Meike Meike 50mm f/1.2 Large Aperture Lens for L Mount Review
The Meike 50mm f/1.2 delivers pro-level bokeh and low-light performance for a fraction of the cost. The only catch? You have to focus it yourself.
The 30-Second Version
A stunning f/1.2 bokeh machine for manual focus enthusiasts. An incredible value if you don't need autofocus.
Overview
The Meike 50mm f/1.2 is a one-trick pony, but that trick is spectacular. If you want creamy, dreamy bokeh and the ability to shoot in near-darkness, this is your lens. The one thing to know is that it's fully manual focus, which is a dealbreaker for some and a creative blessing for others. For the price, the optical performance is genuinely impressive, but you're buying into a very specific, hands-on shooting experience.
Performance
What surprised us was just how sharp this lens can be, even wide open at f/1.2. Our database shows its optical quality ranking well above average, which is rare for a budget-friendly f/1.2 lens. The built-in stabilization is also a standout feature you don't always get on manual primes, and it really helps when you're trying to nail focus in low light.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong aperture (96th percentile) 96th
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile) 89th
- Strong stabilization (88th percentile) 88th
- Strong optical (83th percentile) 83th
Cons
- Below average macro (21th percentile) 21th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Coating | Multi-Layer |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 |
Build
| Mount | L Mount |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At $360, this lens is an absolute steal for what it does. You're getting f/1.2 performance and stabilization that rivals lenses costing three times as much. The catch is the manual focus, but if you can work with that, the value is unbeatable.
vs Competition
Compared to the autofocus Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 or the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8, you're giving up versatility and convenience for sheer aperture power. Those are zoom lenses that can do everything pretty well. This Meike does one thing exceptionally well. The more direct competitor is something like the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8, which has autofocus but is two stops slower and feels cheap. This Meike is for the shooter who values ultimate background blur and low-light capability over autofocus speed.
| Spec | Meike Meike 50mm f/1.2 Large Aperture Lens for L Mount | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Sirui Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 55mm | 24-70mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | L Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony E Mount | Sony E |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 620 | 281 | 676 | 269 | 544 | 422 |
| AF Type | — | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | — | — | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | — |
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens autofocus?
Nope, it's fully manual focus only. You have to turn the focus ring yourself. It's great for deliberate shooting, terrible for fast action.
Q: Is it good for video?
Yes, actually. The manual focus is smooth for pulling focus, and the image stabilization is a big help for handheld shots. Its high score for video cinema in our data checks out.
Q: Will it work on my full-frame Panasonic S5?
Yes, it's designed for full-frame L-mount cameras like the Panasonic S1/S5 series, Leica SL, and Sigma fp. Just remember to enable 'release shutter without lens' in your camera menu.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a walk-around travel lens or need reliable autofocus, this isn't it. The weight and manual focus make it a poor travel companion. Go get a lighter zoom like the Tamron 28-75mm instead.
Verdict
We recommend this lens wholeheartedly, but only to a specific photographer. If you shoot portraits, still life, or cinematic video and don't mind manual focus, buy it immediately. The image quality for the price is phenomenal. If you need autofocus for chasing kids or pets, or if you want a single lens for travel, look elsewhere.