Lens Review: Meike 35mm T2.1 Full Frame Prime

Taking a look at the basic characteristics of Meike's 35mm full frame prime cine lens.

[@YourStoryStudios]

Very helpful! Thanks for doing the review. I’m interested in using this lens on my FX6 to get a different kind of look to the Sony lenses.

[@rayt_visual]

Hey there, thank you for doing your review. I actually ordered myself the set 35/50/85 and look forward to receiving and showcasing my tests. With other reviews, I was convinced for this lens vs the other budget Cine Options for an Owner/Operator when I can't rent higher end glass. I feel both flare and bokeh are creative subjective. But again, thank you for your time to review the lens. Even seeing your tests, I am happy and looking forward to my investment.

[@cinemak1759]

Meike adds a real viable option for full frame cine primes, especially at this price point. Optically this lens performed very well, definitely better than the other "affordable" primes. I haven't put a Zeiss Milvus or Classic ZE to the same tests- curious how they would do too.

[@rayt_visual]

@@cinemak1759 yea I was actually going to work a project a rent the ZeissCP3s, since many commercial DPs consider that glass and the Sigma Primes as their budget options. Maybe borrow a 35 or 50mm version of those to test on a project. :)

[@nedomarjanovic7226]

@@cinemak1759 im in between the Meike 35mm and the Zeiss Classic 35mm f2 distagon for Nikon. The Zeiss is half the weight but I have no info about focus-breathing and CA. The Zeiss 28mm f2 classic suffers from a lot of CA.

[@ozzmanzz]

Thanks for posting this. Is there any downside in using a full frame lens on a s35 camera? If not, other than the price, why would you buy a s35 lens instead of the full frame option?

[@frasertomsfilm]

because it's cheaper and if you're only shooting on your own S35, then why not?

[@X50505]

@@frasertomsfilm Lenses last a life time if cared for, full frame is handy if you ever want to go up to a ff camera later.

[@frasertomsfilm]

@@X50505 I understand and partially agree, but it depends on your work coming in... I get a lot of clients where I'm renting everything and some using my kit. My kit is something for me that has to be cost effective since I might be renting ARRI, RED etc, I like to have great performing gear but save money. So in my case owning a S35 cine lens is ideal. FF won't matter for me for at least 5-6 years and even if it does I'm ok given the investment. Friday for example a client paid me to DP with a RED komodo (s35) and I could have used my own lenses but they opted for leica's (rental) ... all I'm saying is s35 lenses work for my own gear and potentially client rentals as well (komodo, alexa, alexa mini, amira, some flavours of sony etc) ... I find there isn't a big selection of full frame cine's anyway - especially in the owner-operator space.

[@X50505]

@@frasertomsfilm That's a fair point, I know I won't be using a full frame probably any time soon either. Will be interesting to see what happens if we start to see a more full frame sensors coming out on cine cameras or if they'll stick with S35.

[@salvamando1]

Very useful information and thanks for doing these tests!

[@victorfilm_]

Excellent review! Thank you for sharing.

[@fatheadmediapro]

Thanks for this review. I noticed below you mentioned you were thinking of getting the Zeiss classic 35. I actually own the 28/50/100 and I love them but they can be a pain to use and they suffer from bad CA and focus breathing. Not to mention they telescope out when you throw the focus. It gets annoying but they do have a fantastic image. Anyway I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a set of these Meikes. Do you still have it? Long term thoughts? Thanks.

[@CP-CINEMA]

What do you think about the Meike vs the DZO Vespid Primes in terms of image quality?

[@CP-CINEMA]

What do you think about these lenses vs the DZO Vespid Primes?

[@cinemak1759]

From what I remember the DZO Vespids' build quality was better. Optically similar, though the Meike may have had better flare control. Meike has also filled out their lineup nicely since I did that review, so definitely a contender.

[@trayneadjeifilms]

Nice! Looks great, good value. If you get your hands on the Rokinon DSX lenses would love to see a review on those.

[@YoussefHallouly]

Would you recommend it for me? i'm a hobbyist photo/videographer that is looking for a better "cinematic" look in my videos, im debating between this one and the Sirui 35mm anamorphic lens. Thanks

[@cinemak1759]

Two totally different lenses! The Sirui may be more fun to play with where the Meike is definitely more "functional." You can try renting both first and then decide.

[@YoussefHallouly]

​@@cinemak1759 Good idea! thanks for the quick reply!

[@YoussefHallouly]

@@cinemak1759 Hey another question have you tried the IRIX Cine lens compared to this one ?

[@cinemak1759]

@@YoussefHallouly I haven't used those lenses, can't comment on them.

[@YoussefHallouly]

@@cinemak1759 Ok thanks!

[@muratmertozatag2342]

Thank you for these informations. I am also looking review for meike t2.1 s35 35 mm. Are you planing to take this?

[@nestorpool]

I like the noise part, very important. thanks.

[@xmiguelx]

Any updates on the noise? I saw someone mentioned that the noise went away with some time and usage of that focus throw.

[@nestorpool]

@@xmiguelx IDK I want to buy this kit but I haven’t get them yet

[@eskeetit9247]

Hey ! Thanks for your review, pretty useful ! Which lens would you recommend between this one and the DZOFilm vespid ?

[@cinemak1759]

It's a toss up between the Meike and DZOFilm. Breathing and distortion are about the same. The Meike has better flare control, but the bokeh is a little smoother on the DZO. The Meike is a little sharper edge of frame, the DZO felt slightly smoother with focus throw. Meike is $250-300 cheaper, BUT B&H only lists two focal lengths for sale. Meike's web site says 85mm is in stock, with the remainder of the set to be released later in 2021. DZOfilm full sets are available now. So up to personal tastes, budget and when you need a full set.

[@xmiguelx]

@@cinemak1759 thanks for this info. I’ve been looking everywhere for a direct comparison between these two full frame cine lenses (MEIKE va DZOFilm VESPID). Great video as always. Keep up the great work!

[@skudcode1739]

is there any test footage about Using Meike 35mm FF cine lens on GH5. How good is this combo? Can you please throw some insight.... Thanks

[@karlkimdp]

I haven't seen any. It should work well with the GH5 with the right mount adapters. But the M43 Meike lenses would be a more affordable option.

[@stuffa01]

Nice review, Thanks, would have been nice to see how the lens renders a face/ skin tones. when choosing a Cine Lens for Narrative work. thats often the most important attribute of a Cine lens...very informative video though. thanks...

[@cinemak1759]

Yeah, I didn't get vaccinated against COVID til afterwards, so no models/subjects. For me the skintone rendition is most important, as I'm always shooting people not products and landscapes.

[@rowangallagher]

Nice review.

[@maaxrenn]

thank you

[@perthlongboardingsociety321]

Super useful insights! Thanks for putting this up