Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C Frame AF STM Lens Fixed Review
The Meike 55mm F1.4 delivers pro-style bokeh and fast autofocus for Fujifilm cameras at a fraction of the cost. Just don't ask it to do everything.
The 30-Second Version
A great budget portrait lens for Fujifilm. Autofocus is top-tier (96th percentile) and it has built-in stabilization. Worth buying if you want creamy bokeh without the Fujinon cost.
Overview
The Meike 55mm F1.4 is a budget-friendly portrait lens for Fujifilm shooters. It gives you that classic 85mm equivalent focal length and a bright f/1.4 aperture without the Fujinon price tag.
It's a compact, lightweight prime that nails the basics: fast autofocus, built-in stabilization, and smooth background blur. Just don't expect it to be a do-everything lens.
Performance
This lens knows its job. Our data shows its autofocus lands in the 96th percentile, so it's quick and quiet for portraits and street shots. The f/1.4 aperture (88th percentile) and stabilization (87th percentile) mean you can shoot in lower light without cranking the ISO. The trade-off? It's not versatile. Its landscape score is a weak 60.6, and sharpness wide open is good, not great. It's a specialist, not a generalist.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong af (96th percentile) 96th
- Strong macro (89th percentile) 89th
- Strong aperture (88th percentile) 88th
- Strong stabilization (88th percentile) 88th
Cons
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 55 |
| Focal Length Max | 55 |
| Elements | 8 |
| Groups | 11 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
Build
| Mount | Fujifilm X |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 55 |
Value & Pricing
For the money, it's hard to beat. You're getting a stabilized f/1.4 portrait lens for a fraction of what Fujifilm charges. The build is plastic but decent, and the performance is focused where it counts. If you want a dedicated portrait lens without breaking the bank, this is a solid deal.
Price History
vs Competition
Against the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you're choosing focal length: the Meike's 55mm is better for pure portraits, while the Viltrox's 35mm is more versatile for everyday use. Compared to the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 zoom, you lose versatility but gain a full stop of light and much better background blur. The Meike sits in a sweet spot: cheaper than first-party glass, more specialized than a zoom, and with stabilization many competitors lack.
| Spec | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C Frame AF STM Lens Fixed | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55mm | 55mm | 25mm | 24mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 286 | 281 | 400 | 269 | 676 | 544 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | - | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens equivalent to an 85mm on full-frame?
Yes, on Fujifilm's APS-C cameras, the 55mm focal length gives you an 83mm equivalent field of view, which is the classic portrait focal length.
Q: How is the autofocus speed for video?
The STM motor is quiet and smooth, making it suitable for video, and our data shows it's in the top 4% for AF performance overall.
Q: Can I use this for landscapes?
Not really. Our scoring gives it a 60.6/100 for landscapes. It's a portrait and street lens by design.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you need a versatile walk-around lens. Its 55mm focal length is tight, and it's not sharp enough for critical landscape work. Also, if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Android-only firmware updates are a genuine hassle.
Verdict
Buy this if you shoot Fujifilm and want an affordable, lightweight portrait lens. The autofocus and stabilization work great, and the bokeh is smooth. It's perfect for hobbyists, content creators, or anyone who wants that 85mm look without the 85mm price.