Meike Meike 24mm F1.4 AF Ultra Wide Angle Large Aperture Review
The Meike 24mm F1.4 brings a fast aperture and stabilization to Nikon Z, but its optical performance holds it back from being a true champion.
Overview
The Meike 24mm F1.4 is a chunky, feature-packed wide-angle prime for Nikon Z shooters. At 581g, it's not a lightweight, but it brings a fast f/1.4 aperture and built-in stabilization to the table, which is a rare combo for third-party glass.
It's pitched as an all-rounder for landscapes, astro, and even portraits. The specs look great on paper, with an STM motor for quiet AF and an 11-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. But the real question is whether it can hang with the big names.
Performance
This lens is a bit of a mixed bag. Its autofocus performance is genuinely excellent, landing in the 96th percentile. It's quick and quiet for both photos and video. The stabilization is also solid, sitting in the 87th percentile. Where it stumbles is optical quality, which only scores in the 34th percentile. Expect some softness in the corners, especially wide open. The f/1.4 aperture is great for low light, but you might not want to use it all the time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong af (96th percentile) 96th
- Strong macro (96th percentile) 95th
- Strong aperture (87th percentile) 89th
- Strong stabilization (87th percentile) 88th
Cons
- Below average build (19th percentile) 21th
- Below average optical (34th percentile)
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Wide-Angle |
| Focal Length Min | 24 |
| Focal Length Max | 24 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.3 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 24 |
Value & Pricing
At $589, it's not cheap, but it's also not crazy expensive for a fast, stabilized wide-angle. You're paying for the aperture and stabilization features more than outright optical perfection. If you need those specific things and can live with some optical compromises, it's a fair deal. If razor-sharp corner-to-corner image quality is your top priority, you might want to look elsewhere.
vs Competition
Stacked against the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, the Meike is wider and faster, but the Nikon lens is sharper, better built, and weather-sealed. The Viltrox 35mm F1.7 is smaller, lighter, and cheaper, but it's not as wide and lacks stabilization. For a travel lens, the Panasonic 14-140mm zoom destroys the Meike in versatility, but it's much slower. The Meike carves out a niche with its specific combo of focal length, speed, and stabilization.
| Spec | Meike Meike 24mm F1.4 AF Ultra Wide Angle Large Aperture | Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Lens High | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 Lens, X Mount 35mm F1.7 Auto | Canon Canon - RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Standard Zoom Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24mm | 55mm | 35mm | 28-70mm | 14-140mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 581 | 201 | 301 | 499 | 27 | 400 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | STM | Autofocus | — | STM |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle | — | — | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | — |
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Nikon Z shooter who absolutely needs a stabilized 24mm f/1.4 and you're on a budget that rules out first-party options. It's great for astrophotography or low-light video where the stabilization and aperture are key. Skip it if you're a pixel-peeper who demands the ultimate sharpness or if you need a lightweight, walk-around lens for travel.