Meike 33mm f/1.4 AF Review

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.

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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