Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount

Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount — image 1
Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount — image 2
Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount — image 3
Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount — image 4
Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount — image 5
Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount — image 6
Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount — image 7
83%
75%
Manual Focus Experience
89%
Low-Light Performance
82%
Build Quality
88%
Image Sharpness
91%
Aperture/Depth of Field Control
92%
Price to Performance Ratio
93%
Compatibility with Fujifilm X-Mount Cameras
85%
Size and Weight
74%
Ease of Use
80%
Creative Control/Manual Focus Precision
80%
Coating Performance (Flare/Contrast)
70%
Customer Support and Warranty
More

Overview

The Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount is a compact, budget-friendly prime lens designed specifically for Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless cameras. This lens offers an excellent balance between size, weight, and performance, making it an attractive option for photographers seeking manual control over their shots. While the manual focus may require some practice, it grants users the ability to achieve creative precision in their photography. With its sharp optics and versatile design, this lens is perfect for a wide range of shooting conditions, from portraiture to landscapes.

Features & Benefits

The 35mm f/1.7 aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and beautiful background blur, making it perfect for portraits and bokeh-heavy shots. Additionally, the Nano Multi-layer Coating helps reduce flare and improves contrast even in difficult lighting situations. This lens offers full creative control with its manual focus design, which gives photographers the ability to focus precisely on subjects. The 49mm filter diameter also adds versatility, allowing easy attachment of filters for additional effects or protection.

Best For

This lens is best suited for enthusiast photographers who enjoy the tactile experience of manual focus and are comfortable with its learning curve. It's ideal for Fujifilm X-mount camera users, including models like the X-T3, X-T4, and X-H1, who need a budget-friendly yet high-quality prime lens. Those interested in achieving artistic shots with a fast aperture and looking for a compact lens that won't break the bank will find this a valuable tool for their kit. Whether for portraits, street photography, or everyday use, it offers a reliable and affordable solution.

User Feedback

Many users praise the sharpness and build quality of this lens, especially considering its affordable price. The f/1.7 aperture delivers stunning results, particularly in low light. However, some users mention that the manual focus can take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to autofocus. Despite this, they find the creative control it offers worth the effort. In general, people find this lens offers excellent value for money, delivering quality that rivals more expensive models without the hefty price tag.

#Mirrorless Camera Lenses
#Camera Lenses
#Lenses
#Camera & Photo
#Electronics

Pros

  • The f/1.7 aperture provides excellent low-light performance, making it great for indoor and evening photography.
  • This lens offers a sharp, high-quality image even at wide apertures, with impressive bokeh.
  • Its compact and lightweight design is perfect for street photographers and travelers who need portability.
  • Manual focus allows for precise control, giving creative photographers the ability to craft unique shots.
  • The lens is very affordable, providing quality comparable to more expensive alternatives.
  • Its Nano Multi-layer Coating reduces flaring and improves contrast, producing more vibrant images.

Cons

  • Manual focus can be difficult for beginners, leading to a learning curve that may frustrate new users.
  • While it is affordable, the build quality might not match that of premium lenses, making it less durable.
  • It lacks autofocus, which may be a drawback for fast-paced photography like sports or wildlife.
  • Some users found the focus ring slightly stiff, making fine adjustments harder in certain situations.
  • This lens may not perform well in challenging weather conditions due to its lack of weather sealing.
  • The focal length of 35mm might feel limiting for users who need wider or telephoto options for specific shoots.

Ratings

The ratings for the Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount are based on a thorough analysis of verified user reviews across multiple languages and platforms. We filtered out spam, bot/incentivized, duplicated, and off-topic feedback to ensure that only high-quality, authentic reviews contributed to the scores. Both strengths and areas for improvement are reflected in the overall ratings, providing an honest picture of what users experience with this lens.

Manual Focus Experience
75%
25%
Many users appreciate the manual focus design for offering creative control over their shots. They find it an engaging way to improve their photography skills and enjoy the ability to precisely fine-tune focus, especially for more artistic shots.
However, some buyers mention a steep learning curve when it comes to mastering manual focus, especially for those used to autofocus lenses. This can be frustrating for beginners or photographers accustomed to faster, more automatic setups.
Low-Light Performance
89%
Users rave about the f/1.7 aperture, which provides excellent performance in low-light conditions. This wide aperture helps capture sharp and bright images even in dim environments, making it ideal for evening or indoor photography.
Some photographers, however, feel that the lens is not quite as effective in very challenging lighting situations as more expensive lenses. Despite this, it still delivers a solid performance for most casual and hobbyist photographers.
Build Quality
82%
18%
The build quality is widely appreciated, with many users noting the solid and sturdy feel despite its lightweight design. The lens feels well-made and durable, offering a premium feel for its price range.
A few users point out that the lens may not feel as robust as higher-end models. While it is generally solid, some express concerns about long-term durability under heavy use, especially when compared to other premium lenses.
Image Sharpness
88%
The lens is praised for its sharpness, especially when used at its maximum aperture of f/1.7. Many users find that their images come out crisp and detailed, even in challenging shooting conditions.
On the downside, a few buyers have mentioned minor softness around the edges of the frame, particularly at wider apertures. Though not a dealbreaker for most, those who prioritize edge-to-edge sharpness might find it less ideal.
Aperture/Depth of Field Control
91%
The wide f/1.7 aperture enables stunning shallow depth of field, making it perfect for creating portraits with a beautiful background blur. This feature is especially appreciated by users looking for artistic control over their focus and bokeh effects.
Some users note that achieving precise depth of field control can be tricky, especially when shooting at wide apertures. It may require a bit of practice to master, which could be a challenge for beginners who are new to manual focus lenses.
Price to Performance Ratio
92%
Many buyers are impressed by the value for money offered by this lens. It delivers high-quality performance at a fraction of the price of more expensive prime lenses, making it a great option for budget-conscious photographers.
However, some users feel that certain premium features are missing, such as weather sealing or better autofocus. While it’s a great deal for most, those seeking advanced features may need to look at pricier alternatives.
Compatibility with Fujifilm X-Mount Cameras
93%
Users with Fujifilm X-mount cameras find this lens to be a perfect match, especially with models like the X-T3 and X-T4. The lens integrates seamlessly with a wide range of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, offering a versatile tool for many photographers.
A few users mention that some specific X-mount cameras, particularly older models, may not get the full benefit of the lens’s potential. While compatibility is generally excellent, it's always worth checking for camera-specific quirks.
Size and Weight
85%
The compact size and lightweight design make this lens an ideal option for travel or street photography. It’s easy to carry around for extended periods without feeling weighed down, making it a convenient choice for casual shooting.
That said, a few users feel that the lens could be slightly more compact, as its size may still be noticeable when paired with larger camera bodies. It's certainly portable but might feel a little bulky on some setups.
Ease of Use
74%
26%
The manual focus design offers a hands-on approach, which many users find satisfying once they get used to it. The tactile experience is appreciated for those who enjoy a slower, more deliberate shooting process.
However, some users report that the manual focus can be difficult to use, particularly for fast-paced shooting situations. It requires a steady hand and practice to get right, which might be frustrating for newcomers or those used to autofocus systems.
Creative Control/Manual Focus Precision
80%
20%
Many photographers value the precise manual focus this lens offers. It allows them to take full creative control, making it a great option for those who want to experiment with different focus techniques and compositions.
On the flip side, some users find it challenging to nail perfect focus in real-time, especially during dynamic shooting situations. It takes some practice to achieve the desired sharpness, which can be off-putting for users who expect faster results.
Coating Performance (Flare/Contrast)
80%
20%
The Nano Multi-layer Coating effectively reduces flaring and improves contrast, making this lens a solid choice for shooting in bright or backlit conditions. Many users report clear, vibrant images even when the light is challenging.
Despite this, some users note occasional flare when shooting directly into strong light sources. While the coating works well in most situations, it may not eliminate all flare issues under extreme conditions.
Customer Support and Warranty
70%
30%
While the lens itself has garnered positive reviews, some buyers have had favorable interactions with the brand’s customer support team when needing assistance with minor issues or questions.
Unfortunately, several users report delays or lack of responsiveness when seeking help from customer service. This could be a concern for those relying on quick resolutions in case of problems with their lens.

Suitable for:

The Meike 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount is ideal for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists who enjoy manual control over their images. Those who appreciate the precision and creativity that comes with manual focus will find this lens a great addition to their gear, especially for portraits and artistic shots with beautiful bokeh. The lens is also well-suited for Fujifilm X-mount camera users, such as those with the X-T3 or X-T4, who want an affordable yet capable prime lens for low-light photography and general-purpose shooting. Its compact design makes it an excellent option for travelers and street photographers who prefer portability without sacrificing image quality.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best fit for beginners or those accustomed to autofocus systems. The manual focus design, while praised for creative control, can be difficult to master, especially in fast-paced shooting situations. Users who require quick and precise focusing, such as sports or wildlife photographers, might find it limiting. Additionally, those seeking a fully weather-sealed, high-end build with all the bells and whistles may find this lens lacking in features compared to more expensive alternatives. While it provides excellent value for money, users looking for premium autofocus performance and advanced features may want to consider other options.

Specifications

  • Lens Type: Manual focus lens designed for creative control over focus.
  • Mount: Fujifilm X-mount, compatible with a variety of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.
  • Aperture: Wide f/1.7 aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
  • Focal Length: 35mm fixed focal length, ideal for everyday photography and portraiture.
  • Lens Structure: 5 groups, 6 elements construction for optimized optical performance.
  • Coating: Nano Multi-layer Coating reduces flaring and enhances contrast.
  • Filter Diameter: 49mm filter thread for compatibility with standard filter sizes.
  • Weight: Weighs approximately 9.1 ounces (258g), offering a lightweight and portable design.
  • Dimensions: Compact size of 1.61 x 2.38 x 2.38 inches for ease of storage and handling.
  • Compatible Cameras: Works with various Fujifilm X-mount cameras, including X-T3, X-T4, X-H1, and more.
  • Depth of Field: Shallow depth of field capability for artistic background blur (bokeh).
  • Manual Focus: Fully manual focus design allows for precise control over focus.
  • Focus Distance: Close focus distance of approximately 0.3 meters (1 foot) for versatile shooting.
  • Best Sellers Rank: Ranked #209 in Mirrorless Camera Lenses on major online marketplaces.
  • Durability: Solid build quality, though not weather-sealed for extreme conditions.
  • Price Range: Budget-friendly compared to other similar prime lenses for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.
  • Build Material: Constructed with durable metal and high-quality materials for longevity.
  • Manual Control: Designed for users who prefer manual control over autofocus lenses.
  • Bokeh Effect: Produces a pleasing bokeh, ideal for portraits and artistic shots.

FAQ

This lens stands out due to its manual focus design, offering photographers full control over focus. The f/1.7 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance and beautiful depth of field, making it a great choice for creative photographers.

Yes, this lens is compatible with a wide range of Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless cameras, including models like the X-T3, X-T4, X-H1, X-T2, and more. However, always check the specific camera model for any potential compatibility issues.

Manual focus requires practice, as there is no autofocus. Use the focus ring to adjust the focus manually. The lens is ideal for slower, more deliberate shots like portraits or still life, where precision focus enhances creativity.

Yes, the large f/1.7 aperture provides excellent low-light performance. It allows more light to reach the sensor, making it ideal for shooting indoors or in dimly lit environments while maintaining a shallow depth of field.

Manual focus offers precise control over your shots, which is especially beneficial for creative compositions, selective focus, or situations where autofocus might struggle, such as low-light or macro photography.

The lens is compact and well-built, but some users have reported concerns about its long-term durability compared to more expensive lenses. It's suitable for everyday use but may not withstand rough handling as well as higher-end models.

Yes, the manual focus design makes it an excellent choice for video, especially if you want to achieve a cinematic, controlled focus. However, keep in mind that manual focus requires more effort and attention, which can be challenging for fast-moving subjects.

To maintain the lens, keep it clean using a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid exposing it to harsh weather conditions, as it does not feature weather sealing. Store it in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.

Compared to other lenses for Fujifilm X-mount, this Meike 35mm f/1.7 offers a manual focus design, which allows for greater creative control over focus. It's also a more budget-friendly option compared to many autofocus lenses, making it a great choice for hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Yes, the f/1.7 aperture creates a shallow depth of field, ideal for portrait photography. It allows you to achieve smooth background blur (bokeh), making your subject stand out sharply. However, manual focus requires precision, which is great for controlled, artistic portraiture.