Sigma Meike 85mm f1.8 Pro Full Frame STM Medium Review

The Sigma Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro is a lightweight, affordable telephoto prime for L-mount shooters. It's built for portraits, with a fast aperture and built-in stabilization to help you get sharp shots.

This lens nails the basics. It's got a stepping motor for quiet autofocus, and the company claims zero distortion and focus breathing, which is a big plus for video work. At 349 grams, it won't weigh down your camera bag.

Autofocus is where this lens really shines, landing in the 98th percentile. Eye AF works great even at a distance. The stabilization is also top-notch, sitting in the 91st percentile, which helps a ton in low light. The optical quality and bokeh are decent but not class-leading, ranking in the 60th percentile range. So it's sharp, but don't expect magic.

At around $300, this lens is a steal. You're getting pro-level autofocus and stabilization in a light package for a fraction of the cost of first-party glass. If you need an 85mm for portraits or video on a budget, it's hard to beat.

Compared to the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you're trading a wider field of view for better reach and stabilization. Against the Panasonic 14-140mm zoom, you lose versatility but gain a much faster aperture and better low-light performance. The Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro is a closer call, but the 85mm gives you more compression for flattering portraits. Pick this if you want a dedicated portrait lens.

Buy this if you're a portrait or hybrid shooter on the L-mount who wants great autofocus and stabilization without breaking the bank. Skip it if you need a walk-around lens or shoot in bad weather often.