Meike Launches Lightweight Air AF 56mm F/1.7 Portrait Lens for Sony APS-C

Darryl Lara Administrator

Darryl Lara is a portrait and concert photographer based in the Philippines. Since 2010, he has captured performances of some of the biggest local and international artists and built a strong presence in the concert scene. In 2022, he shifted to full-time writing and editing, where he now covers photography, technology, and gaming with the same passion for storytelling that defines his photography.

View all articles

By Darryl Lara

• 

Last updated 05/10/2026

Meike has officially announced the new Air AF 56mm F/1.7 for Sony E mount APS-C cameras. The compact portrait prime was first shown at CP+ 2026 and is designed to be lightweight, affordable, and easy to carry around.

It’s also the first officially released lens in Meike’s new Air series, which will eventually include upcoming 25mm and 35mm F/1.7 primes. This new lens is a direct competitor of the Viltrox AF 56mm F/1.7 prime. 

A Lightweight Portrait Lens for Everyday Use

The Air AF 56mm F/1.7 weighs just 190g and measures only 66.5mm long, making it one of the lightest portrait lenses in its category. It’s clearly aimed at photographers who want a compact setup without sacrificing image quality.

Mounted on an APS-C camera, the lens gives an equivalent focal length of around 84mm. That makes it a great fit for portraits, street photography, and tighter everyday shots.

Fast Aperture With Smooth Bokeh

The lens features a bright F/1.7 maximum aperture, which should help a lot in low-light situations. It also gives photographers better subject separation and softer backgrounds for portraits.

Meike says the 9-bladed aperture produces smooth and creamy bokeh, while the optical design is optimized for natural-looking colors and clean rendering.

Optical Design and Autofocus

Inside, the lens uses an 11-element, 7-group optical construction. According to Meike, the design helps reduce flare and chromatic aberrations while maintaining edge-to-edge sharpness.

Autofocus is powered by a stepping motor designed for fast and quiet operation. The company also claims the lens has very little focus breathing, making it more suitable for video work.

Built for Both Photo and Video

The Air AF 56mm F/1.7 supports eye and face detection with compatible cameras, helping keep portraits sharp and in focus. It can focus as close as 0.55m for tighter compositions and detail shots.

The lens uses a standard 52mm filter thread and will be available in both black and white finishes.

Pricing and Availability

The Meike Air AF 56mm F/1.7 for Sony E mount is now available through the Meike online store and major retailers.

Meike also confirmed that Nikon Z and Fujifilm X mount versions are currently in development and will arrive later on.