Meike AF 85mm f/1.4 Review

The Meike AF 85mm f/1.4 is a budget-friendly portrait prime for Sony E-mount cameras that delivers full-frame coverage at a fraction of the price of first-party alternatives. At $400, it undercuts comparable autofocus 85mm f/1.4 lenses from Sony and third-party heavy hitters by a significant margin, making it an attractive option for creators looking to add a fast portrait lens without stretching their budget.

The lens features an STM stepping motor for autofocus, electronic contacts for EXIF data, and a minimum focusing distance of 3.2 feet. It includes a 77mm filter thread and an AF/MF switch, along with firmware upgrade capability via Micro-USB. The optical design comprises 13 elements in 8 groups with multi-layer coating. With no optical stabilization, users will rely on in-body stabilization systems or good shooting technique to maintain sharpness at slower shutter speeds. The lens sits in the growing field of affordable third-party autofocus primes, appealing to shooters who prioritize shallow depth of field and classic focal length over premium build and optics.