Meike Meike 23mm F1.4 Ultra Wide Angle APS-C Frame STM Review

The Meike 23mm F1.4 is a wide-angle prime lens for Nikon Z APS-C cameras. It's a fast f/1.4 lens that promises sharp images and smooth background blur, even in low light. It's got built-in stabilization and a stepping motor for autofocus, which is a solid feature set for a third-party lens at this price. It's designed for the Z50, Z30, and Zfc, but it'll also work in crop mode on full-frame Z bodies like the Z5 or Z6.

This lens performs well where it counts. The f/1.4 aperture is great for low light and shallow depth of field, scoring in the 87th percentile. Autofocus is snappy and quiet thanks to the STM motor, landing in the 96th percentile. Image stabilization is also solid at the 88th percentile, which helps a lot for handheld shots. The optics are good, with special elements to control aberrations, but it's not quite as clinically sharp as some native Nikon glass. The 23mm focal length (about 35mm full-frame equivalent) is perfect for street photography and environmental portraits.

At around $290, this lens is a fantastic value. You're getting a fast aperture, image stabilization, and reliable autofocus in a compact package. For Nikon Z APS-C shooters, it's hard to find a native lens with this combination of features without spending significantly more. It's a no-brainer if you want a capable, fast wide-angle without breaking the bank.

Compared to the native Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, the Meike is cheaper and has stabilization, but the Nikon has better build quality and optics. Against the Viltrox 35mm F1.7 for Fuji X mount, the Meike offers a wider field of view and stabilization. If you need more versatility, a zoom like the Panasonic 14-140mm covers more ground, but you lose the fast aperture and much of the low-light capability. The Meike sits in a sweet spot of price and performance for its specific use case.

Buy this lens if you shoot with a Nikon Z50, Z30, or Zfc and want a fast, stabilized wide-angle for street, travel, or low-light photography. It's a perfect companion for everyday shooting. Skip it if you need weather sealing, ultimate optical perfection, or a more versatile zoom range.