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

In this review of the Meike 85mm F1.8, the bottom line is simple: this lens is best for photographers who want a classic medium-telephoto portrait optic that delivers strong sharpness and pleasing background blur without a high price tag. It pairs a fast f1.8 aperture and a 9-blade diaphragm to produce smooth round bokeh while its 9-element, 6-group construction aims for clear images across the frame. The lens is particularly attractive for Canon EF users who value build quality and a usable feature set like a focus mode switch and firmware upgrade port.

Key Features

• 85mm focal length: Ideal for portraits and subject isolation, offering flattering perspective and compression for head-and-shoulder shots.
• Wide f1.8 aperture: Lets you shoot in lower light and create shallow depth of field for strong subject separation and smooth bokeh.
• 9 diaphragm blades: Designed to produce a super smooth round blur effect that improves out-of-focus highlights.
• 9 elements in 6 groups: Lens construction that aims to deliver sharp, clear images with decent overall optical quality.
• Micro USB firmware upgrade: Enables online firmware updates so the lens can receive improvements and compatibility fixes.
• Compact and lightweight: At about 420g and with a 67mm filter thread, it balances handling and portability for on-location shoots.

Who It's For

This lens suits portrait photographers and enthusiasts using Canon EF mount DSLRs like the 5D series or 6D series who want a classic 85mm look without spending on high-end brand-name primes. It is also a good choice for photographers who appreciate physical controls such as a focus mode switch and a focus scale window.

Photographers who need the absolute best, fastest and whisper-quiet autofocus performance or those who rely on the latest camera-specific autofocus features may prefer a manufacturer-branded EF lens. Also consider alternatives if you need a shorter close-focus distance than the 0.85m this lens offers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong perceived sharpness and solid build quality for the price.
• Attractive and smooth bokeh from a wide f1.8 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm.
• Useful features such as a focus mode switch, focus length indicator window and firmware upgrade port.
• Light enough at 420g to use handheld for extended sessions.

Cons

• Autofocus performance is mixed according to users, so expect variable results depending on camera body and shooting conditions.
• Minimum focus distance of 0.85m limits very close-up portrait cropping or tight product work.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Meike 85mm F1.8 is a compelling value option for portrait and general subject photography on Canon EF bodies, delivering sharp images and attractive bokeh with useful physical controls. While autofocus results vary across users and it is not aimed at professionals who require the fastest AF, it represents solid build and optical value for hobbyists and enthusiasts seeking a classic 85mm render.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this lens compatible with Canon full frame DSLRs?
Yes, it is designed for Canon EF mount full frame cameras including models like the 5D and 6D series.

Can the lens autofocus reliably?
Autofocus performance is mixed in real-world reports; it can work well on many bodies but some users have experienced slower or noisier AF depending on camera and conditions.

Does the lens support firmware updates?
Yes, a micro USB interface allows firmware upgrades to be applied online.