Meike 24mm f/1.4 AF Review
The Meike 24mm f/1.4 offers pro-level optics at a third-party price, but you'll feel the compromises in its autofocus and hefty build. It's a lens you buy with your eyes wide open.
The 30-Second Version
A budget beast for image quality, but a bit of a clunker everywhere else. Buy it for the optics, not the experience.
Overview
The Meike 24mm f/1.4 is a lens that screams 'value for money' until you actually use it. The one thing to know is this: you're paying for the aperture and the focal length, and that's about it. It's a full-frame 24mm f/1.4 lens for under $600, which is a crazy price on paper. In practice, it's a solid optical performer that feels a bit clunky in the areas that matter for daily use, like autofocus and handling.
Performance
The optical performance genuinely surprised us. Scoring in the 89th percentile for optics and 81st for bokeh, this lens is sharp and renders nice backgrounds for a wide-angle. That f/1.4 aperture isn't just a number on the box; it pulls in a ton of light. But then you hit the autofocus, which lands in the 46th percentile. It's not terrible, but it's not snappy or silent. You'll notice it hunting a bit in low light, which is exactly when you'd want that fast aperture.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- That f/1.4 aperture is the real deal for low-light and shallow depth of field. 89th
- Optical sharpness punches way above its price tag. 88th
- Solid metal build feels substantial, if a bit heavy. 82th
- Having an aperture ring and AF/MF switch is a nice touch for the price. 68th
Cons
- Autofocus is just okay—it's the clear trade-off for the low price.
- No weather sealing means you're staying indoors when it drizzles.
- At over 544g, it's a chonky boy for a prime lens.
- The minimum focus distance of almost 11 inches isn't great for close-up shots.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 24 |
| Focal Length Max | 24 |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 12 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 72 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 279 |
Value & Pricing
At $589, it's a steal for the optical specs alone. If your priority is image quality and light gathering on a budget, this lens delivers. Just don't expect it to feel like a $1500 Sony GM lens, because it doesn't.
vs Competition
This sits in a weird spot. Compared to the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM, you're saving over $1000 but giving up flawless autofocus, weather sealing, and significant weight. Against a more direct competitor like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you're getting a wider, faster lens, but the Viltrox might focus faster and is lighter. If you need a zoom, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 gives you way more flexibility and stabilization, but you lose that beautiful f/1.4 bokeh and low-light advantage.
| Spec | Meike 24mm f/1.4 AF | Viltrox Air VILTROX 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 Air AF Lens for Fuji X | Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Canon RF Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Fujifilm VILTROX 56mm F1.4 STM APS-C Frame Auto Focus | Sirui Sniper Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24mm | 35mm | 17-70mm | 24mm | - | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-M | Canon RF | Fujifilm X | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 544 | 400 | 544 | 272 | 320 | 422 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | - | - | Wide-Angle Zoom | Wide-Angle | - | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meike 24mm f/1.4 AF | 46.4 | 81.8 | 64.3 | 68.2 | 88.7 | 88.1 | 37.5 | 37.9 |
| Viltrox Air 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Compare | 95.6 | 73.6 | 63.4 | 93.2 | 74 | 80.5 | 37.5 | 87.8 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 -A VC RXD Compare | 46.4 | 59.2 | 64.3 | 77.4 | 90.8 | 54.6 | 92.5 | 87.8 |
| Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Compare | 46.4 | 81.8 | 87.6 | 81 | 82.5 | 75.8 | 37.5 | 99.9 |
| Fujifilm VILTROX 56mm F1.4 STM APS-C Frame Auto Focus Standard Prime Compare | 95.6 | 81.8 | 88.8 | 85.3 | 34.6 | 88.1 | 37.5 | 87.8 |
| Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Compare | 46.4 | 96.7 | 73.8 | 53.4 | 79.8 | 95.9 | 37.5 | 87.8 |
Common Questions
Q: How's the focus breathing for video?
It's minimal, which is good news. This lens won't ruin your focus pulls with weird zooming effects. The bad news is the autofocus isn't quiet or fast enough for serious video work anyway.
Q: Is this good for travel?
Our data says it's weakest for travel (37th percentile), and we agree. It's heavy, not sealed, and the 24mm focal length isn't super versatile on its own. For travel, you'd be happier with a lighter zoom or a smaller prime.
Q: Can I use this on an APS-C camera?
Absolutely. On a Sony APS-C body, it'll behave like a 36mm equivalent lens, which is a great normal focal length. You still get the full f/1.4 light gathering, which is a bonus.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a do-it-all, lightweight walkaround lens, this isn't it. Go get the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 instead for its versatility and stabilization. Also, skip this if fast, reliable autofocus is non-negotiable for you—save up for the Sony GM or look at Sigma's offerings.
Verdict
We recommend the Meike 24mm f/1.4 if you're a stills photographer on a tight budget who craves that wide f/1.4 look for landscapes, astro, or environmental portraits. You can live with the slower autofocus. But if you shoot video, need reliable tracking AF, or want a lens you can take anywhere in any weather, your money is better spent elsewhere.