Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame Auto Focus Fixed Prime Portrait Lenses for Sony E Mount Mirrorless Cameras ZV-E10 A6600 A6400 A5000 A5100 A6000 A6100 A6300 A6500 A6700
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AI Verdict
A 55mm f/1.4 APS-C prime lens weighing 10.1 ounces, offering a wide aperture and autofocus for Sony E-mount cameras at a budget price.
This lens is a strong fit for APS-C Sony E-mount users looking for a dedicated portrait or low-light prime. Its f/1.4 aperture and 82.5mm equivalent focal length are ideal for subject isolation and capturing images in dim environments, all within a mid-range price band.
If this lens isn't enough, look for lenses with weather sealing and more advanced autofocus motors for faster, more consistent performance in demanding situations.
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Pros
- Produces smooth background blur with its f/1.4 wide aperture and 9 diaphragm blades.
- Delivers sharp images, particularly in the center, even at f/1.4, competing with more expensive lenses like the Sigma 56mm.
- Features an AF STM (stepping motor) autofocus system, described as reliable for street photography and quick face detection.
- Includes a USB-C port for firmware updates, ensuring future compatibility and performance improvements.
- Equipped with an aperture ring and an AF/MF switch on the lens barrel for tactile control.
- Lightweight at 286g (10.1oz), making it manageable for APS-C cameras.
Cons
- Lacks weather sealing, which may limit its use in challenging environmental conditions.
- Exhibits some vignetting and chromatic aberration when shot wide open at f/1.4, requiring post-production correction.
- The aperture ring is de-clicked, which is not ideal for videographers who need silent aperture adjustments.
- Firmware updates are only supported on Android devices, not Apple (Mac), which is inconvenient for some users.
- Build quality is described as somewhat plasticky compared to premium lenses, though still considered well-built for its price.
Dimension Scores
Users report sharp images, especially in the center, and creamy bokeh, though some vignetting and chromatic aberration occur at f/1.4.
The AF STM motor provides reliable autofocus, with quick face detection noted for street photography, though it might not match premium lenses.
It offers autofocus and a wide aperture for video, but the clicking aperture ring is a drawback for silent adjustments during filming.
Weighing 286g (10.1oz), it's a lightweight and compact lens for an f/1.4 prime, fitting well on APS-C bodies.
Best For
- Portrait photography on Sony E-mount APS-C cameras, leveraging the 82.5mm equivalent focal length and f/1.4 aperture.
- Low-light photography due to its f/1.4 maximum aperture, allowing more light capture.
- Street photography, with its compact size and reliable autofocus for capturing candid moments.
- Budget-conscious photographers seeking a fast prime lens without a high investment.
Not Recommended For
- Macro photography, as it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m (23.6”).
- Videographers who require silent, click-less aperture adjustments during recording.
- Photographers needing robust weather resistance for outdoor shooting in adverse conditions.
Watch Out For
- Firmware updates are restricted to Android devices, meaning Apple users cannot update the lens directly.
- Expect some vignetting and chromatic aberration at f/1.4, which will need correction in editing software like Lightroom.
- The lens hood is described as a bit flimsy, not inspiring confidence.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D2D6N4BG |
| Brand | Meike |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Item Weight | 14 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Meike |
| Item model number | MK-5514STM-E |
| Product Dimensions | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Sony E |
| Camera Lens Description | 55mm |
| Focal Length Description | 55mm |
What Buyers Say
This Meike 55mm f/1.4 lens has surprised many users with its performance, especially considering its mid-range price. People are consistently pointing out how sharp it is, even wide open at f/1.4, and how buttery the background blur looks. The autofocus is generally seen as reliable for everyday shooting, though some acknowledge it's not top-tier. The biggest trade-offs seem to be the lack of weather sealing and the need to correct for some optical imperfections like vignetting if you shoot wide open.
“Dude, for two hundred bucks, this thing is a steal! The pictures are so sharp and that background blur is just insane. Yeah, you gotta tweak a little in Lightroom for the edges, but seriously, it's a no-brainer if you're on a budget.”
Common Praise
- Center sharpness is very high, even at f/1.4.
- Bokeh is smooth and creamy, with pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds.
- Colors produced by the lens are vibrant and pop.
- Autofocus is reliable and quick for face detection.
- The lens feels well-built despite some plastic components.
Common Complaints
- Vignetting is noticeable at f/1.4 and requires post-processing.
- Chromatic aberrations are present, particularly when shooting wide open.
- The lens lacks weather sealing, limiting its use in certain conditions.
- Firmware updates are only possible with Android devices.
- The lens hood feels a bit flimsy.
Ownership Tips
- You'll likely find yourself correcting for vignetting and chromatic aberration in post-production if you frequently shoot at f/1.4.
- The firmware update process is straightforward if you have an Android device, but a non-starter for Apple-only users.
- The autofocus, while not always instant, is consistent enough for portraits and casual street photography.
- The physical aperture ring is a nice touch for manual control, but its clicks can be an issue for video.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cameras is this lens compatible with?
It's compatible with Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, including models like the ZV-E10, A6600, A6400, A6700, and FX30.
Does this lens have autofocus?
Yes, it features an AF STM (stepping motor) autofocus system for quiet and reliable focusing.
Can I update the firmware on this lens?
Yes, there's a USB-C port for firmware updates, but currently, updates are only supported on Android devices.
Is this lens suitable for video?
While it has autofocus, the aperture ring clicks into position, which can be noisy and less ideal for video recording compared to a de-clicked ring.
How does it perform in low light?
With its wide f/1.4 aperture, the lens lets in a lot of light, making it suitable for low-light conditions.
Is the lens weather-sealed?
No, the Meike 55mm F1.4 lens is not weather-resistant.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a lens like this, you're essentially choosing a specific 'look' for your photos. A fixed prime lens means you can't zoom, so you'll be moving your feet to frame your shots. The f/1.4 aperture is a big deal because it lets in a lot of light, which is awesome for shooting in dim places and for getting that super blurry background effect, often called 'bokeh,' that makes your subject pop. Autofocus is about how quickly and accurately the lens locks onto your subject. For portraits, you want it to be fast enough to catch expressions. For video, you want it smooth and quiet.
Focal Length (55mm APS-C)
This lens gives you an 82.5mm equivalent view on your APS-C camera. Think of it like a moderate telephoto lens, perfect for portraits because it compresses the background slightly and lets you stand a comfortable distance from your subject without distorting their features.
Maximum Aperture (f/1.4)
This is how wide the lens can open to let in light. An f/1.4 aperture is very wide, meaning it's fantastic for low-light situations without cranking up your camera's ISO. It also creates a very shallow depth of field, blurring out backgrounds beautifully to isolate your subject.
Autofocus (AF STM)
This refers to the motor inside the lens that moves the focusing elements. An STM (stepping motor) is generally known for being quiet and smooth, which is beneficial for both photography and video, as it reduces distracting noise during recording.
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't quite fit, look for lenses with weather sealing for outdoor durability, or those with linear motors for even faster and more precise autofocus performance, especially for tracking moving subjects.
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