Meike 35mm F2.0 E

The Meike 35mm f/2.0 AF is a shockingly good lens for the money. It's sharp, fast to focus in good light, and built well. At USD 160 to USD 200, it's an absolute steal for full-frame shooters.

Sharpness is the headline here. Owners rave about it, and our optical score lands at the 65th percentile, which is well above average for a budget prime. The 11-element design with 2 ED elements keeps things crisp, and the multilayered coatings do a decent job cutting flare. Autofocus is fast and quiet in good light, though it can hunt a bit when things get dark. The f/2.0 aperture isn't the brightest on the market, but it's enough for most everyday shooting. Bokeh is pleasant, if not spectacular, and the 11-blade diaphragm helps keep out-of-focus areas smooth. The minimum focus distance of 450mm is a bit long, so don't expect to get super close to your subject.

Stacked against the competition, the Meike holds its own surprisingly well. The 7Artisans LITE Series AF35mm F1.8 is a direct rival with a slightly faster aperture, but the Meike's autofocus is more reliable and its build quality feels more solid. The Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN is a zoom, so it's more versatile, but it's also more expensive and not full-frame. The Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 is a completely different focal length, so it's not really a fair fight. If you want a cheap, sharp 35mm prime, the Meike is the one to beat.

This is where the Meike really shines. Prices in the US range from USD 160 to USD 200, and if you shop around, you can find it at the lower end of that spread. That's absurdly cheap for a full-frame autofocus prime. Even at the higher end, it's still a fraction of what you'd pay for a native 35mm f/2.0. The best deal we found was on Amazon, where it's listed at the bottom of that range. For the image quality you're getting, this is one of the best values in photography right now.

The Meike 35mm f/2.0 AF is one of those lenses that makes you wonder why you'd ever pay three times more for a first-party option. It's a full-frame prime for Nikon Z, Sony E, and L-mount bodies, and it nails the basics: sharp images, fast autofocus, and a price tag that doesn't make you wince. At 298g, it's light enough to live on your camera all day.

Our database puts its social proof at the 93rd percentile, which means owners are genuinely happy with this thing. The build quality is solid, the optics are above average, and the value proposition is hard to argue with. It's not perfect, but for the money, it's a no-brainer for a lot of shooters.

If you need a lens for wildlife or sports, look elsewhere. The autofocus isn't fast enough for fast-moving subjects, and the 35mm focal length is too wide for most wildlife work. Also, if you shoot a lot in very low light, the f/2.0 aperture and occasional focus hunting might frustrate you. For those scenarios, a faster prime or a zoom with stabilization would be a better fit.

If you're a photographer who wants a sharp, lightweight 35mm prime without spending a fortune, this is your lens. It's perfect for street photography, everyday carry, and even some portrait work. The autofocus quirks in low light are a minor annoyance, not a dealbreaker. For the price, you're getting performance that punches way above its weight class.