Meike 35mm F1.7 Large Aperture Manual Focus Prime Fixed Lens APS-C Compatible with Sony E-Mount Mirrorless Cameras NEX 3 3N NEX 5R NEX 6 7 A6600 A6400 A5000 A5100 A6000 A6100 A6300 A6500 A6700
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This is a 6.4-ounce, 35mm f/1.7 manual focus prime lens for Sony APS-C cameras, ideal for photographers prioritizing aperture over automation.
This lens is a situational fit because its f/1.7 aperture and all-metal build offer specific creative advantages for its entry-level price band. However, its fully manual operation and lack of electronic communication limit its appeal to a niche audience comfortable with those trade-offs.
If you need autofocus or electronic communication for convenience and EXIF data, look for lenses with those features, even if it means a smaller maximum aperture or higher price.
Regret Score™
High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- The lens features an all-metal construction, providing a tactile feel.
- Its f/1.7 maximum aperture allows for shallow depth of field and shooting in low-light conditions.
- The focus ring offers a smooth rotation with hard stops, similar to vintage lenses.
- At 6.4 ounces (176g) and 41mm in length, it's a compact and lightweight option for Sony E-mount APS-C bodies.
- Images can be sharp from edge to edge when stopped down to f/5.6.
- The clickless aperture ring is beneficial for smooth exposure adjustments during video recording.
Cons
- It is a fully manual focus lens, requiring users to adjust focus manually without camera assistance.
- The lens lacks electronic contacts, meaning no aperture or focus information is recorded in the image's EXIF data.
- Shooting wide open at f/1.7 can result in noticeable corner softness.
- The clickless aperture, while useful for video, can make consistent aperture settings for still photography challenging.
- Users have reported issues with flaring, especially in certain lighting conditions.
Dimension Scores
Image quality is average; it's sharp from f/5.6 onwards but exhibits corner softness and flaring at f/1.7.
This is a manual focus lens, so it has no autofocus capability.
The clickless aperture is a plus for smooth exposure changes during video, but the manual focus can be a hindrance for quick adjustments.
Weighing only 6.4 ounces (176g) and measuring 41mm in length, it's exceptionally compact and lightweight.
Best For
- Budget-conscious photographers wanting a fast aperture for creative effects.
- Learning manual focus techniques and understanding exposure triangles.
- Capturing portraits with blurred backgrounds due to the f/1.7 aperture.
- Street photography where a compact, inconspicuous lens is preferred.
Not Recommended For
- Beginners unfamiliar with manual focus or camera settings.
- Fast-paced action or event photography where autofocus is critical.
- Users who require lens data (like aperture) to be stored in image EXIF.
Watch Out For
- You'll need to enable 'Release without lens' in your camera settings to use this fully manual lens.
- Expect corner softness when shooting wide open at f/1.7; sharpness improves significantly when stopped down to f/5.6.
- The clickless aperture ring means there are no physical stops between f-stops, making it difficult to precisely set and maintain an aperture without looking.
- Flaring can be an issue, particularly when shooting into bright light sources.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B01DJ0UOXA |
| Brand | Meike |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Meike |
| Item model number | MK-S-35mm |
| Product Dimensions | 1.8 x 1.8 x 1.23 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Sony E |
| Camera Lens Description | 8 |
| Focal Length Description | Prime lens |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the all-metal build quality, especially considering the price, noting the smooth operation of both the focus and aperture rings. While the f/1.7 aperture is a major draw for achieving background blur, several photographers mention the noticeable corner softness when shooting wide open. The manual focus experience is often described as enjoyable, though it requires patience and practice, especially for those new to it. The clickless aperture is a mixed bag, praised by videographers but sometimes frustrating for still photographers trying to maintain precise settings.
“Dude, for seventy bucks, this thing is metal and feels legit, but yeah, you gotta nail the focus yourself and don't even think about shooting wide open if you want sharp corners, just stop it down a bit and it's actually pretty sick for the price.”
Common Praise
- The lens feels sturdy with its all-metal construction.
- The focus ring operates smoothly with hard stops.
- The f/1.7 aperture creates pleasing background blur (bokeh).
- It's very small and light, making it easy to carry around.
- Delivers sharp images once stopped down to f/5.6.
Common Complaints
- Manual focus requires a learning curve and can be slow.
- Corners are soft when shooting at the widest aperture of f/1.7.
- Flaring can occur when light sources are in or near the frame.
- No electronic communication means no EXIF data for aperture or focus.
- The clickless aperture can make it hard to consistently set f-stops for stills.
Ownership Tips
- You absolutely need to enable 'Release without lens' in your camera's menu, or it won't take pictures.
- The focus ring has a satisfying amount of resistance and a full 180-degree turn from minimum to infinity.
- The aperture ring is stiff enough that it doesn't easily get bumped out of position, but it's still clickless.
- Using focus peaking and magnification on your camera is almost essential for accurate manual focusing, especially at f/1.7.
- It's surprisingly durable; users report it holding up well to casual bumps and tosses in a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have autofocus?
No, the Meike 35mm F1.7 is a fully manual focus lens, meaning you adjust the focus ring yourself.
Can I use this lens on a full-frame Sony E-mount camera?
Yes, but you'll need to set your camera to APS-C mode to avoid vignetting, as it's designed for APS-C sensors.
What is the minimum focusing distance?
The minimum focus distance for this lens is 0.3 meters (approximately 1 foot).
Does the lens communicate with the camera?
No, there are no electronic contacts, so the lens does not transmit aperture or focus information to the camera body, and no EXIF data is recorded.
Is the aperture ring clicked or clickless?
The aperture ring is clickless, which allows for smooth, silent aperture changes, particularly useful for video, but can be less precise for still photography.
Buying Guide
When looking at a lens like this, you're buying into a specific kind of photography. It's a 'prime' lens, meaning the focal length is fixed at 35mm, so no zooming. It's also 'manual focus,' so your camera won't help you focus; you'll be doing all the work. This can be slower but gives you precise control. The 'f/1.7' is a really wide aperture, which lets in a lot of light and creates that blurry background effect everyone loves.
Focal Length (35mm)
This is how 'zoomed in' the lens is. 35mm on an APS-C camera gives you a field of view similar to what your eyes see, making it versatile for street, portraits, or everyday shots. It's not wide enough for sweeping landscapes and not long enough for distant subjects.
Maximum Aperture (f/1.7)
This number tells you how much light the lens can let in. A smaller f-number like f/1.7 means it lets in a lot of light, which is fantastic for shooting in dim conditions without cranking up your camera's ISO too high. It also creates a very shallow depth of field, blurring out backgrounds beautifully for portraits.
Manual Focus
Unlike lenses that automatically focus, you turn a ring on this lens to get your subject sharp. This takes practice but gives you complete control over where the focus lies. It's not for fast-moving subjects but can be very rewarding for deliberate, artistic shots.
Alternatives
If you need faster focusing or want your camera to record lens information, search for lenses with 'autofocus' and 'electronic contacts' for your Sony E-mount APS-C camera.
You Might Also Like
NexiGo N660P Pro 4K Webcam with Distortion-Free Lens, 1080p 60 fps Autofocus USB Streaming Camera, 3DNR, Noise-Canceling Mics & Privacy Cover, Web Cam for Gaming/Live Streaming/PC/Mac/Switch 2, Pink
$50-$99This is a 4K CMOS webcam with 3DNR and dual noise-canceling mics, designed for plug-and-play use across multiple platforms.
NexiGo N660P Pro 4K Webcam with Distortion-Free Lens, 1080p 60 fps Autofocus USB Streaming Camera, 3DNR, Noise-Canceling Mics & Privacy Cover, Web Cam for Gaming/Live Streaming/PC/Mac/Switch 2, Black
$50-$99This is a 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps webcam with autofocus, dual noise-canceling mics, and a privacy cover, designed for streaming and video calls on various platforms.
NexiGo N660P Pro 4K Webcam with Distortion-Free Lens, 1080p 60 fps Autofocus USB Streaming Camera, 3DNR, Noise-Canceling Mics & Privacy Cover, Web Cam for Gaming/Live Streaming/PC/Mac/Switch 2, White
$50-$99This 4K webcam with 1080p 60 fps streaming, autofocus, and dual noise-canceling mics is for users needing high resolution and smooth video without external software.
4K Webcam with Autofocus & Tripod, Camera for PC Laptop with Dual Microphone, USB Computer Camera with Low Light Correction, Auto White Balance, Video Camera for Streaming, Meetings, Office, Zoom
$0-$49A 4K webcam with a CMOS sensor and f/2.8 aperture, designed for basic video calls and streaming on a budget.