Canon EF Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto High Review

The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is a surprisingly good portrait lens that punches way above its price tag. For about $230, you get sharp optics, smooth autofocus, and even built-in stabilization, which is rare at this focal length and price. The one thing to know? It's a fantastic value for Canon EF shooters who want that classic 85mm look without spending a grand.

What surprised me most was the autofocus. It's in the 95th percentile, and you can feel it. The STM motor is quiet and accurate, making it great for both photos and video. The stabilization, which ranks in the 86th percentile, is a genuine bonus that lets you shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds. The optics are solid, though not class-leading, and the bokeh is pleasant if not the absolute creamiest.

Absolutely worth it. For $230, you're getting features and performance that compete with lenses costing three times as much. The inclusion of stabilization alone makes it a steal for Canon DSLR users.

If you're looking at this, you're probably comparing it to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. The Canon is a bit sharper wide open and has faster USM autofocus, but it lacks stabilization and costs more. The Meike wins on value and feature set. Against something like the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 for mirrorless, the choice comes down to your mount—the Meike is for EF DSLRs, and its stabilization gives it an edge for video.

If you shoot portraits on a Canon DSLR and are on a budget, buy this lens. It delivers 90% of the performance of more expensive options for a fraction of the cost. The excellent autofocus and unexpected stabilization make it an easy recommendation. Just don't expect to take it out in the rain.