VILTROX vs Meike: Mirrorless Lens Compared by Specs
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This VILTROX vs meike mirrorless camera lense comparison focuses on two full-frame primes with f/1.8 apertures. Both lenses offer autofocus for their respective mounts. The main difference lies in their focal lengths and mount compatibility. One is an 85mm portrait lens for Sony E, while the other is a 50mm standard lens for Nikon Z. You need to match the lens to your camera body.
Key differences
| Aspect | Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens | Meike 50mm F1.8 AF Nikon Z Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Focal Length | 85mm | 50mm |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 80cm | 0.63m |
| Optical Construction | 10 elements in 7 groups | 11 elements in 7 groups with ED glass |
| Weight | 484g | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens if
- You shoot with a Sony E-mount camera
- You need a tighter portrait framing at 85mm
- You want a lens with a listed weight of 484g
Choose Meike 50mm F1.8 AF Nikon Z Lens if
- You shoot with a Nikon Z-mount camera
- You prefer a versatile 50mm field of view
- You want close-up capability at 0.63m minimum distance
Verdict: Choose the VILTROX if you own a Sony E-mount camera and want a dedicated portrait focal length. Pick the Meike if you use a Nikon Z system and need a standard view with closer focusing. Both deliver f/1.8 performance for their specific mounts.
Viltrox vs Meike Lens Specs
Focal Length Choice
You need to decide between two distinct focal lengths. The Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II is a classic portrait lens. Its longer reach compresses backgrounds and isolates subjects effectively. It works well for half-length and full-length portraits. The Meike 50mm F1.8 AF STM offers a more versatile field of view. This focal length suits street photography, architecture, and landscapes alongside portraits. It provides a natural perspective that matches human vision. If you want tight subject isolation, the 85mm is better. If you need flexibility for various shooting scenarios, the 50mm wins.
Mount Compatibility
These lenses are not cross-compatible. You must choose the mount that matches your camera body. The Viltrox lens is designed exclusively for Sony E Mount cameras. It supports autofocus and eye focus features on compatible Sony bodies. The Meike lens is built for Nikon Z Mount cameras. It works with models like the Z5, Z6, Z7, and their variants. It supports electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF transmission on Nikon Z systems. You cannot use either lens on the other brand's camera without an adapter, which may affect functionality. Check your camera mount first.
Minimum Focusing Distance
Close-up capability differs between the two options. The Meike lens allows you to focus as close as 0.63 meters. This shorter distance helps with detailed shots of smaller subjects or tighter framing. The Viltrox lens has a minimum focusing distance of 80 centimeters, which is 0.80 meters. This is slightly farther away than the Meike. The Viltrox achieves a magnification ratio of 1:8 at this distance. While both lenses offer decent close-up performance, the Meike gets physically closer to your subject. This can be useful for specific portrait or product shots.
Optical Construction
Both lenses use modern optical designs to manage aberrations. The Meike features 11 elements in 7 groups. It includes one ED (extra-low dispersion) lens and one high-refraction lens. These elements suppress chromatic aberration, ghosting, and flare. This design aims for high resolution and authentic color rendering. The Viltrox uses 10 elements in 7 groups. It does not explicitly list special glass types like ED in the provided data. Both lenses utilize nine aperture blades to create smooth bokeh. The Meike's specific mention of low-dispersion glass gives it a slight edge in technical optical specification transparency.
Build and Features
Construction and extra features vary between the two. The Viltrox lens has an all-metal body structure and a micro USB port for firmware updates. This allows you to improve performance over time. It also includes a dedicated lotus hood to reduce flare and protect against weather. The Meike lens includes a dedicated AF/MF focus mode switch for quick operation. It supports EXIF information transmission and electronic aperture adjustment. The Viltrox is noted as lightweight at 484g. The Meike dimensions are provided, but weight is not listed. The Viltrox offers more explicit durability and update features.
Which lens matches your Sony or Nikon setup
Sony E mount users wanting portrait isolation
You need an 85mm focal length for classic portrait compression. This Viltrox lens supports Sony Eye Focus for reliable subject tracking. The f/1.8 aperture creates strong background blur. It weighs 484g and includes a micro USB port for firmware updates. The metal contacts ensure EXIF data transmission for your Sony body.
Nikon Z mount users preferring versatile wide portraits
You require a 50mm focal length for a broader field of view. This Meike lens is designed for Nikon Z cameras. It features 11 elements in 7 groups with low-dispersion glass to reduce chromatic aberration. The minimum focus distance is 0.63m. You get a dedicated AF/MF switch for quick manual adjustments during shooting.
Shooters prioritizing close-up performance and sharpness
You value closer focusing distances for detailed shots. This Meike lens reaches 0.63m minimum, closer than the Viltrox 80cm. The optical design uses one ED lens and one high refraction lens. This configuration suppresses ghosting and flare. The 9 aperture blades create smooth bokeh while maintaining high resolution across the frame.
The products compared
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens
Best for: Portrait photography on Sony full frame cameras
- Lens Mount
- Sony E Mount
- Focal Length
- 85mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F1.8
- Sensor Format
- Full Frame
- Focus Type
- Auto Focus, STM
- Minimum Focusing Distance
- 80cm
View on Amazon: Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens Affiliate link
This VILTROX lens is an 85mm F1.8 prime designed for Sony E mount full frame cameras. It features an STM auto focus system with eye focus support and a 9-blade aperture for smooth background blur. The metal body weighs 484g and includes a micro USB port for firmware updates. It suits portrait photographers who need a lightweight telephoto option with reliable autofocus performance.
Pros
- 85mm focal length ideal for half-length and full-length portraits
- F1.8 maximum aperture for low light and background separation
- STM auto focus with improved eye focus success rate
- All-metal construction weighs only 484g
- Micro USB port allows firmware updates
Cons
- Minimum focusing distance is 80cm, limiting close-up detail
- Maximum magnification is only 1:8, not true macro
- No weather sealing listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You shoot portraits on a Sony full frame camera
- You want a lightweight telephoto prime for travel
- You need reliable eye autofocus for moving subjects
Skip if
- You use APS-C Sony bodies and need crop factor
- You require macro photography capabilities
- You shoot in heavy rain or snow
Verdict: VILTROX 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Mount Lens delivers solid portrait performance with a lightweight metal build and updated autofocus for Sony users. It is a practical tool for photographers prioritizing subject isolation and portability over close-focusing range.
Meike 50mm F1.8 AF Nikon Z Lens
Best for: Nikon Z portrait photographers
- Lens Mount
- Nikon Z
- Focal Length
- 50mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/1.8
- Sensor Format
- Full Frame
- Focus Type
- Auto Focus
- Minimum Focusing Distance
- 0.63m
View on Amazon: Meike 50mm F1.8 AF Nikon Z Lens Affiliate link
The Meike 50mm F1.8 STM is a full-frame portrait lens for Nikon Z mount cameras. It features an F1.8 maximum aperture with 9 blades for smooth bokeh and AF STM autofocus. The 7-group, 11-element design includes ED glass to reduce aberrations. It focuses as close as 0.63m. This lens suits photographers who need fast low-light performance and subject isolation for portraits or street photography.
Pros
- F1.8 maximum aperture for low-light shooting
- 9 aperture blades for smooth background blur
- AF STM autofocus with AF/MF switch
- ED glass reduces chromatic aberration
Cons
- 0.63m minimum focus distance limits close-ups
- No weather sealing mentioned in specs
- Nikon Z mount only
Good fit if
- You shoot portraits with Nikon Z cameras
- You want fast autofocus for moving subjects
- You need a compact prime lens
Skip if
- You use Sony E mount cameras
- You require weather-sealed construction
- You need macro-level close-up capability
Verdict: Meike 50mm F1.8 STM delivers reliable autofocus and sharp optics for Nikon Z users seeking affordable portrait performance. It fits photographers prioritizing speed and bokeh over weather protection.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens | Meike 50mm F1.8 AF Nikon Z Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z |
| Focal Length | 85mm | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Sensor Format | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus, STM | Auto Focus |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 80cm | 0.63m |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Lens Type | Prime | not stated |
| Dimensions | not stated | 4.06 × 2.83 × 2.83 inches |
| Size | 85mm F1.8 (Full Frame) | 50mm F1.8 SE-Z |
| Model | not stated | MK-5018FFSTM-Z |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Viltrox 85mm lens work on Sony full-frame cameras?
Yes, this lens is designed for Sony E-mount systems. It supports autofocus on compatible bodies. The 85mm focal length provides a natural perspective for portraits. You get subject isolation with a wide f/1.8 aperture. The build includes metal components for durability.
Is the Meike 50mm lens compatible with Nikon Z cameras?
Yes, this lens features a Nikon Z mount. It offers autofocus performance for these systems. The 50mm focal length is versatile for various shooting scenarios. You benefit from an f/1.8 aperture for low light. The lens weighs approximately 2.83 inches in height.
Which lens is better for portrait photography?
The Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II is ideal for portraits. Its longer focal length compresses backgrounds effectively. You can isolate subjects with ease. The Meike 50mm is also suitable for portraits on Nikon Z. However, the 85mm option provides more classic portrait compression.
Do both lenses have autofocus capabilities?
Yes, both lenses include autofocus technology. The Viltrox model uses STM for smooth focusing. The Meike lens also features autofocus for quick performance. You do not need to focus manually. This makes them suitable for video and fast-paced shooting.
What is the difference in focal length between these two lenses?
The Viltrox lens has an 85mm focal length. The Meike lens has a 50mm focal length. The 85mm option is longer and better for tight portraits. The 50mm option is more versatile for general use. You should choose based on your preferred framing distance.
Are these lenses suitable for full-frame sensors?
Yes, both lenses are designed for full-frame sensors. The Viltrox 85mm covers full-frame images. The Meike 50mm also supports full-frame formats. You will not encounter vignetting on full-frame bodies. These lenses maximize the sensor area for better image quality.
How wide is the aperture on these lenses?
Both lenses have a maximum aperture of f/1.8. This wide aperture allows more light in. You can shoot in lower light conditions. It also creates a shallow depth of field. Background blur is strong at f/1.8 on both models.