Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Portrait Lens - Smooth Bokeh

In this review the Meike 85mm F1.8 is evaluated as a practical, budget-friendly portrait lens for Nikon F mount users who want a classic medium-telephoto look without breaking the bank. The single biggest reason to buy is its wide f1.8 aperture, which produces strong subject separation and a pleasing round bokeh thanks to nine diaphragm blades. The lens balances solid optical performance with useful modern touches like a micro USB port for firmware updates, making it a compelling option for photographers prioritizing image quality and upgradability.

Key Features

• 85mm focal length: Delivers flattering compression for portraits and tight headshots while remaining versatile for subject, architecture and landscape work.
• Wide f1.8 aperture: Allows shooting in low light and creates pronounced background blur to isolate subjects.
• 9 diaphragm blades: Produces a smooth, round blur effect that improves out-of-focus highlights for portraiture.
• Optical construction: 9 elements in 6 groups designed to deliver sharp and clear images across the frame.
• Micro USB firmware port: Enables firmware upgrades so the lens can receive performance improvements over time.

Who It's For

This lens suits hobbyists and enthusiast photographers using Nikon F mount DSLRs who want an affordable, full frame 85mm for portraits and general medium-telephoto work. It is particularly useful for shooters on Nikon D850, D750, D780 and similar bodies who appreciate sharpness and smooth bokeh without spending on flagship glass.

Photographers needing whisper-quiet, ultra-fast autofocus in demanding action or video work may want to look elsewhere, as user reports indicate the AF performance varies and can be noticeably audible. Also, those requiring weather sealing or exotic optical elements should consider higher-end alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent value for money with strong image sharpness for the price.
• Wide f1.8 aperture and 9 blades produce attractive bokeh for portraits.
• Micro USB firmware upgrade interface adds future-proofing not common at this price.

Cons

• Autofocus performance is mixed across users and can be noisy, which may bother video shooters.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Meike 85mm F1.8 is a well-priced portrait lens that delivers sharp images and attractive bokeh, making it a smart buy for Nikon F mount photographers who want strong optical results and firmware upgradability. It is especially good value for portrait work, though those who need the quietest or fastest AF should consider higher-tier options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this lens compatible with Nikon APS-C bodies?
Yes; on APS-C Nikon DSLRs the focal length is approximately 127.5mm equivalent, making it suitable for tighter portraits and subject work.

Can the lens firmware be updated?
Yes; the lens includes a micro USB interface that allows online firmware upgrades to improve performance or compatibility.

How is the autofocus performance?
Autofocus is functional for most shooting but user reports are mixed-some find it accurate while others note it can be noisy and less consistent than higher-end AF systems.