Mark Ellington
Meike 50mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens for Sony
Introduction
The Meike 50mm F1.8 AF STM Lens is a standard prime lens designed specifically for Sony E mount mirrorless cameras. Manufactured by Meike, a brand known for its affordable and high-quality camera accessories, this lens serves as an excellent option for photographers looking to enhance their portrait photography skills. With its reasonable price point of $159.99, it aims to provide an accessible entry into the world of prime lenses.
Product Overview
The Meike 50mm F1.8 lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Sony E mount cameras, including popular models like the Sony A9, A7 III, A7 II, A6500, and A6300. This versatile lens features a wide aperture of f/1.8, allowing users to capture stunning images with a beautiful bokeh effect, even in low-light conditions.
Appearance and Design
The lens sports a sleek, modern design that complements the aesthetic of Sony mirrorless cameras. Constructed with high-quality materials, it feels solid yet lightweight in hand. Its matte black finish gives it a professional look, while the smooth focusing ring adds to the overall user experience. A notable feature is its compact size, making it an excellent lens for on-the-go photography without adding significant bulk to your gear.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Autofocus System: AF STM (Stepping Motor)
- Lens Construction: 11 groups, 7 elements
- Compatibility: Full-frame and APS-C Sony E mount cameras
- Firmware Upgrade: Type-C interface for online upgrades (Android only)
- Warranty: 1-Year
- Part Number: MK-5018-E
User Experience
Using the Meike 50mm F1.8 lens has been a delight in various shooting scenarios. In portrait photography, the lens excels at producing sharp images with a creamy background blur, allowing subjects to stand out vividly. The autofocus performance is generally reliable, thanks to the STM motor, which minimizes noise and camera shake. This makes it a suitable option for both still photography and video recording.
In low-light environments, the f/1.8 aperture performs admirably, providing enough light to capture clear images without excessive noise. However, during fast-paced shooting, there may be occasional autofocus lag, which could frustrate users looking for instant responsiveness. Additionally, the lens’s compact size allows for easy handling, making it a great companion for street photography.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point for a prime lens
- Lightweight and compact design
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance
- Good autofocus performance with minimal noise
- Compatible with full-frame and APS-C cameras
Cons:
- Occasional autofocus lag in fast-paced situations
- Firmware updates only available for Android devices
- Limited to a fixed focal length, which may not suit every shooting style
Conclusion
Overall, the Meike 50mm F1.8 AF STM Lens for Sony E mount cameras is a fantastic option for photographers seeking an affordable prime lens that delivers quality performance. Its attractive design, excellent low-light capabilities, and solid autofocus make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. While there are minor drawbacks, such as autofocus lag in specific scenarios and limited firmware upgrade options for iOS users, the pros far outweigh the cons. For those looking to enhance their portrait photography or simply explore the versatility of a prime lens, the Meike 50mm F1.8 is a worthy investment.
