minimal weather sealing; only rear gasket provided, no barrel protection
Moderate focus breathing visible during video work; slow manual focus ring response

General

Brand
Meike
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Nov 2025
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2025
Production started
2025
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Meike AF 85mm f/1.8 SE II cuts portrait lens costs to $229, delivering good levels of sharpness with attractively smooth bokeh in a compact build measuring 76x100mm and weighing just 369g. The redesigned lens features reduced chromatic aberrations, improved overall image quality, faster autofocus, and a closer minimum focusing distance compared to its predecessor. While center performance is excellent wide open at f/1.8, corners show lower contrast and a hazier look wide open that improves as you stop down, making it ideal for portrait work where the subject remains sharp while backgrounds blur naturally.

Optics

Aperture Range
f/1.8 to f/16
Optical Design
11 elements in 7 groups
Min focal length
85 mm
Max focal length
85 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
85 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Max aperture wide
1.8
Max aperture zoom
1.8
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
11020
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
65 cm01500

Autofocus

Type
STM stepping motor
Focus Mode Switch
AF/MF toggle
Maximum Magnification
0.17x
Performance
Improved for faster focusing vs. first generation

Build

Diameter
Not specified
Material
High-strength polymer
Firmware Port
USB-C

Coatings

Lens Elements
Multi-coated on both sides
Front/Rear Elements
Fingerprint- and oil-resistant coatings

Physical

Lens weight
369 g
Lens length
How long the lens is from front to back.
100.2 mm
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
62 mm

Features

Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes