In this review, we will compare the Meike 25mm f/1.8 and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4GM, two The Meike 25mm f1.8 was introduced to the market on May 10, 2018, while the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4GM was launched on February 22, 2023. Let’s explore whether this age difference between the two cameras makes a significant impact.
That’s just a brief overview of some of the main differences between the Meike 25mm f/1.8 and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4GM. You can dig into the more granular differences in the chart below, where we’ve rounded up all the relevant specs.
| Features | Meike 25mm f/1.8 | Sony FE 50mm f/1.4GM |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | 37.5mm | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 50mm | 50 mm |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture | ||
| Maximum aperture | F1.8 | F1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 | F16 |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 | 11 |
| Aperture notes | Rounded aperture blades | Rounded aperture blades |
| Optics | ||
| Elements | 7 | 14 |
| Groups | 5 | 11 |
| Focus | ||
| Minimum focus | 0.18m | 0.38 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.135x | 0.18× |
| Autofocus | No (Manual focus) | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor | Linear Motor |
| Focus method | / | Internal |
| Distance scale | No | No |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 190 g | 516 g (1.14 lb) |
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 6.1 x 4.06 cm | 3.2 x 3.8″ / 80.6 x 96 mm |
Reasons to choose Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM over Meike 25mm f/1.8
| Features | Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM vs Meike 25mm f/1.8 | Note |
| Maximum aperture | F1.4 vs F1.8 | Cleaner and less noisy images |
| Autofocus | Yes vs No | Fast, quiet and precise auto-focusing |
| Elements and groups | 14 elements in 11 groups vs 7 elements in 5 groups | Better correction of optical aberrations |
| Motor type | Linear Motor vs Stepper motor | Quick acceleration and deceleration |
| Maximum magnification | 0.18× 0.135x | Detailed close-up shots of small objects or subjects. |
| Sunstars | Excellent vs Faire | More beautiful sunstars |
Wide aperture 50mm prime lenses have been popular among photographers and this lens is suitable for many photographs, such as street photography, portrait photography, etc. Sony, as one of the reputable lens brands, could also release the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM, which could offer excellent experience and image quality as a game changer. In comparison, the Sony FE 50mm F1.4GM comes with Dual XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, which offers high-performing AF and provides quick and precise autofocus performance. In terms of max aperture, the f1.4 made by Sony could allow more light to reach the sensor than the f1.8 from the Meike, resulting in a blurred background. But the Sony FE 50mm F1.4GM doesn’t come with image stabilization. When using a narrow aperture, an 11-blade diaphragm count will generate 22-point sunstars (diffraction spikes) from point light sources.
Reasons to choose Meike 25mm f/1.8 over Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
| Features | Meike 25mm f/1.8 vs Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM | Note |
| Motor type | Stepper motor vs Linear Motor | Accurate and precise positioning control |
| Price | $74.99 vs $1,298.00 | Affordable price |
| Weight | 190 g vs 516 g | More lightweight |
The Meike 25mm f/1.8 lens stands out as an excellent choice due to its affordable price point and lightweight design. As a manual lens, the Meike is lightweight and compact when you hold the lens with your hand. Additionally, the Meike 25mm f/1.8 costs $74.99. If you are an amateur photographer or want to buy a camera lens for fun, the Meik 25mm f/1.8 is your best choice.
Related Post
Meike 25mm f1.8 (APS-C) Lens Review
What type of photography are the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM and Meike 25mm f/1.8 good for?
| Photography Type | Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM | Meike 25mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | Excellent | Excellent |
| Travel | Good | Good |
| Street | Very Good | Very Good |
| Wedding | Excellent | Excellent |
| Vlogging | Good | Good |
| Landscape | Good | Good |
| Macro | Poor | Poor |
Portrait and Wedding
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Pros
Incredible portrait lens, great general-purpose utility
Ultra-wide aperture
Excellent image quality
Fast and quiet Quad XD Linear AF
AF hold buttons
Cons
Strong color blur at wide apertures
Strong focus breathing
Meike 25mm f/1.8
Pros
Great portrait lens, great general-purpose utility
Ultra-wide aperture
Great image quality
Cons
The centre markings are not quite in the centre
Manual Focus
Both camera lenses are great for portrait photography as they come with f1.4 and f1.8 respectively. This wide aperture could create excellent and beautiful blurred backgrounds and offer excellent performance in low-light conditions. The Meike 25mm f/1.8 lens relies on manual focus, whereas the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens provides autofocus capabilities. The latter empowers photographers to swiftly and accurately adjust settings, ensuring efficient focus adjustments, especially when working under time constraints to capture exceptional portraits. When using the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens at wide apertures, it is important to note the potential presence of strong colour blur or fringing. To mitigate these effects, adjustments and enhancements may be required during the post-processing stage.
Street Photography
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Pros
Ultra-wide aperture
Lightweight
Two XD linear motors
Great image quality
Silent focusing
Cons
Strong color blur at wide apertures
Meike 25mm f/1.8
Pros
Great general-purpose utility
Ultra-wide aperture
Compact and lightweight
Cons
The centre markings are not quite in the centre
We know that the 35mm and 50mm lenses are the best choices for street photography, which allow photographers to take photos without being too close and too intrusive. Focal length is the first consideration for a photographer’s lens selection. With the prime lens, you have one angle of view and you need to buy a wide aperture that could create an excellent blurred background. The Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM and Meike 25mm f/1.8 feature f1.4 and f1.8 wide aperture, enabling you to take great images in low-light conditions. In contrast, the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM does a great job in the autofocus, which features precise, accurate and silent. This feature helps photographers to take decisive moments and record videos quickly and quietly. But If you are a fan of manual focus, the Meike 25mm f/1.8 could meet your needs.
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Buy Now
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Meike 25mm f/1.8
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Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
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