Meike Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame STM Auto Focus Prime Review
The Meike 50mm F1.8 offers shockingly good autofocus and stabilization for under $200, but you'll feel the cost savings in its bulky, plasticky build.
Overview
The Meike 50mm F1.8 is a full-frame prime lens for Sony shooters that promises a lot for the money. It's a classic portrait focal length with a bright f/1.8 aperture, and it throws in stabilization and a USB-C port for firmware updates, which is pretty neat at this price.
Performance
Autofocus is where this lens really shines, landing in the 97th percentile. It's quick and quiet with that STM motor. The stabilization is solid too, sitting at the 89th percentile, which helps a ton with handheld video and low-light shots. Optical sharpness and bokeh are decent but not class-leading, ranking in the 60s. Just know it's a chunky boy at 540g, and that build quality score in the 20th percentile tells you it feels a bit plasticky.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Autofocus is incredibly fast and quiet. 95th
- Built-in image stabilization works great. 89th
- USB-C port for easy firmware updates is a smart feature. 86th
- Excellent value for a stabilized full-frame prime. 76th
Cons
- It's heavy and the build feels cheap. 24th
- Not weather-sealed at all.
- Optical sharpness is just okay, not amazing.
- Very low versatility score; it's a one-trick pony.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 7 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.2 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 50 |
Value & Pricing
At around $190, it's hard to complain. You're getting a stabilized, full-frame 50mm f/1.8 with good autofocus. That's a package you usually pay a lot more for. Just temper your expectations on build quality and ultimate optical perfection.
vs Competition
Compared to the Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro, this is the budget option with stabilization but less premium build. Against the popular Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 or Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8, you're trading a wider focal length for that 50mm portrait look and in-lens stabilization. If you need a walk-around lens, look at a zoom like the Panasonic 14-140mm. This Meike is for when you want that specific 50mm look and need help keeping shots steady.
| Spec | Meike Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame STM Auto Focus Prime | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Canon Canon - RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Standard Zoom Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Viltrox VILTROX 23mm F1.4 Auto Focus APS-C Frame Lens for | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 55mm | 28-70mm | 14-140mm | 23mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 540 | 281 | 499 | 27 | 499 | 400 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | Autofocus | — | STM | STM |
| Lens Type | — | — | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | — | — |
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Sony shooter on a tight budget who wants a dedicated portrait lens with great autofocus and stabilization. It's perfect for beginners or as a secondary lens. Skip it if you need weather sealing, a lightweight travel lens, or the absolute best image quality money can buy.