Meike 33mm f/1.4 AF Review
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links in this guide are affiliate links — see our affiliate disclosure for details.
As an avid photographer always on the lookout for quality glass that won’t break the bank, I was initially thrilled to hear about Meike’s entry into the autofocus prime market. Now that the Meike 33mm f/1.4 AF has been out in the wild for a while, the big question remains: does the performance match the hype?
After seeing how this lens performs against competitors that cost twice as much, the answer is a resounding yes. Let’s dive into why this lens has become a favorite for budget-conscious Fujifilm, Sony, and Nikon shooters.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to camera gear and lenses. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This helps me continue creating free photography content for readers like you — thank you for your support!
Specs at a Glance
- Focal Length: 33mm (50mm equivalent on APS-C)
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Mounts: Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Sony E
- Dimensions: 83mm (3.3") long
- Weight: 314g (11 oz)
- Filter Thread: 55mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.4m (15.7")
Size and Weight: A Compact Contender
At 83mm long and weighing just 314g, this lens strikes a nice balance between compactness and capability. It’s slightly longer but lighter than Fujifilm’s pricier XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, making it a comfortable carry for all-day shooting.
Optical Design: Promising Performance
Meike has packed some impressive features into this budget-friendly lens:
- 12 elements in 9 groups
- Two extra-low dispersion elements to combat chromatic aberration
- Manual aperture control (f/1.4 to f/16)
- Zero-focus breathing (great for video work!)
Image Quality: Sharp and Versatile
While I haven’t had hands-on time with this lens yet, Meike claims it delivers high sharpness across the frame. They’re positioning it as an excellent choice for both portraiture and landscape photography — a versatile focal length indeed!
The Price Factor: A Game-Changer
Here’s where things get interesting. At just $229.99, this lens undercuts Fujifilm’s offering by a whopping $570. It’s even competitively priced against other third-party options like the Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 ($279) and the Tokina ATX-M 33mm f/1.4 (currently $189-$249, depending on the mount).
Availability
The Meike 33mm f/1.4 AF is available now for Fujifilm X and Nikon Z mounts, with the Sony E-mount version expected to ship around August 15th. You can snag one from B&H, AVShutter, or directly through Meike’s website.
Final Thoughts
While we’ll need to see real-world results to judge its true performance, the Meike 33mm f/1.4 AF looks like an incredibly appealing option for photographers wanting to add a fast, standard prime to their kit without breaking the bank. Its combination of features, compact size, and tempting price point make it a lens I’m eager to try out.
Photo by Zoë Gayah Jonker on Unsplash
Written by
Marien CartelProfessional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA, with 22 years of experience in the field of photography.
