Meike has officially expanded its consumer-focused autofocus lineup with the new AF 56mm f1.7 Air lens. Designed for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, this prime lens delivers a full-frame equivalent field of view of roughly 85mm.
Meike 56mm f1.7 Air for E, Z and X Mounts
Built specifically for hybrid shooters and creators on a budget, this lens is entering a highly competitive space. Meike is leaning heavily into portability with its Air series, creating a lens that balances a bright aperture with a footprint small enough for everyday travel and gimbal use.
Meike 56mm f1.7 Air also available in White finish
Key Features
- Optical Design: 11 elements arranged in 7 groups
- Aperture: f/1.7 maximum to f/16 minimum with a 9-blade diaphragm
- Autofocus: STM stepping motor supporting eye-AF and subject tracking
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.55 meters (21.65 inches)
- Filter Size: 52mm front thread
- Weight: 190 grams (6.7 oz)
Meike vs. Viltrox 56mm f/1.7: Are They Related?
Because both lenses share the same focal length, the same f/1.7 aperture, and even the Air branding in some regions, it is natural to wonder if the Meike is simply a rebranded Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7 E.
Viltrox AF 56mm f1.7
Despite their striking similarities in target audience and marketing, they are not the exact same lens. A close look at their internal specifications reveals distinct engineering choices:
- Optical Formula: The Meike utilizes 11 elements in 7 groups, whereas the Viltrox uses 11 elements in 9 groups (which includes 4 ED and 3 High Refractive Index elements).
- Weight and Dimensions: The Meike weighs in at 190 grams and measures 66.5 by 59.2 mm. The Viltrox is slightly lighter and smaller at 170 grams, measuring 65 by 54.7 mm.
Rather than being the same rebranded product from a single factory, these are direct competitors in the sub-$200 portrait lens category. Both Chinese manufacturers are aggressively targeting the exact same demographic of budget-conscious creators, resulting in two distinct lenses that happen to look incredibly similar on paper.
Price and Availability
The Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air lens is currently available for preorder and purchase at major retailers like B&H Photo and directly through the Meike store. It is priced very aggressively at $159.00 USD. The lens is available in both black and white finishes, with the Sony E and Nikon Z mounts already rolling out to the market and the Fujifilm X mount closely following.
