Meike Prime 35mm T2.1 S35 Cine Lens Review: Budget-Friendly Super 35 Magic
Meike’s Prime 35mm T2.1 S35 is a cinema‑grade lens designed for Super 35 and APS‑C cameras, offering filmmakers a fast T2.1 aperture, robust metal build, and precise manual control—without the premium price tag. In this review, we’ll cover its optical performance, handling, use cases, and how it stacks up against rivals, so you can decide if it’s the right cine‑glass for your projects.
Table Of Content
Quick Verdict – ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Pros:
- Bright T2.1 aperture for low‑light shoots and shallow depth of field
- Sharp, contrasty images across the frame, minimal chromatic aberration
- Smooth 270° focus throw with 0.8 MOD gearing for follow‑focus rigs
- 11‑blade iris delivers pleasing near‑circular bokeh and smooth highlights
- All‑metal construction with knurled focus and aperture rings for durability
Cons:
- Manual focus only: No AF or electronic iris communication
- Weighty at ~940 g: Adds bulk to compact rigs
- No image stabilization: Demands solid support for handheld work
Key Features & Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Mounts Available | Canon EF, PL |
Focal Length | 35 mm |
Aperture Range | T2.1–T22 |
Optical Design | 12 elements in 10 groups |
Iris Blades | 11 |
Image Circle | 33.6 mm (covers Super 35/APS‑C) |
Minimum Focus Distance | 48 cm |
Focus Throw | 270° |
Gear Pitch | 0.8 MOD |
Filter Thread | 77 mm |
Dimensions (Ø×L) | 80 × 106.5 mm (EF); 85.5 × 98.5 mm (PL) |
Weight | 940 g (EF); 972 g (PL) |
Price | US $629 (EF or PL) |
Real‑World Use Cases & Benefits
- Indie Film & Documentary: The fast T2.1 iris excels in dim interiors and nighttime exteriors, letting you capture natural light without ultra‑high ISOs.
- Narrative Cinematography: Smooth focus rotation and robust gear teeth make it ideal for follow‑focus kits, enabling precise rack‑focus pulls.
- Music Videos & Commercials: Creamy bokeh and starburst at T22 give creative flair to product shots and performance scenes.
- Run‑and‑Gun Productions: Though manual, its solid build and clear focus markings help on‑the‑fly adjustments for event videography.
- Hybrid Stills & Video Shooters: Manual aperture ring allows still photographers to balance exposure without menu diving.
User Testimonials & Social Proof
“For under $650, the Meike 35 T2.1 looks and feels like glass twice its price. Color rendition and bokeh are gorgeous.”
— Emily R., indie DP
“I mounted it on my BMPCC 6K—sharp from edge to edge, and the heavy focus ring feels premium.”
— Carlos M., content creator
On B&H, it holds a 4.5/5 average across user reviews, with praise for its image quality and value.
Expert Insights / Industry Commentary
- Newsshooter observed “minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, making the lens reliable for narrative work.”
- Cinema5D notes “the T2.1 brightness is superb, enabling cinematic scope even under practical lighting.”
- Gearstats Forum members commend the Meike’s “dual scale with fluorescent lettering” for low‑light focusing accuracy.
Comparison with Top Alternatives
Feature | Meike 35 T2.1 S35 | Sigma 35 mm T1.5 ART | Rokinon Xeen 35 mm T1.5 |
---|---|---|---|
Max Aperture | T2.1 | T1.5 | T1.5 |
Iris Blades | 11 | 9 | 10 |
Optical Design | 12 el / 10 grp | 13 el / 11 grp | 11 el / 9 grp |
Focus Throw | 270° | 180° | 300° |
Weight | 940 g | 665 g | 1,068 g |
Price | US $629 | US $1,099 | US $1,200 |
Mounts | EF, PL | EF, E, L, M4/3 | PL, EF, E, RF |
While Sigma and Rokinon offer marginally faster T1.5 apertures and brand prestige, Meike undercuts on price—ideal for budget‑conscious creatives.
Pricing & Value Analysis
- List Price: US $649; Street Price: ~US $629
- Bundles: Lens + focus gear + front/rear caps included
- Warranty: 1‑year limited; optional extended service available
- Availability: Ships globally; 2‑3 week lead time
For under $650, you gain professional cine features—11‑blade iris, full‑metal build, consistent gearing—values often only seen in lenses twice the cost.
Who Should—and Shouldn’t—Buy
Ideal for:
- Indie filmmakers requiring fast primes on a budget
- DP students and emerging cinematographers
- Hybrid shooters on APS‑C/Super 35 rigs
- Anyone valuing manual precision over autofocus
Not ideal for:
- Run‑and‑gun solo operators needing AF or stabilization
- Ultra‑light EDC cinematographers sensitive to weight
- Cinematographers demanding T1.5‑class low‑light performance
FAQs
Q: Does this lens cover full‑frame sensors?
A: No—it’s designed for Super 35/APS‑C with a 33.6 mm image circle. Full‑frame use will vignette significantly.
Q: Can I mount this on Sony E or RF?
A: Native mounts are EF and PL. Third‑party adapters (Metabones, Viltrox) may add functionality but can degrade infinity focus accuracy.
Q: How smooth is the aperture ring?
A: The 0.8 MOD gear and textured ring deliver a firm, consistent click‑less adjustment—perfect for on‑set iris pulls.
Q: Is there any focus breathing?
A: Minimal—Meike’s design controls internal movement to reduce breathing, keeping framing stable during focus shifts.
Final Verdict & Next Steps
Meike’s Prime 35mm T2.1 S35 cine lens punches above its price point, delivering sharp optics, cinematic bokeh, and professional handling to Super 35 filmmakers. While manual-only and slightly heavy, its value makes it a standout for indie sets and educational projects.