§ 03 Head to head

Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II vs Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM

Meike 85mm f/1.8 is 40 g lighter. Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8 is 32 mm shorter.

The Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II is an 85mm f/1.8 prime, and the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM is an 85mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II better than the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM?

  • 40 g lighter (369 g vs 409 g)
  • Focuses 15 cm closer (0.65 m vs 0.8 m)
  • More aperture blades (11 vs 7)
  • $198 cheaper ($199.99 list price vs $398 launch price)
  • Newer design (2025 vs 2022)

Why is the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM better than the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II?

  • 32 mm shorter (68 mm vs 100.2 mm long)
  • Smaller filter thread (58 mm vs 62 mm)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II has the edge: it is 40 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

16 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationMeike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE IIYongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM
Focal length85mm 85mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8 f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16 f/16
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatFull frame Full frame
Weight369 g ◆409 g
Dimensions100.2 x 76 mm 89 x 68 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.65 m ◆0.80 m
Image stabilizationNo No
Aperture ring—No
Aperture blades11 ◆7
Optical construction11 elements / 7 groups 9 elements / 8 groups
Filter size62 mm 58 mm ◆
Lens mountSony E, Nikon Z, L-Mount Nikon Z
Released2025 2022
Price$199.99 list price ◆$398 launch price
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Meike
  • B · Yongnuo
  • 100.2 × 76 mm
  • 68 × 89 mm

The Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II is 32 mm longer and 40 g lighter than the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II

07-04-2026_gc_dub_XPR30824
07-04-2026_gc_dub_XPR30824 by gryphon1911
DSC_5825
DSC_5825 by robj_1971
DSC_5780
DSC_5780 by robj_1971
Panos from a recent road trip
Panos from a recent road trip by Rameyjamey
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II review 1
Video thumbnail for Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II review 2
Video thumbnail for Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM review 1
Video thumbnail for Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II or the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM?
The Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II weighs 369 g, 40 g less than the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM (409 g).
Which focuses closer, the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II or the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM?
The Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II focuses down to 0.65 m, against 0.8 m for the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM.
Do the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II and the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II or the Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II has the edge: it is 40 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons