Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF STM Review

The Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF STM is a budget-friendly portrait prime lens that brings autofocus to Meike's lineup at a $400 price point. It sits in the crowded 85mm f/1.4 category, competing against both native first-party options and other third-party alternatives by undercutting on price. The STM autofocus motor is designed to provide smooth, near-silent focusing for both stills and video work, which is a step up from Meike's manual-focus-only heritage.

At this price, the lens targets shooters who want the classic 85mm focal length and wide f/1.4 aperture for portraits, product work, or video without the premium cost of brand-name glass. Build quality and optical performance remain to be seen, but Meike has been steadily improving its autofocus offerings across multiple mounts. The value proposition is clear: fast aperture, autofocus, and a price tag that makes it accessible to hobbyists and budget-conscious pros alike.