Meike Introduces 85mm f/1.8 Mark II Lens
Meike has introduced the SE Series 85mm f/1.8 Mark II, an updated full-frame autofocus lens positioned as a successor to the original 85mm f/1.8 SE. The Chinese company’s latest release intends to bring a revised optical design and several incremental performance changes while maintaining a low price point.
The Mark II employs 11 elements in 7 groups, two more than the previous version, and uses an 11-blade diaphragm instead of the earlier 9-blade system. According to the manufacturer, these adjustments reduce chromatic aberration and improve overall image rendition, including the appearance of out-of-focus areas.
Minimum focusing distance has been shortened from 0.85 m to 0.65 m, allowing for closer framing than before. Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor, which the company describes as quieter and more responsive than in the prior model and compatible with face- and eye-detection features on supported cameras. The internal focusing mechanism preserves the lens’s external length during operation.
The Mark II maintains a compact form factor, measuring roughly 100 mm in length, 76 mm in diameter, and weighing about 369 g. It uses 62 mm filters, whereas the original version required 67 mm. The exterior is built from a high-strength polymer, and overall handling remains similar to the earlier model despite the internal optical changes. A USB-C port on the mount supports firmware updates.
The lens supports the full-frame angle of view typical of an 85 mm focal length and is intended for portraiture, close-ups, and low-light work thanks to its f/1.8 aperture. Meike also states that the optical structure helps limit distortion and focus breathing, making the lens suitable for video use, including high-resolution recording.
Here are few sample pictures, courtesy of Meike:
The Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II is available now for approximately $230 and can be purchased for Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount systems through Meike’s website and major retailers.
