Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C, a $200 autofocus lens that promises bang for the buck

Image: Meike

Meike Global has released its first APS-C lens for Fujifilm, Sony and Nikon cameras. The new 55mm F1.4 targets photographers looking for a fast prime lens. At $200, the lens could be a sound budget alternative to similar lenses available on the market.

The 55mm F1.4 uses 11 elements in 8 groups and has nine aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m (23.6”) and weighs 286g (10.1oz). Along the barrel, there is an AF/MF switch, a manual focus ring and an aperture ring. Meike has included a USB-C port at the rear of the lens, which it says will be used to install future firmware updates.

The $200 asking price is notably cheaper than other fast, APS-C prime lenses around the 55mm focal length.

Image: Meike

Meike’s 55mm lens has a de-clicked aperture ring, which may present an issue for users seeking a tactile response or greater precision. Meike also confirmed to DPReview that the lens isn’t weather-resistant, which may not be a surprise at this price point, but it’s good to know exactly what you’re buying.

Another consideration: although the company has a large catalog of manual focus lenses, this is only the Hong Kong-based manufacturer’s fifth autofocus lens. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s good to keep in mind that the company is relatively new to implementing the technology.

The Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C is now available.

Our DPREVIEW Tribute:

After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.

Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.

Cheers DPReview – thanks for the great work and content that guided photographers, videographers and techno junkies the world over!