Meike Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame AF STM Lens Standard Review

So you're looking at a cheap 50mm lens for your Sony camera. The Meike 50mm F1.8 is a full-frame autofocus prime that costs about $160. That's a lot less than Sony's own 50mm options. It's a classic portrait focal length, with a wide f/1.8 aperture for blurry backgrounds and better low-light shots. If you're wondering if a third-party lens can be good, this one scores surprisingly high overall at 92.2 out of 100. It's built for Sony E mount cameras, from full-frame A7 models down to APS-C bodies like the A6000 series. Just know it's not weather-sealed, so keep it dry.

Where this lens really punches above its price is in autofocus. It's in the 98th percentile, which is wild for a budget lens. The STM motor is quiet and accurate, even for video. Stabilization is also a strong point, sitting in the 92nd percentile, which helps a ton with handheld shots. Its macro score is a high 95th percentile, and it can focus as close as 50mm. That's decent for a standard prime. Optical sharpness is its weaker area, ranking in the 59th percentile. You'll get sharp center shots, especially stopped down a bit, but corners might be softer wide open. That's the trade-off for the low price.

At around $160, the value proposition is simple: you get modern autofocus and stabilization in a 50mm lens for less than half the cost of Sony's FE 50mm F1.8. You're trading some optical perfection and weather sealing for those core features. If your main question is 'can I get a reliable AF 50mm for my Sony without spending a fortune?', the answer here is a clear yes.

The most direct competitor is probably the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 itself. The Sony is sharper optically and has slightly better bokeh, but it's more expensive, lacks stabilization, and its autofocus motor is louder and slower. For a bit more money, you could look at the Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro, which likely offers better optics and build. If you want more versatility, a zoom like the Sony 24-240mm covers a huge range but is bigger, slower (f/3.5-6.3), and much more expensive. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is a different focal length but another budget AF option, though it's for Z-mount, not Sony E.

Should you buy this? If you need a cheap, reliable 50mm with great autofocus and stabilization for portraits or everyday use, absolutely. It's a fantastic 'first prime' lens or a lightweight backup. But if you're a pixel-peeper who demands ultimate sharpness across the frame, or you shoot in bad weather often, you'll want to spend more on the Sony version or the Meike 55mm Pro. For most people just wanting to get started with a fast prime, this lens is a steal.