Nikon Meike 24mm F1.4 AF Ultra Wide Angle Large Aperture Auto Focus STM Full Frame Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.