At CP+ 2026, Meike unveiled its new “Air” lens range, designed for APS-C mirorrless cameras (Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z). Those are 3 fixed focal lengths: 25 mm, 35 mm, and 56 mm f/1.7. However, the choice of name, focal lengths, aperture value, and design of these lenses are strangely reminiscent of certain Viltrox lenses…
Meike Air: a future line of ultra-lightweight lenses
These three Meike Air lenses are designed to be compact, with a weight that could be around 170 g. According to information gathered at the Meike booth at CP+, they will retail for around $160 (35 and 56 mm) or $170 (25 mm). They are expected to be available in May 2026.
The technical specifications of these lenses are unknown. They have an aperture of f/1.7, which allows for small-diameter lenses while providing sufficient brightness. They will be equipped with STM motorization for accurate and fast autofocus in both photos and videos.
Like a Viltrox?
These three Meike lenses seem promising… but they are reminiscent of certain Viltrox lenses. The competing brand already offers an “AF Air” range, some of whose lenses have identical characteristics: the same focal lengths (25 and 56 mm) and the same aperture (f/1.7). Beyond the name, the design—very compact and without an aperture ring—seems almost identical. For Meike, the choice of the suffix “Air” is quite surprising, as it risks reminding consumers of its competitor’s lenses.
However, rather than simple similarities, this situation suggests the use of reference designs (ODM, or Original Design Manufacturer). Indeed, it is not uncommon for Chinese factories to produce a technical base, which is purchased by several brands in order to reduce R&D costs.
This hypothesis gains credibility when we remember that several Chinese brands (7Artisans, TTArtisan, Meike, etc.) “unlocked” autofocus on their lenses at the same time, around the first half of 2024.
In any case, if the optical and AF performance of these future Meike lenses lives up to expectations, this proliferation of affordable lenses could be beneficial for photographers.
