Panasonic Meike 35mm F1.8 Full Frame Wide Angle AF STM Lens Review

So you're looking at a Panasonic L-mount camera, maybe an S5 II or an S1H, and you want a 35mm lens that won't break the bank. That's exactly where the Meike 35mm F1.8 comes in. It's a third-party lens trying to do what the big brands do, but for a lot less cash. It's not trying to be a tiny travel lens, and it's not built like a tank, but it promises solid autofocus and decent optics in a classic focal length.

This lens is for the Panasonic shooter who wants that 35mm field of view for storytelling, street photography, or environmental portraits, but can't justify dropping over a grand on the first-party option. The f/1.8 aperture gives you that shallow depth of field and low-light capability, which is what most people want from a prime like this. It's a practical choice, not a luxury one.

What makes it interesting is the spec sheet for the price. You get image stabilization built into the lens, which is a big deal for Panasonic bodies that don't have in-body stabilization, like the original S1. You also get an STM autofocus motor that, according to the numbers, lands in the 96th percentile. That means it should be quick and quiet, which is crucial for both photos and video. For under $400, that's a compelling package on paper.

Let's talk about those numbers. An autofocus score in the 96th percentile is no joke. In real use, that translates to snappy, reliable focusing for both stills and video. The STM motor should keep things quiet, so you won't hear loud focusing noises in your video clips. The stabilization, sitting in the 89th percentile, is another standout. If you're shooting handheld video or in low light without a tripod, that extra shake reduction from the lens can be the difference between a usable shot and a blurry mess.

Now, the optical performance is a bit more of a mixed bag, landing in the 76th percentile. With 12 elements in 10 groups, including three extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements, Meike is clearly trying to control aberrations. You'll get sharp images, especially stopped down a bit from f/1.8. But the bokeh quality is rated lower, in the 68th percentile. This means that while you'll get background blur, it might not be as creamy or smooth as you'd get from a more expensive lens. For the price, it's a fair trade-off, but it's something to know if you're a bokeh purist.

At $380, the Meike 35mm F1.8 sits in a sweet spot. A comparable first-party Panasonic or Sigma 35mm lens will easily cost two to three times as much. You're getting 90% of the performance for maybe 40% of the price. The value is in the core features: you're paying for that excellent autofocus and the inclusion of stabilization, which are often the first things cut from budget lenses.

The trade-off is in the finish and the optical polish. You accept a plasticky build, no weather sealing, and bokeh that's merely good, not great. For a hobbyist, a content creator, or a second-shooter who needs a reliable 35mm without maxing out a credit card, that's a fantastic deal. It's a tool that gets the job done.

The most direct competitor is likely the Viltrox 35mm F1.7 for Z-mount (or similar for other mounts). Viltrox lenses often have a slight edge in build quality and sometimes optics, but they lack built-in stabilization. If you're on a Panasonic body without IBIS, the Meike's stabilization is a clear win. Against the Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro, it's a focal length choice: 35mm vs 55mm. The 55mm might have slightly better build ('Pro' designation), but you lose the wider field of view.

Then you have the first-party giants. The Fujifilm Viltrox 25mm F1.7 is for APS-C, so not a direct match. The real comparison is to a Panasonic Lumix S 35mm F1.8 or a Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN. Those lenses will have better build, weather sealing, and arguably better optics and bokeh. But you're looking at $800 to $1,000. The trade-off is simple: spend more for refinement and durability, or save cash with the Meike and accept some compromises.

If you shoot with a Panasonic L-mount camera and need a 35mm lens on a budget, this is a no-brainer. The autofocus and stabilization performance are legitimately excellent for the price. It's perfect for video work, street photography, or as a general-purpose prime where ultimate optical perfection isn't the goal. The ability to update firmware is a nice touch for future-proofing.

I wouldn't recommend it for travel photographers who prioritize light weight and versatility (its 58.8 travel score confirms that), or for pros who need bomb-proof, weather-sealed gear for tough assignments. For everyone else—enthusiasts, hybrid shooters, indie filmmakers—the Meike 35mm F1.8 offers a ton of capability for your dollar. Just keep it out of the rain.