where there’s smoke there’s fire

Meike MK 85mm f/2.8 mirrorless 1.5:1 macro lens for Nikon Z-mount review by Bill Hall (additional information on the lens can be found here, for pricing and availability check B&H Photo):

Meike was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Hong Kong, with branches and offices in mainland China. They are manufacturers of professional photographic equipment including battery grips, flashes, extension tubes, waterproof cases, and flash triggers. They are known for innovative products that are high quality and cost-sensitive.

I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to review the Z mount version of their 85mm f/2.8 manual lens. This lens has previously been offered in Sony, Canon, and Nikon F mount. It is unusual in a couple of different ways. First of all, it is a versatile manual 85mm prime with f/stops from f/22 to f/2.8. 85mm is a traditional focal length for a portrait lens. And, indeed, it would make a good one. But in addition to this, it offers a true macro capability. Most macro lenses offer a maximum of a 1:1 magnification ratio, and some only offer a 0.5:1 ratio. But the Meike lens offers up to a 1.5:1 ratio. This is almost unheard of. If you’re not familiar with macro terminology, a ratio of 1.5:1 means that an object that you photograph that is about 1 inch wide and half an inch tall (24mm X 16mm) will completely fill the frame on a Nikon Z 6 or Z 7.

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