Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air
Meike · 56 mm · f/1.7 · Air
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
57
SCORE /100
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 | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe 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. | |
| Brand | Meike |
| Release Year | 2026 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | Air |
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 |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Nikon Z |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  APS-C |
Physical57/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 190 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 66.5 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 66.5 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 52 mm |
Optics87/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 56 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.7 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 27.8° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 16 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 55 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.13x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction23/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 11 |
| Groups | 7 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |