Meike cine lenses were born out the Veydra brand from co-founder Ryan Avery. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Veydra was poised to become a brand filmmakers could look to for inexpensive glass. But after a break-in, and a series of lawsuits, the brand closed its doors in 2019. About the same time, Meike started offering cine lenses with very similar optics to Veydra. Some claimed it was the very same glass but with different housing.
Avery recently released a video, explaining the concept behind the Meike cine lenses. The selling points are very similar to Veydra. Inexpensive optics with cine-friendly features. The Meike cine lineup includes a 12, 16, 25, 35, 50mm T2.2 with a common 77mm filter thread and 80mm front diameter. Optically, performance should be similar to Veydra, if not better, since the facility manufacturing the lenses is better off. Each focal length is priced around $399. The manual lenses are available in Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, and Fuji X mounts.
Additionally, via social media, Meike teased a 50mm T2.1 FF-Prime cine lens that's aimed toward full-frame cameras. The 50mm T2.1 is expected to offer 6K and 8K resolutions covering large image circles up to 45mm.
The lens will have an 11 blade iris design, feature a 23.2 inch (60 cm) minimum focusing distance, and a front diameter of 85mm. Industry standard 0.8mm pitch gear for both aperture and focus are also on the barrel. The focus throw is quite large at 330°. For comparison, a Cooke S7i has a 270° throw, so expect some smooth focusing with the Meike lens. The 50mm T2.1 will be available in PL, EF, RF, E, L, and Z mounts, but the mount won't be interchangeable. At least at the start. Expect other focal lengths to be released int he FF-Prime series to have similar specs.
The 50mm T2.1 FF-Prime is available for pre-order for around $950 with an expected arrival around September.
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