§ 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.
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Key differences
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)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II has the edge: it is 40 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II | Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8Z DF DSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 369 g ◆ | 409 g |
| Dimensions | 100.2 x 76 mm | 89 x 68 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.65 m ◆ | 0.80 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | — | No |
| Aperture blades | 11 ◆ | 7 |
| Optical construction | 11 elements / 7 groups | 9 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 62 mm | 58 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Nikon Z, L-Mount | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2025 | 2022 |
| Price | $199.99 list price ◆ | $398 launch price |
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Size
- 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.
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Sample frames
Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II
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Video reviews
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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.
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