Meike 85mm f/1.8 AF Pro STM Review

The Meike 85mm f/1.8 AF Pro STM is a third-party autofocus portrait lens priced at $339.99, positioning it as a budget alternative to first-party 85mm offerings. Meike has been expanding its autofocus lens lineup in recent years, and this model features an STM (stepping motor) for quieter, smoother focusing during stills and video work. The 85mm focal length is a classic choice for portraiture, and the f/1.8 aperture provides solid subject separation and low-light capability.

At this price point, the lens targets creators looking for affordable portrait glass without the premium cost of Sony, Nikon, or Canon equivalents. Third-party options like this typically trade some build quality, weather sealing, or optical refinement for significant savings. Whether the autofocus performance, sharpness, and overall rendering meet expectations for serious portrait work remains to be seen in real-world testing.