Viltrox 85mm Vs 7Artisans Vs Meike 85mm Which Lens Should You Buy?

Choosing the right lens can be tough, especially when you're after that creamy bokeh and flattering compression an 85mm lens offers. But what if you're on a budget? Don't worry, guys! There are some fantastic options out there that won't break the bank. Today, we're diving deep into a three-way battle of budget-friendly 85mm lenses: the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8, the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4, and the Meike 85mm f/1.8. We'll dissect their image quality, build, features, and overall value to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your camera bag.

Viltrox 85mm f/1.8: The Autofocus All-Star

Let's kick things off with the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8. This lens has gained a lot of popularity for good reason. The key selling point here is autofocus. In the world of budget 85mm lenses, autofocus is a rare and precious gem. If you're shooting portraits where your subject might move, or you need that extra speed and accuracy for capturing fleeting moments, autofocus is a game-changer. No more missed shots due to manual focus mishaps! The Viltrox 85mm boasts a fast and reliable autofocus system, making it a fantastic choice for both amateur and semi-pro photographers. Beyond autofocus, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 delivers impressive image quality. Sharpness is excellent, especially in the center of the frame, even wide open at f/1.8. As you stop down, the sharpness becomes even more impressive across the entire image. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and the contrast is pleasing. And, of course, it wouldn't be an 85mm lens without that beautiful bokeh, and the Viltrox doesn't disappoint. The bokeh is smooth and creamy, rendering out-of-focus backgrounds in a dreamy, artistic way. This makes your subject truly pop and adds a professional touch to your portraits. Build quality is another area where the Viltrox shines. It feels solid and well-constructed in hand, with a metal barrel that exudes durability. The focus ring is smooth and precise, allowing for accurate manual focusing when needed. The lens also features a weather-sealed design, offering added protection against dust and moisture, which is a nice bonus for outdoor shoots. However, like any lens, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 isn't perfect. One minor drawback is some slight chromatic aberration (color fringing) in high-contrast areas, particularly at wider apertures. But this is easily corrected in post-processing. Overall, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 is an outstanding lens that offers a compelling combination of autofocus, image quality, and build at a very attractive price point. If autofocus is a priority for you, this lens should be at the top of your list.

7Artisans 85mm f/1.4: The Bokehlicious Beauty

Now, let's shift our focus to the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4. This lens is all about that glorious, ultra-shallow depth of field and bokeh. With its super-fast f/1.4 aperture, the 7Artisans 85mm can create incredibly dreamy backgrounds and isolate your subject with stunning effect. If you're a bokeh addict, this lens is sure to satisfy your cravings. The 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4 is a manual focus lens, which means you'll need to rely on your own skills to nail that perfect focus. This might seem daunting to some, but manual focusing can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to connect with your subject and the creative process on a deeper level. The large aperture of f/1.4 also makes this lens a strong performer in low-light situations. You'll be able to capture beautiful portraits even when the light is fading, opening up a world of creative possibilities. Image quality is where the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4 truly shines, especially when it comes to bokeh. The out-of-focus areas are rendered with a smooth, creamy texture that's simply gorgeous. Sharpness is good in the center, but it does soften a bit towards the edges, especially at f/1.4. Stopping down improves sharpness across the frame. Colors are generally pleasing, but some users have noted a slightly warmer color cast. The build quality of the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4 is impressive for the price. The lens is made of metal and feels solid and robust in hand. The focus ring is smooth and well-dampened, making manual focusing a pleasure. However, keep in mind that this lens is manual focus only, so if you need autofocus, this isn't the right choice for you. One thing to note about the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4 is that it does exhibit some vignetting (darkening of the corners) at wider apertures. This can be easily corrected in post-processing, or you can embrace it as part of the lens's character. Overall, the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4 is a fantastic lens for photographers who prioritize beautiful bokeh and don't mind manual focus. It's a character-rich lens that can produce stunning results in the right hands. If you're looking for that classic 85mm look with incredibly shallow depth of field, the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4 is definitely worth considering.

Meike 85mm f/1.8: The Budget-Friendly Contender

Last but not least, we have the Meike 85mm f/1.8. This lens is the most affordable of the three, making it an attractive option for photographers on a super-tight budget. But does the lower price tag mean a compromise in quality? Let's find out. The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a manual focus lens, just like the 7Artisans. So, you'll need to be comfortable with manual focusing to get the most out of this lens. However, the focus ring is smooth and precise, making manual focusing relatively easy. Image quality is where the Meike 85mm f/1.8 shows its budget-friendly nature. Sharpness is decent in the center, but it's not as impressive as the Viltrox or even the 7Artisans. The edges are noticeably softer, especially at wider apertures. However, for the price, the image quality is still respectable. Bokeh is pleasing, although not as creamy and smooth as the 7Artisans. Colors are generally accurate, but the contrast is a bit lower compared to the other two lenses. The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is constructed from a mix of metal and plastic. While it doesn't feel as premium as the Viltrox or 7Artisans, it still feels reasonably solid. The lens is lightweight, which can be an advantage for some photographers. One of the main drawbacks of the Meike 85mm f/1.8 is its performance in low light. While the f/1.8 aperture helps, the lens doesn't gather as much light as some other f/1.8 lenses. This can make focusing in dim conditions a bit challenging. Chromatic aberration is also more noticeable on the Meike 85mm f/1.8, particularly at wider apertures. This can be corrected in post-processing, but it's something to keep in mind. Overall, the Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a decent lens for the price, but it does have some limitations. If you're on a very tight budget and don't mind manual focus, it's a viable option. But if you can stretch your budget a bit, the Viltrox or 7Artisans offer better image quality and features.

The Verdict: Which 85mm Lens Wins?

So, who emerges victorious in this budget 85mm lens battle? It really depends on your priorities and shooting style. Let's break it down:

• For Autofocus Shooters: The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 is the clear winner. Its fast and accurate autofocus makes it ideal for portraits, events, and any situation where you need to capture fleeting moments. The excellent image quality and solid build are icing on the cake.
• For Bokeh Lovers: The 7Artisans 85mm f/1.4 reigns supreme. Its ultra-fast aperture creates stunningly creamy bokeh that will make your portraits sing. If you don't mind manual focus and prioritize that dreamy look, this lens is a fantastic choice.
• For the Ultra-Budget Conscious: The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a decent option, but it's worth considering saving up a bit more for the Viltrox or 7Artisans if possible. The Meike offers acceptable image quality for the price, but it does have some limitations.

Ultimately, the best 85mm lens for you is the one that best fits your needs and budget. Hopefully, this in-depth comparison has helped you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision. Happy shooting, guys!