Meike 85mm f/1.4 vs Samyang 85mm f/1.4 II: A Hands-On Comparison

If you shoot portraits, you know the “itch.” It’s that nagging desire for an 85mm f/1.4. There is something intoxicating about that focal length combined with a massive aperture—the way the background just melts into a wash of color while your subject pops with 3D-like isolation.

For years, the Samyang (Rokinon) AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II has been the default answer for those of us who couldn’t justify dropping $1,700 on a Sony G Master. But recently, a new challenger entered the ring: the Meike 85mm f/1.4 STM.

I’ve spent the last week diving deep into specs, raw files, and forum debates to pit these two budget “bokeh monsters” against each other. If you are sitting with your finger hovering over the “Buy” button, read this first.

Meike vs Samyang 85mm: Specs & Price Breakdown

1. Build & Handling

The first thing you notice when you pick these up is the weight difference.

The Samyang II is shockingly light. At 509g, it feels almost hollow compared to other f/1.4 lenses. If you shoot on a smaller body like an A7C or A7IV, it balances perfectly. You can carry this all day at a wedding and not need a chiropractor.

The Meike, on the other hand, is a brick. At nearly 740g, it feels dense and “premium” in a retro way. It reminds me of the old Sigma Art lenses—big glass, heavy metal. It feels substantial, but it makes your camera front-heavy.

The Control Factor:

I have to give a point to Meike here for the physical aperture ring. It clicks satisfyingly (though video shooters might hate that it doesn’t de-click). There is a tactile joy to twisting the ring to f/1.4 that the Samyang (which uses a custom switch to turn the focus ring into an aperture ring) just doesn’t replicate.

2. Image Quality

Here is where the personality differences really shine.

The Meike Look:

The Meike isn’t trying to be a G Master clone; it’s trying to be an artist.

• Sharpness: Wide open at f/1.4, the center is sharp, but the corners are soft. For portraits? I actually love this. It forces focus on the eyes and naturally softens the distracting elements at the edges.
• Bokeh: With 12 aperture blades (vs Samyang’s 9), the bokeh is ludicrously creamy. It has a slight “swirl” to it that reminds me of vintage Helios or Nikon AF-D lenses. It’s dreamy.
• Color: Beware—the Meike tends to cast a slight yellow/warm tint. It’s easily fixed in post, but your raw files will look warmer than your native Sony lenses.

The Samyang Look:

The Samyang is the “Modern Professional.”

• Sharpness: It is sharper across the frame. If you place your subject in the extreme corner at f/1.4, the Samyang will resolve more detail than the Meike.
• Contrast: It has better micro-contrast and punch straight out of the camera.
• Cleanliness: It lacks the “swirl” of the Meike. It’s a cleaner, more clinical background blur.

3. The Dealbreaker: Autofocus

This is usually where third-party lenses die, and it is the biggest differentiator here.

• Samyang: The “Mark II” version of this lens has excellent autofocus. It’s snappy, sticky, and works almost as well as a native Sony lens for Eye-AF. You could shoot toddlers running or a bride walking down the aisle with confidence.
• Meike: The AF is… leisurely. It’s accurate, but it takes a split second to hunt and lock. For a model posing? Totally fine. For a dog running toward you? You’re going to miss shots. It also struggles more in low light compared to the Samyang.

4. The “Hidden” Flaw: Flare

If you love shooting backlit “golden hour” portraits, pay attention.

The Meike flares hard. Point it at the sun and you’ll get a wash of low contrast and artifacts. Some people call this “vintage character”; I call it a headache. The Samyang handles backlighting much better, retaining contrast even when the sun is in the frame.

The Verdict: Which One is For You?

This isn’t just about saving $200. It’s about what kind of photographer you are.

Buy the Meike 85mm f/1.4 STM if:

• You are a “Slow Photography” shooter (portraits, fine art, still subjects).
• You crave “character,” “swirly bokeh,” and a vintage rendering.
• You love the tactile feel of a heavy lens and a physical aperture ring.
• Budget is your #1 priority.

Buy the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 II if:

• You are a working pro (weddings, events) who needs reliable AF.
• Weight matters to you (travel, hiking, long shoot days).
• You need weather sealing (outdoor shoots).
• You prefer a clean, modern, sharp look over “vintage vibes.”

My Take?

If I’m being paid to shoot a wedding, I’m taking the Samyang. The reliability and weight savings are worth the extra cash. But if I’m going out for a personal photo walk to make some moody art? That Meike has a soul that is hard to ignore.