Meike 85mm f/2.8 Macro Review

Meike 85mm f/2.8 Macro Performance

When looking at the sharpness results we need to bear in mind that at test target distances the lens is not being used at the distances it is primarily designed for, that is macro shooting. The manual focusing ring is also not accurate at the test distances. This means that several runs of measurements were needed to ensure that the point of focus for the test chart were as precise as possible.

In terms of sharpness, both centre and edge match each other almost perfectly. The figures are amongst the closest I have ever measured. So, both centre and edge, sharpness is at the upper end of the very good category from f/2.8 to f/5.6, moves into the excellent range at f/8 and is again very good from f/11 to f/16. Diffraction does reduce sharpness at f/22, but it is still of a good standard.

Looking subjectively at macro distances, sharpness is still very even at f/2.8 and certainly, results are sharp, slightly reducing at the corners. However, at f/8 the sharpness becomes visibly crisper and more even from corner to corner. For even flat subjects, f/8 at macro distances will produce excellent results with well-controlled field curvature.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is also well controlled, centre and edge, and is unlikely to be a problem. At very high contrast edges there is some fringing, but for many subjects, this would be completely unnoticed.  

A short telephoto lens would be expected to show some pincushion distortion, but the demands of a macro lens are higher. These demands are well met by Meike and pincushion distortion measures at the extremely low value of +0.17%. This almost perfectly rectilinear and should not normally need any further correction.

Flare is very low and shots against the sky do not reveal any artefacts or undue reduction in contrast.

Bokeh was expected to be smooth, with the short telephoto tendency to throw backgrounds out of focus and a round aperture. The gradation and softness of the bokeh is very pleasing and should enhance any subject that we wish to isolate from the background.

Value For Money

The availability so far may be limited to the US market, with a price tag of $299. Looking strictly at 85mm/90mm macro lenses, the choices are quite limited. There are endless options at 100mm. Of course, none of them offer the 1.5x magnification of the Meike.

However, there is the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro, probably the closest competitor at £399. There is no mirrorless version of the Meike yet, but when there is the Sony FE range would compete with their 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS at £889.

Provided the UK price is in line with around £299, then it would offer excellent VFM, sacrificing AF but gaining significant extra magnification. For more options have a look at the Top 13 Best Macro Lenses.

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