Meike

Meike 972433 85mm f1.8 EF Mount Auto Focus Lens

4.2 (733 reviews)
F/1.8F/22

An affordable 85mm f/1.8 autofocus portrait lens for Canon EF mount with firmware-upgradeable USB port.

$169.98*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a full-frame autofocus telephoto lens designed for Canon EOS EF-mount cameras, positioning itself as a budget-friendly alternative to Canon's own 85mm options. With a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture and an optical formula of 9 elements in 6 groups, it produces the shallow depth of field and smooth background blur that portrait photographers seek. The lens covers a diagonal angle of view of 28.5 degrees on full-frame bodies and works equally well on APS-C sensors, where it yields an effective 136mm focal length suited to tighter headshots.

One of the more distinctive features at this price point is the built-in USB port, which allows users to connect the lens to a computer for firmware updates — a practical advantage as Meike can push compatibility fixes for newer camera bodies. The lens carries full electronic contacts for communication with Canon bodies, enabling aperture control from the camera, EXIF data recording, and autofocus, though the AF motor is slower and more audible than Canon's USM system. At 420 grams with a 67mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 0.85m, it is a compact and lightweight optic that suits photographers looking to add a portrait prime to their kit without a major investment.

Key Features

Filter size is 67mm, minimum focus distance with 0.85m

Lens aperture range is F/1.8-F/22, lens construction with 6 groups of 9 pieces

Full frame view: level: 16 degree / vertical: 24 degrees / diagonal: 28.5 degrees

Lens carrying the usual electronic contacts, but also a USB connection that can be used to upgrade the lens firmware

Suitable for a wide range of other subjects, including selective architecture, landscapes, portrait, short range sports and theatre photography

Specifications

Brand
Meike
Model
972433
Mount
Canon EOS EF
Focal Length
85mm
Maximum Aperture
f/1.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Construction
9 elements in 6 groups
Angle of View (Diagonal)
28.5°
Minimum Focus Distance
0.85m
Filter Size
67mm
Focus
Autofocus (AF) / Manual Focus (MF)
Weight
420g
Special Feature
USB port for firmware updates

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Wide f/1.8 aperture produces smooth, creamy bokeh ideal for portrait photography.
  • Significantly more affordable than Canon's own 85mm f/1.8 while delivering usable image quality.
  • USB port for firmware updates allows Meike to improve compatibility and performance over time.
  • Lightweight 420g body is easy to carry and balances well on smaller Canon bodies.
  • Full electronic communication with the camera body enables EXIF data recording and aperture control.

👎 Cons

  • Autofocus motor is noticeably slower and louder than Canon's native USM lenses.
  • Autofocus accuracy can be inconsistent, particularly in low-light conditions.
  • Lens construction with 6 groups and 9 elements may show some chromatic aberration wide open.
  • No image stabilization, so handheld shooting in dim light requires careful technique at 85mm.
  • Build quality is largely plastic, which feels less robust than metal-barreled alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Meike 85mm f/1.8 features electronic contacts for autofocus on Canon EOS EF-mount bodies, though the AF motor is noted to be slower and noisier than Canon's native lenses.
Yes. The lens includes a USB port that allows you to connect it to a computer for firmware upgrades, which is uncommon at this price point.
Yes. On full-frame bodies it provides an 85mm field of view; on APS-C bodies the effective focal length is approximately 136mm.
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 uses a 67mm filter thread.
The minimum focus distance is 0.85 meters (approximately 2.8 feet).