Meike, a Chinese-based third-party lens manufacturer, has announced the release of a new full-frame 50mm f/1.8 lens with autofocus for Nikon Z and Sony E cameras. The lens is expected to be available in February 2024 for a very reasonable price of $160.
The new Meike 50mm f/1.8 lens is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use. The lens features a new optical structure that allows it to have a large maximum aperture while also remaining small in size. The lens weighs only 380 grams and has a filter size of 58mm.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.63 meters (24.8 inches) and a nine-bladed diaphragm that creates a smooth and pleasing bokeh effect. The lens also features multi-layer coating technology on both sides of the optics to help it render more realistic colors. Additionally, the front element has a coating that resists dust and stains.
A Full-Frame Autofocus Lens for Nikon Z and Sony E
The new Meike 50mm f/1.8 lens is compatible with full-frame cameras from Nikon and Sony. The lens supports autofocus, which is a rare feature among Meike’s lenses. Most of Meike’s lenses are manual focus only, but the company has been expanding its autofocus lens lineup in recent years.
The lens will be released in limited quantities for Nikon Z mount first, followed by Sony E and Canon R versions later. Meike has not specified the exact release date or availability of the lens, but it is expected to be delivered by the end of February 2024. The lens can be pre-ordered through Meike’s website for $160.
A Promising Option for Budget-Conscious Photographers
The new Meike 50mm f/1.8 lens is a promising option for budget-conscious photographers who are looking for a fast and versatile prime lens for their full-frame cameras. The lens offers a standard focal length that is suitable for various genres of photography, such as portraits, landscapes, street, and more. The lens also offers a bright aperture that enables low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects.
The lens is one of the most affordable full-frame autofocus lenses on the market, competing with other brands such as Yongnuo, Viltrox, and Samyang. The lens also has a similar design and performance to the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, which are much more expensive.
However, the lens also has some limitations that potential buyers should be aware of. The lens does not have image stabilization, which may be an issue for handheld shooting or video recording. The lens also does not have weather sealing, which may limit its durability and reliability in harsh environments. Moreover, the lens has not been tested by independent reviewers yet, so its image quality and autofocus accuracy are still unknown.
