Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 etc.
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AI Verdict
This 1.15-pound, f/1.8, 9-blade lens is a budget F-mount option for portraits, but expect autofocus quirks and wide-open optical compromises.
This 1.15-pound 85mm f/1.8 lens offers a wide aperture for bokeh and full-frame compatibility, making it a budget entry point for portrait photography on Nikon F-mount. However, reported issues with inconsistent autofocus, soft corners, and chromatic aberrations at f/1.8 mean it's a compromise.
If consistent autofocus and sharper wide-open performance are critical, look for lenses with advanced autofocus motors and more complex optical designs with ED or aspherical elements.
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Pros
- f/1.8 aperture with 9 diaphragm blades for smooth background blur.
- Micro USB firmware upgrade interface enables online updates.
- Full-frame compatibility with Nikon F-mount DSLRs.
- Multi-layer coating applied to lens elements.
- Lens construction features 9 elements in 6 groups.
Cons
- Autofocus can be inconsistent, sometimes failing completely.
- Build quality described as 'hollow and a bit plasticky'.
- Low contrast and high purple fringing are present at f/1.8.
- Image quality deteriorates significantly in corners at wide apertures.
- Exhibits moderate pincushion distortion.
Dimension Scores
While center sharpness can be acceptable, low contrast, high purple fringing, and soft corners at f/1.8 are significant drawbacks.
Autofocus is described as inconsistent and sometimes fails completely, requiring a camera restart.
Autofocus can bug out in video mode, necessitating removing and replacing the lens from the camera, making it unreliable for video recording.
At 1.15 pounds, it's not featherlight but is a reasonable weight for an 85mm f/1.8 full-frame lens.
Best For
- Portrait photographers on a tight budget.
- Learning to shoot with a fast prime lens.
- Achieving shallow depth of field with 9 diaphragm blades.
- Nikon F-mount DSLR users needing an 85mm focal length.
Not Recommended For
- Professional work requiring consistent autofocus performance.
- Users prioritizing edge-to-edge sharpness at f/1.8.
- Anyone needing robust, premium build quality.
Watch Out For
- Autofocus motor can bug out, requiring a camera power cycle to reset.
- 'Alarmingly high level of purple fringing' is visible at f/1.8.
- Corners show significant image quality deterioration at wide apertures.
- Lens feels 'hollow and a bit plasticky' with a large gap between the rear element and the lens mount.
- Low contrast in images, especially at wider apertures.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08F29S6NC |
| Brand | Meike |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Item Weight | 1.15 pounds |
| Manufacturer | HK Meike |
| Item model number | MK-8518 Nikon F |
| Product Dimensions | 3.03 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon F |
| Focal Length Description | 85 mm |
What Buyers Say
User feedback for Meike's non-Pro 85mm f/1.8 autofocus lenses, even on different mounts, points to some recurring issues. The autofocus can be a real headache, sometimes just quitting on you and needing a camera reboot. Wide open at f/1.8, expect to see noticeable purple fringing and a lack of contrast, especially towards the edges of your photos. The build quality also feels less premium, with some users describing it as 'hollow' or 'plasticky.'
“I mean, it's cheap, right? But the AF just craps out sometimes and the purple stuff around highlights is annoying, gotta stop it down to f2.8 to even make it look okay. Still, for the price, it gets the job done for portraits if you're patient.”
Common Praise
- Creates a smooth background blur (bokeh) due to its f/1.8 aperture and 9 diaphragm blades.
- Provides a cost-effective entry into 85mm prime photography for Nikon F-mount.
- Center sharpness can be acceptable when stopped down.
- Firmware is upgradeable via micro USB.
Common Complaints
- Autofocus is unreliable and can stop working mid-shoot.
- Significant purple fringing (chromatic aberration) at f/1.8.
- Image corners are noticeably soft at wide apertures.
- Lens construction feels 'cheap and cheerful' and 'plasticky'.
- Low overall contrast, particularly at f/1.8.
Ownership Tips
- Be prepared to manually focus or restart your camera if autofocus acts up.
- Post-processing to correct chromatic aberrations and boost contrast will likely be necessary for wide-open shots.
- The lens hood is essential for reducing flare and protecting the front element.
- Don't expect the same build quality or AF performance as more expensive first-party lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, this lens does not have its own image stabilization. If your camera has in-body stabilization, it will work with this lens.
What is the filter thread size?
The filter thread size for this lens is 67mm.
Is this lens full-frame compatible?
Yes, it is a full-frame lens compatible with Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. It can also be used on APS-C Nikon cameras, where the equivalent focal length becomes 127.5mm.
How many aperture blades does it have?
The lens features 9 diaphragm blades, designed to produce a smooth, round bokeh effect.
Can I update the firmware on this lens?
Yes, the lens includes a micro USB firmware upgrade interface, allowing you to update the firmware online.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an 85mm f/1.8 lens, you're usually after that creamy background blur for portraits. The 'f/1.8' means it lets in a lot of light, which helps in dim conditions and creates that blurry background. But with budget lenses, that wide aperture can come with compromises in sharpness and image flaws, especially at the edges of your photos. Autofocus speed and accuracy are also key, particularly for moving subjects.
Aperture (f/1.8)
Focal Length (85mm)
Diaphragm Blades (9)
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't cut it, look for 85mm lenses with advanced stepping motors for quieter, more consistent autofocus, and optical designs that include extra-low dispersion (ED) or aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and improve sharpness across the frame.
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