Meike has officially launched the Air AF 56mm f/1.7, an autofocus prime lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras, initially available in Sony E-mount. First shown at CP+ 2026, the lens represents the latest addition to the company’s Air Series, a lineup centered around compact, lightweight optics aimed at hybrid shooters and everyday users.

The optical construction consists of 11 elements in 7 groups, with a 9-blade aperture diaphragm covering the f/1.7–f/16 range. On an APS-C sensor, the 56mm focal length corresponds to roughly 84mm full-frame equivalent, placing it in the short telephoto range traditionally associated with portrait work. The Chinese company states the design has been tuned for balanced sharpness and improved control over flare and chromatic aberration, with consistent color reproduction across the frame.

The MTF chart published alongside the announcement shows strong center sharpness at maximum aperture, with a visible drop toward the edges — particularly in the higher spatial frequency lines — behavior typical of fast lenses in this price bracket. At f/8, rendering becomes noticeably more consistent across the frame.

Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor (STM), a design choice oriented toward quieter, smoother operation during video recording: Meike claims minimal focus breathing and compatibility with subject detection and eye-tracking systems on supported cameras. The minimum focusing distance is 0.55 meters The lens is also rated for 8K video capture, a specification of increasing relevance as hybrid shooters migrate toward higher-resolution formats.

On the physical side, the lens measures 66.5×59.2mm and weighs 190 grams, making it one of the lighter autofocus portrait primes in its class, and features a front filter thread of 52mm. The Air Series branding appears to reflect a deliberate push toward smaller form factors, positioning the lens as a natural companion for compact APS-C bodies rather than larger, more traditional mirrorless setups.

Here are few sample pictures, courtesy of Meike: