Mark Ellington
Meike 35mm F1.7 Manual Focus Lens
Introduction
The Meike 35mm F1.7 is a manual focus prime lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, including popular models such as the A6000 series and NEX series. Manufactured by Meike, a brand known for delivering affordable yet high-performing photography accessories, this lens aims to provide photographers with the ability to capture stunning images with a large aperture and excellent optical performance. This review will delve into the lens’s design, features, and real-world performance to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your photography needs.
Product Overview
The Meike 35mm F1.7 is a compact and stylish lens with a sleek black finish that complements Sony cameras well. Its lightweight construction makes it a great option for photographers who prefer to travel light without sacrificing image quality. The lens is primarily intended for portrait and street photography, thanks to its fast aperture that allows for beautiful background bokeh and low-light performance.
Design and Build Quality
This lens features an all-metal body, which not only adds to its durability but also provides a premium feel. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, making manual focusing a pleasurable experience. One unique design element is the engraved focus scale, which assists photographers in achieving precise focus. The lens also comes with a 49mm filter diameter, allowing for easy attachment of filters to enhance your shots.
Key Features and Specifications
- Lens Structure: 5 groups, 6 slices
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Filter Diameter: 49mm
- Aperture Range: f/1.7 to f/22
- Diagonal Angle: 44.2°
- Horizontal Angle: 36.3°
- Vertical Angle: 23°
- Weight: Lightweight for portability
- Compatibility: APS-C and full-frame Sony E-mount cameras
Experience Using the Product
During my testing of the Meike 35mm F1.7 lens, I utilized it in various scenarios, including portrait sessions, street photography, and low-light conditions. The large f/1.7 aperture proved to be a game changer, allowing for excellent depth of field and beautiful bokeh. Portraits came out sharp and well-exposed, with pleasing background blur that drew attention to the subject.
In street photography, the lens’s compact size made it easy to carry, and its manual focus capability encouraged a more deliberate approach to composing shots. I found the focus ring to be responsive and precise, which is crucial for achieving sharp images in dynamic environments.
Low-light conditions also highlighted the lens’s strengths, as it handled challenging situations with ease. The super multi-coated design helped reduce flare and ghosting, allowing for clear images even in less-than-ideal lighting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent image quality with sharpness at wide apertures
- Sturdy, all-metal construction that feels durable
- Large aperture allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light performance
- Affordably priced at $69.99
- Lightweight and compact design for portability
Cons
- Manual focus may not appeal to all users, especially beginners
- Vignetting may occur when used on full-frame cameras without APS-C mode
- Limited to a fixed focal length, which may necessitate lens changes in certain shooting scenarios
Conclusion
Overall, the Meike 35mm F1.7 lens is a fantastic option for photographers looking to enhance their Sony E-mount photography experience. With its excellent optical performance, sturdy build quality, and affordable price, it offers great value for both enthusiasts and those just starting. While the manual focus may require some adjustment for those used to autofocus systems, the creative control it provides can lead to stunning results. If you’re in the market for a versatile and capable lens that performs well across various settings, the Meike 35mm F1.7 deserves your consideration.
