Meike MK-1020CFMF-RF 10mm

A dirt-cheap, all-manual ultra-wide prime that punches way above its price tag. Buy it for the dramatic 10mm perspective, but leave your autofocus expectations at the door.

What surprised us most is how decent the optical quality is for the price. With 15 elements in 12 groups, it's not some flimsy toy. It sits in the 66th percentile for optics in our database, which is well above average for a lens in this budget tier. Sharpness in the center is genuinely good, though the corners get a bit soft and vignette-heavy wide open at f/2. Stop it down to f/5.6 or f/8 and it cleans up nicely for landscapes. The 10-blade diaphragm helps keep sunstars looking crisp, which is a nice touch you don't always get at this price.

The obvious alternative is a standard zoom like the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 or the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8. Those give you autofocus, stabilization, and a versatile range, but they can't touch the Meike's dramatic 10mm perspective. The Sigma is sharper and more practical for everyday shooting, but it's also pricier and less wide. If you need the widest possible view for real estate, astro, or dramatic landscapes, the Meike is in a different league. The Nikon Z 24-200mm is a superzoom and not even playing the same game, so ignore that comparison entirely.

This is a no-brainer if you want to experiment with an ultra-wide angle without draining your bank account. The price spread across vendors is wild, ranging from $297 to $415, so shop around. The best deal we're seeing puts it under $300, and at that price, the value is frankly absurd. You're getting a fast, wide prime with a metal build for less than a decent dinner out with the family.

The Meike 10mm f/2 is a budget-friendly ticket to ultra-wide photography on APS-C cameras, but you need to know what you're signing up for. It's a fully manual lens, which means no autofocus and no electronic communication with your camera body. If you're cool with that, you get a solid metal build, a bright f/2 aperture, and a crazy-wide 107-degree field of view for a fraction of what first-party glass costs. Just don't expect it to hold your hand.

If you're looking for a quick, point-and-shoot wide angle for chasing kids or pets, this isn't it. The lack of autofocus will drive you nuts. Go grab the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 instead. It's pricier but gives you fast, silent AF and a similarly bright aperture for everyday life.

The Meike 10mm f/2 is a specialized tool that delivers exactly what it promises: an ultra-wide, fast prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras at a killer price. You have to be willing to slow down and focus manually, and you'll need to fix some vignetting in post. But if you're a landscape shooter, an astrophotography hobbyist, or just someone who loves an extreme perspective, this lens is an easy recommendation. It's not your only lens, but it's a fantastic second or third one.