CameraReview
Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air
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Meike · 56 mm · f/1.7 · Nikon Z, Fujifilm X mount

Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air

From $159 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandMeike
Announcement dateMay 2026
Released2026
Production started2026
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Ultra-lightweight at 190g, one of the lightest autofocus portrait primes in its class
+Exceptional value at $159–$169 USD with fast f/1.7 aperture and autofocus
+Excellent central sharpness from maximum aperture with smooth, creamy bokeh rendering
+STM stepping motor delivers silent, smooth autofocus ideal for video with minimal focus breathing
+Compact size (66.5mm length) pairs naturally with lightweight APS-C mirrorless bodies
+Eye-tracking and subject detection support on compatible Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm cameras
Worth Knowing
No weather sealing—not protected against dust or splashes, limiting use in adverse conditions
No physical controls (manual aperture ring or AF/MF switch); all functions controlled via camera body
Vignetting and edge softness at f/1.7; improvement only noticeable when stopped down to f/4 or f/8
Plastic construction throughout much of the body to achieve lightweight design; may feel less premium than higher-priced alternatives

General

Brand
Meike
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
May 2026
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2026
Production started
2026
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air is a featherweight APS-C portrait prime delivering exceptional value at $159–$169 for creators prioritizing portability. Its 84mm equivalent focal length, fast f/1.7 aperture, STM autofocus, and 9-blade diaphragm create professional-grade portrait separation and creamy bokeh, though edge softness at maximum aperture and lack of weather sealing are trade-offs for its minimalist 190-gram footprint. With eye-tracking, reduced focus breathing, and available Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm X mounts, it's positioned as a genuine lightweight alternative to heavier native lenses for hybrid shooters and everyday creators.

Optics

Minimum Aperture
f/16
Optical Design
11 elements in 7 groups
Elements
11 elements, including 2 ED lenses and 2 high refraction lenses
Min focal length
56 mm
Max focal length
56 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
56 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Max aperture wide
1.7
Max aperture zoom
1.7
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
9020
Autofocus mode
Yes
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
55 cm01500

Autofocus

Focus Features
Subject detection and eye-tracking support on compatible cameras
Focus Breathing
Minimized

Build

Available Colors
Black and White

Performance

Equivalent Focal Length (APS C)
84mm (full-frame equivalent)
Intended Use
Portrait, street photography, video
Bokeh Quality
Smooth, creamy bokeh from 9-blade aperture
Color Rendering
Natural-looking colors with rich detail
Aberration Control
Reduced chromatic aberration, improved flare control

Pricing

Price
$159-$169 USD
Market Position
Budget-friendly portrait prime

Physical

Lens weight
190 g
Lens length
How long the lens is from front to back.
66.5 mm
Lens diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
66.5 mm
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon Z, Fujifilm X
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
52 mm