Meike Meike 85mm f/1.8 SE Mark II Lens (Nikon F) Review

So you're looking for a classic portrait lens without spending a grand. The Meike 85mm f/1.8 SE Mark II is a third-party contender that promises that sweet spot of focal length and speed. It's a full-frame lens for Nikon F-mount shooters, and at 369 grams, it's a lightweight option you can carry all day.

This lens is really for the portrait photographer on a budget, or the hobbyist wanting to step up their game. The scores show it's best for portraits (79.2/100) and decent for professional work (69.5/100), but it's not a travel companion (43.6/100). That makes sense, an 85mm prime is a specialist, not a walk-around lens.

What's interesting here is the autofocus. Meike is a third-party brand, and getting reliable AF on a DSLR mount isn't a given. They're using an STM stepping motor, which should be quiet for video. For $229, you're getting a fast aperture and autofocus, which is a pretty compelling starting point.

Let's talk about what the numbers mean. The bokeh quality lands in the 89th percentile, which is the star of the show. That f/1.8 aperture on an 85mm lens gives you that creamy, blurred background that makes portraits pop. The optical performance is solid at the 68th percentile, so sharpness and color should be good, especially once you stop down a bit from wide open.

Now, the trade-offs. The autofocus performance is in the 47th percentile, which is basically average. It'll work, but don't expect lightning speed or rock-solid tracking for sports. There's no stabilization (39th percentile), so you'll need good light or a steady hand. And with a minimum focus distance of 64cm (about 25 inches), it's not for close-up details. It knows its job: flattering portraits at a comfortable distance.

At $229, the value proposition is clear. You're getting a dedicated portrait lens with autofocus for less than many manufacturers charge for a 50mm. Compared to Nikon's own 85mm f/1.8G, which often sells for over $400 used, the Meike undercuts it by a significant margin. You're trading some AF performance and the assurance of native compatibility for serious savings. If your primary goal is beautiful bokeh on a budget, the math works.

The obvious competitor is the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G. It's sharper wide open and has more reliable, faster autofocus. But it costs nearly twice as much. If you have a Nikon Z mirrorless camera, adapting this Meike is an option, but native Z-mount lenses like the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 (for Z-mount) will perform better autofocus-wise on that system.

Looking at other third-party options, the list includes a lot of 35mm and 55mm lenses. That's a different focal length. A 35mm f/1.7 is more of a general-purpose or environmental portrait lens. The Meike 85mm is specifically for tighter, more traditional headshots with more background compression and blur. The trade-off is versatility for focal length specialization. If you shoot mostly full-body or in tight spaces, a 35mm or 50mm might be better. If you want that classic portrait look, the 85mm is the tool.

If you shoot portraits with a Nikon DSLR and your budget is tight, this lens is an easy recommendation. The bokeh quality punches way above its price tag, and having autofocus is a major convenience over manual-only alternatives. For $229, you can create professional-looking images.

But, if you need snappy autofocus for chasing kids or pets, or if you're heavily into video and need silent, flawless focus pulls, you might feel the limitations. Also, if you own a Nikon Z mirrorless camera, think twice. While it will work with an FTZ adapter, you're adding cost and bulk, and the AF performance likely won't be optimal. For Z-mount users, saving for a native lens is probably the better long-term play.