Meike 50mm F1.8 E Lens

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85%
92%
Value for Money
88%
Sharpness & Image Quality
86%
Low-Light Performance
91%
Autofocus Speed & Accuracy
85%
Bokeh Effect
80%
Build Quality
90%
Portability & Size
89%
Compatibility with Full-Frame & APS-C
82%
Handling & Ergonomics
72%
Edge Softness (Wide Open)
77%
Durability
84%
Video Performance
More

Overview

The Meike 50mm F1.8 E Lens is a compact and affordable prime lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. Known for its versatile focal length and wide F1.8 aperture, this lens excels in portrait photography with its ability to create beautiful background blur (bokeh). Ideal for photographers looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality, this lens offers sharp image results, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you’re shooting portraits or low-light scenes, this portrait lens delivers reliable performance.

Features & Benefits

The Meike 50mm F1.8 E Lens features a fast F1.8 aperture, ideal for low-light conditions and achieving shallow depth of field, perfect for portraits. Its STM autofocus motor ensures smooth, silent focusing, making it a great choice for both video and stills. The lens employs 11 elements in 7 groups to minimize chromatic aberration, delivering crisp, sharp images. Multi-coating further improves image clarity by reducing flaring and ghosting, especially in high-contrast scenes. This lens is fully compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Sony cameras, offering great flexibility for different setups.

Best For

This lens is an excellent option for portrait photographers seeking a budget-friendly, yet high-quality lens. It’s also perfect for Sony E-mount camera users who need a fast, versatile prime lens for a variety of shooting scenarios, including low-light and creative shots with blurred backgrounds. Amateur and semi-professional photographers will appreciate its affordable price while still being able to capture striking bokeh effects. Travel photographers will find its lightweight design a huge benefit, making it easy to carry without sacrificing image quality.

User Feedback

Users praise this lens for its sharp image quality and ability to handle low-light conditions, even at wide apertures. The fast, quiet autofocus system makes it an attractive choice for video work, with many mentioning its smooth performance. However, some users note that there can be slight softness at the edges of images when shooting wide open at F1.8, which may be a concern for those looking for extreme precision. Despite these minor drawbacks, the lens is highly regarded for its affordability compared to similar models in the market, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious photographers.

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Pros

  • Affordable option for those looking for a high-quality prime lens.
  • Wide F1.8 aperture offers excellent low-light performance and bokeh effects.
  • Autofocus system is fast and smooth, making it ideal for both stills and video.
  • Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel and street photography.
  • Sharp image quality with minimal chromatic aberration, even at wide apertures.
  • Works well with both full-frame and APS-C Sony E-mount cameras.

Cons

  • Some users report slight softness at the edges when shooting wide open.
  • Autofocus can struggle with fast-moving subjects in certain conditions.
  • Build quality feels a bit plasticky compared to more expensive lenses.
  • No weather sealing, which may limit its durability in harsh environments.
  • Lack of advanced features like optical stabilization or programmable buttons.
  • Not the best choice for photographers requiring edge-to-edge sharpness.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback from multiple platforms and languages, the Meike 50mm F1.8 E Lens received a balanced set of reviews. This analysis filtered out low-quality, incentivized, and spammy reviews, ensuring that only authentic, high-quality feedback shaped the results. Both strengths and minor drawbacks are reflected in the scores, giving potential buyers a clear picture of what to expect from this portrait lens.

Value for Money
92%
Users appreciate this lens for delivering excellent performance at a budget-friendly price. The combination of good build quality and fast aperture makes it a solid choice for portrait photographers who want high-quality results without spending too much.
Some buyers mentioned that while the lens is affordable, they feel the overall build quality could be more premium. Others pointed out that cheaper lenses may have a more plastic feel, which can be a drawback for those seeking a more durable build.
Sharpness & Image Quality
88%
Many users are impressed by the sharpness of the images, particularly in the center of the frame. The lens performs well in terms of clarity and color accuracy, with detailed results that suit both casual and more serious photography.
A few reviewers noted some softness around the edges, especially when shooting wide open at F1.8. This could be a drawback for those looking for flawless edge-to-edge sharpness in every shot.
Low-Light Performance
86%
The large F1.8 aperture allows for great low-light performance, enabling clear, bright images even in dim environments. Users appreciate the lens's ability to capture detailed shots without the need for a flash, making it perfect for indoor or evening shoots.
While many users find the low-light performance impressive, some have mentioned slight noise in images when pushed to higher ISO settings. This may be an issue for those looking to achieve the cleanest images possible in very low-light conditions.
Autofocus Speed & Accuracy
91%
The STM autofocus motor is widely praised for being fast and quiet. Many users find it perfect for both stills and video, as it provides smooth and responsive focusing, allowing for quick subject acquisition without distracting noise.
Some users found the autofocus to be slightly less responsive when tracking fast-moving subjects. While it works well for portraits, it might not be as suitable for action shots in challenging conditions.
Bokeh Effect
85%
The F1.8 aperture creates a beautiful bokeh effect that enhances portraits with soft, aesthetically pleasing background blur. This is particularly appreciated by users looking to isolate their subject and create a dreamy, artistic look.
A few users felt that the bokeh could be smoother, as some noticed a slight harshness in the background when shooting wide open. This may be noticeable in certain lighting conditions, especially for those who prioritize perfect bokeh quality.
Build Quality
80%
20%
The lens has a solid build for its price range, with many users finding it comfortable to handle. It provides a good balance of weight and size, making it easy to use for extended periods.
However, some reviewers noted that the construction feels a bit plasticky compared to higher-end lenses. This can be a turnoff for users who prefer a more robust, weather-sealed design for durability in tougher conditions.
Portability & Size
90%
The compact and lightweight design makes this lens a perfect companion for travel photographers. It fits easily into bags without adding too much weight, allowing for extended shooting sessions without discomfort.
While the small size is generally praised, some users feel that the lens could be even more compact for easier portability, especially when traveling with multiple gear pieces in tight spaces.
Compatibility with Full-Frame & APS-C
89%
The lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Sony cameras, providing great versatility. This allows photographers to use it across different systems without worrying about compatibility issues, making it a flexible option for various setups.
A few APS-C users noted that the lens produces a slightly cropped field of view compared to full-frame shooters, which could be an issue for those seeking wider angles on crop sensor cameras.
Handling & Ergonomics
82%
18%
The lens's size and design make it easy to handle for both casual photographers and those more serious about their craft. The smooth focus ring is appreciated, giving users precise control over their shots.
Some users felt the focus ring was a bit stiff, especially when using it for manual focus. While not a dealbreaker, this minor issue may affect those who prefer a more fluid, tactile feel during adjustments.
Edge Softness (Wide Open)
72%
28%
The lens delivers sharp results at the center, and many users are satisfied with its overall performance in normal shooting conditions.
However, several reviewers reported noticeable softness at the edges when the lens is wide open at F1.8. This can affect the overall image quality, especially for those who prioritize sharpness across the entire frame.
Durability
77%
23%
While the lens is not marketed as rugged, it holds up well for everyday use and light travel. Many buyers find it durable enough for casual shoots and less demanding environments.
Some users have raised concerns about the lens’s long-term durability. A few noted that it might not be able to withstand rough handling or extreme weather conditions, especially compared to more robust options in the market.
Video Performance
84%
This lens excels for video use thanks to its quiet STM autofocus, which is ideal for smooth, non-distracting focus shifts. The fast aperture also helps capture clear video even in low-light settings, making it a popular choice for vloggers and content creators.
Despite its strengths, some users found the lens to be a bit slow when attempting to focus on fast-moving objects in video. While fine for most static shots, it may not be the best choice for high-action video work.

Suitable for:

The Meike 50mm F1.8 E Lens is an excellent option for photographers looking for an affordable yet high-quality lens for portrait work. Users who need a lightweight, compact solution will appreciate its portability, especially travel photographers or those on the go. Its fast F1.8 aperture makes it ideal for low-light conditions, appealing to those who frequently shoot indoors or at events with limited lighting. Additionally, its compatibility with both full-frame and APS-C Sony E-mount cameras gives it wide versatility, making it suitable for both hobbyists and semi-professional photographers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly prime lens.

Not suitable for:

While the Meike 50mm F1.8 E Lens is great for many, it may not be the best choice for users who require the highest build quality or the absolute sharpest edge-to-edge performance. Some reviewers noted slight softness at the edges when shooting wide open, which could be a concern for those who prioritize pristine clarity across the entire frame. Similarly, video professionals who need ultra-fast autofocus or flawless subject tracking might find its autofocus speed somewhat lacking in fast-moving scenarios. Overall, those with demanding build quality or autofocus needs may want to consider more premium options.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: This lens has a focal length of 50mm, ideal for portrait photography.
  • Aperture: The lens features a maximum aperture of F1.8, allowing for shallow depth of field and better low-light performance.
  • Mount Type: Compatible with Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Auto Focus: The lens uses an STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system for smooth and quiet focusing.
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: The minimum focusing distance of this lens is 0.63m, allowing for close-up shots.
  • Sensor Compatibility: The lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Sony cameras.
  • Lens Elements: This lens includes 11 elements in 7 groups, designed to reduce chromatic aberration.
  • Diaphragm Blades: The lens has 9 rounded diaphragm blades that contribute to smooth, attractive bokeh.
  • Filter Thread: The lens features a 58mm filter thread for attaching various filters.
  • Weight: The lens weighs 382g, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Dimensions: The lens has compact dimensions, making it a good choice for travel photography.
  • Coating: Multi-coating on the lens reduces flare and ghosting, improving image clarity.
  • Build Material: The lens body is primarily constructed from plastic, contributing to its lightweight design.
  • Aperture Range: The aperture can be adjusted from F1.8 to F16, offering flexibility in exposure control.
  • Compatibility with Video: The STM autofocus system ensures smooth and silent focus shifts, making it ideal for video recording.

FAQ

This lens features a wide F1.8 aperture, which provides excellent background blur (bokeh), making it perfect for portrait photography. Its sharpness and smooth autofocus ensure professional-quality results, even in low-light conditions.

Yes, this lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, offering versatility across different camera setups.

The lens is equipped with an STM autofocus motor, which ensures fast and quiet focusing. This makes it ideal for both still photography and video recording, minimizing noise during autofocus transitions.

The F1.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, making subjects stand out with a beautifully blurred background. It also helps capture sharper images in low-light conditions, improving performance in dim environments.

No, this lens does not feature optical image stabilization. If you require stabilization, you might need to rely on in-body stabilization (IBIS) if your camera supports it, or use a tripod for steadier shots.

Yes, this lens is an excellent choice for video work due to its smooth and quiet autofocus. The wide aperture and sharp image quality also contribute to professional-looking video footage with beautiful background blur.

Some users have noted slight softness at the edges when shooting wide open at F1.8. This is common in many prime lenses and can often be corrected by stopping down the aperture a bit, like to F2.8 or F4.

While this lens offers good image quality at an affordable price, it features a plastic build, which some users find less durable compared to metal-bodied lenses. It's lightweight and portable, but it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty use in harsh conditions.

This lens excels in portrait photography thanks to its sharpness, wide aperture, and beautiful bokeh. It's also great for general photography, low-light situations, and travel due to its compact design and versatility.

The lens comes with a front and rear lens cap, and it has a 58mm filter thread, so you can easily add filters such as UV or ND filters. However, a lens hood is not typically included with this model.